Monday, May 30, 2005 6:52 pm

I emailed Mom with my ATM dilemma, but haven't received an answer.

Dasha took us home after Sbarro's; we stopped at the grocery store (complete with departments and dachshunds). Then I rode the bus home. My feet hurt a lot. (I was wearing my brown shoes, which I had thought would be comfortable. I found a seat and watched for my stop (I have no idea what it's called), but when I finally saw it, I couldn't get to the door in time. I have learned that I'll have to anticipate a bit more.

A middle-aged lady asked me (I think) if I'd missed my stop. I (sort of) explained that I had, but that I could walk back. My feet groaned in protest...

What I thought was a pretty little playground turns out to be the rule here--it's like a huge, forested garden with occasional skyscrapers in it. Our campus is especially beautiful. It's practically a jungle, with little winding paths. There are a lot of dogs, cats, and children. I can't tell which ones are strays.

After supper, I read for a bit and then collapsed. I probably fell asleep at abuot 8:00 pm. Of course, I woke up at 11:00 and was wide awake. I had to read a whole novel and eat Gardettos before I finally fell asleep at 3:00 am. Nina woke me at 8:00. I didn't want to get up.

But I did, of course. I skipped showering. Nina had made a huge breakfast that was more like lunch--sandwiches, raw vegetables, yogurt.

The overabundance of yogurt in Russia is becoming apprent. If I have to eat one more meal of yogurt, cheese, sour cream, and tvorog, I will throw up. I swear.

I handled the bus all right today, although a cute chelovyek had to explain to me that I was trying to punch the card upside down. Oh, and I owe Nina 20 rubles because she gave me small bills for the bus.

At school, Natalia, Lena, and Dasha again reminded us not to have alcohol on campus and not to let anyone steal our money. Theyn we took a written test. I was one of the last ones to finish, but I feel that I did well.

Three teachers gave the oral exam. I think I did well on this, too: I answered all of their questions, and they didn't keep me very long at all. Tomorrow we will find out how we placed, and will receive a schedule for the week.

We ate lunch in the cafeteria: I ate soup, bread, tomatoes with mayonnaise, and plov (chicken with rice). I liked all of it, although the bread was dry. Of course, although there is plenty of sour cream, yogurt, etc., I haven't seen a pat of butter since I left the plane.

We all got pictures taken for our student IDs (50 rubles), bought one-month transport passes (770 rubles), and bought phone cards (except me--I was out of cash: well, at least I didn't have 300 rubles).

Mom hadn't answered my email yet. (We stopped at the internet cafe again.) Everyone else left, so Erin, Joe, and I went home on the metro together. It was rush hour (c. 5:00 pm), and it was so crowded! We were literally packed in so tight that we couldn't fall over.

By this time, my feet had begun to hurt again. Hopefully (excuse me, I hope that) they will get used to so much walking and standing. I feel like I've already lost weight.

On the way home, I stopped in the store to buy water and a coke. I keep falling asleep,m but I really must stay up 'til a decent hour, or last night will repeat itself.

Nina made supper when I got home. She ssaid she doesn't care when I get home, but to call if it will be after 8:00 or 9:00 pm.

I think I will read for a while, if I can stay awake...