sevenmonthsandcounting

CONGRATULATIONS!!! to all 60 students and volunteers who are still continuing the year long exchange program here in Russia. I know that it is too soon to count the days and nights to come but the sooner it gets the more exhilirating it gets. after coming back from a trip to the north to have our passports to be stamped by the immigration officers we are lucky enough to have a free trip in Finland! composed of fifteen students, we rode an eight hout train ride to the north! the train was fairly nice but the ride was not. It was a twisted fate while I churn, grind my nightmares to sleep but the hell no! my efforts were nothing to the uncomfortness that the seat offers. we arrive in St. Petersburg Russia to have a stop over and have a look of what the second biggest city in Russia has to offer. The NORTHERN VENICE the Russians call it as it shows the stillness of Italian Architecture and as the water flows through it canals it is simply magnificent and astounding as Venice. St. Petersburg has swept our emotions to forget the sorrows we have.

far far away birthday

Far far away birthday…

Russian Birthday! This years theme for my birthday cool! GARUTA! This has been a blast last night with my host sisters, Nastja, Alina and Diana as we celebrate my day, and guest Tara my volunteer, Mags and Shasha a volunteer from Germany shared this funfilled evening.

Filipino Dishes like Lumpia, Adobo and Kanin were main feast and but to complete the Russian theme we drank what else could it be? Of course Russian Vodka! It was quite melancholy to share the most meaning day in my life with I can no longer say strangers but a family that I can consider. The fact that it has been five months when I arrived here and from the very day I cherished the moments I spend with them. I came back from a trip from the south since I miss my host family badly that I decided to come back here in Moscow a week earlier and celebrate my burfday with them…and my decision was SUPER. Diana gave me a perfume and made a banner HAPPY Birthday, Alina bought me the best Russian chocolate, Nastj gave me black protector for my ipod and a charger, Shasha gave me a cd of KINO first Russian Rock Band! Tara and Mags brought a bottle of wine and they gave me a mini BURBERRY PARFUME BOX SET! Hoorah!

The Food was super; the wine was just suited for the toast. The vodka, it does not leave you any hangover which is one thing I really like about this drink.

Material stuff is just secondary the best thing was we were all happy with one another and that is all that matters most. I cannot ask for anything else. I am good safe and just celebrate mah birthday far far away.