Presidents Like Peas and Paintings

So I've been meaning to post for awhile - so there's lots of little topics to cover - hopefully this won't be too scattered...

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While I was in Minsk, not only did I buy Georgian wine (which is prohibited in Russia at the moment --- thank you politics!) but I saw the Belarussian president, Lukashenko. I happened to be meandering by the Presidential Residence (note: security almost non-existent - and the "Residence" looks more like an office building on K Street). A man, of appropriate age, walked out of the building, and immediately was saluted by the guard. As I watched the car move down the street, every policeman on the corner saluted as well. Yep - it was 7 am (overnight trains arrive early) and the President was off to work. I'll add him to my current list of Presidents seen or otherwise encountered. We now stand at Bush I and II, Clinton (go State Department Internships :)), Lukashenko. I should work on Putin.

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Svetlana called last night to make sure that I had arrived safely back in Moscow. I've gotten a lot better with telephone conversations in Russian. Understanding a foreign language without gestures or moving lips in front of you is quite difficult. She's doing well - back to the daily grind of work. I spend a lot of time thinking about her - and plotting ways to get back to Belarus/get her to the States. But it probably won't happen for awhile. Trying to get photos developed to send to her - but not having much luck finding a place that can do it here. But you guys can all see photos online. Here are the new ones.

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Pedagogy in Moscow is just short of ridiculous. The book we're using is insane - no instructions - no continuity of vocabulary - exercises that don't require you to think... for example: They give you (the answer)

I like peas (She also likes peas)
I like tomatoes (She also likes tomatoes)
I like potatoes (She also likes potatoes)

and so forth.

And what's worse, the teacher follows the book to a tee. By the end of the class, I'm about ready to shoot myself. I've never see a good Russian text book - either geared to English speakers or only in Russian. You Education people out there - can you write one? I'd be very grateful - (and so will all future students of Russian)

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Just spent a solid afternoon in the Tretykov Gallery (sorry for the lack of accuracy in my Russian transliteration...). I opted for the "new" half since our excursion went to the "old" half two weeks ago. I could wander through galleries of modern art for ever. I love the textures, the simpliticy, the lines. With art in the "old" gallery - I could appreciate skill and beauty. I like the ideas behind more modern art. I wish I knew more...

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Heading out to see Swan Lake. Yeah ballet :)

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to be continued...