Last two weeks! – 12/09
Well, my time in Russia is finally coming to an end. I am leaving in less than two weeks, which seems too soon and not soon enough. I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends after a semester away, but I also feel that I am not quite ready to leave yet. There is still so much to do and I don’t want to miss out on anything! It seems so strange that I will be leaving soon. I’ve been living here for several months and now it’s surprising to realize how far I have come since my arrival in Petersburg. I remember how intimidating simple tasks seemed those first few days, whether it was figuring out what to do at a restaurant (Should we stand around and wait to be seated or just grab a table? How do we get the check? To tip or not to tip?) or asking for directions. Now it is assuring when I am asked for directions, while the only anxiety I get from eating out is deciding on what to order. Overall, I have settled into life here, but I try not to take the city for granted. As much as some activities can be normal or routine, it is always exciting to discover something new. It can be as simple as finding a new café to exploring one of the countless museums here. There is something particularly satisfying about finding a statue among a cluster of apartment buildings seemingly out of place, but all the more striking because of it. Running across a fashion show or music video festival are other memorable events that have endeared me to life in Petersburg. Doing laundry can also be an interesting experience, especially if the laundromat you go to doubles as a café and bar. Beyond the beauty of much of the city, there are plenty of quirks that the Petersburg possesses, which are natural aspects of the varied and thriving culture that comes with living in this city. My experience in Russia has been unbelievable. I have had pretty mundane moments admittedly, but even the mundane provide a certain amount of excitement because of the fact that I’m in Russia. I have found myself eager to compare my Russian experiences to what I’m used to in America, so a trip to the bookstore or even the mall has potential to become a fun excursion. Regardless, each day here promises a new experience, a new adventure, a new story. I am thankful for all I have been able to see and experience while here. I feel that I am more assured, not only about my language skills, but about living and navigating through life in what was a completely foreign place. This semester has been like a roller coaster – I have had my ups and downs (which were not helped by the lack of sun), but it has been a fun amazing ride nonetheless. I don’t know when I will get the chance, but I definitely plan on coming back. Maybe during the summer … I could use some white nights to make up for the dark days this winter.
Daniel Vicario
Bowdoin College, St. Petersburg, 2009
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