Until last week we didn't have any days off from excursions and I can probably count the number of days we were didn't have anything on one hand. This trip has excelled past everything I thought it would be. The worries I had about where we were going to live, the safety of us in the city, the fact Tobi and I might kill each other due to living in such close quarters, getting lost, not getting along with anyone on the trip were not anything I ever needed to be worried about. The place we live is absolutely wonderful and our hostess is such a mother to us. I have yet to feel unsafe in the city. Tobi and I haven't bickered once and really haven't gotten sick of each other yet. We have got lost, but we've always got home. And I've grown so close to everyone in the group I'm depressed just thinking of leaving them in the airport on Saturday when we arrive back in Newfoundland.
We were blessed with beautiful weather and when it did rain it was gladly welcomed because we were sick of how hot the rest of the time had been. I got a tan that makes me look like I went to Cuba and a fur hat that makes it seem as though I expect Canada to be -40 when I get back.
As for where we've been and what we've been doing, I've seen a number of palaces and museums that would take a blog post each if I were to describe them. The guides were usually terribly boring and we were led through the city on the worst tour I've been on in my life. We solved the problem by getting "lost" and going on a boat tour instead. Besides that one we went on all the tours and I had to say I'm glad I did because I got to see things I wouldn't have had I gone by myself.
The city itself is stunning. Towering apartment buildings that are falling apart litter the maze of streets with palaces springing up all over downtown and anywhere near the canals.Stray dogs wander the streets, pigeons flight into you expecting you to move for them, and babushka's sit at corners with shaky hands out for money or trying to sell flowers. People walk down the street at all hours of the day with a can or bottle of beer, which shouldn't surprise you when it's cheaper than buying water (which you have to do because of the contamination). If you approach someone on the street they'll gladly help you with answering your questions and even offer to take you to where you're looking if it's not too much out of their way. Cars zoom past you, threatening to crush your toes as you cross the street and buses continue to move with their doors open as you attempt to board them.
There's so much I can write and explain, but what would be the fun in telling you all of that. I'd much rather sit down and have tea with you and talk about it in person. There's far too many stories to type and I can't even begin to describe my new friends in writing. I couldn't have asked for a better group to have come. We've saved each others backs more than once and been there for each other. We've seen each other every single day, done things we won't ever do again in our lives and talked about things I've never talked about with other people haha. We've crossed lines, we've hugged, we've fallen asleep on each other's shoulders, we've struggled to understand Russians, we've carried each other home after having too many drinks. As one said, we've become a wolf pack.
I am looking forward to coming home and visiting. I hope this will suffice until next time.
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