hmm.

So, I never really know what you can and can't put in an online blog. I'm sort of new to the whole blogging concept, but I've always thought it was ridiculous when people shared too much online. I mean, shouldn't some things be kept private? But, I guess it's relevant to my experience in Russia, so...

My Baba died last week. I didn't find out until Friday morning, until it was too late to make it home for the funeral. I sort of thought it might happen in Russia so I was kind of preparing myself, but I wasn't prepared to miss her funeral, and it happened much sooner than I thought it would, so it shook me up quite a bit.

I never really felt like Irkutsk was far from home. I mean, yes, I'm in Russia, and no, it's not really like the United States, but I never felt that huge distance people describe when they talk about being far away. I never really felt that. But last Friday, with only 30 hours until the funeral, I was frantically searching for flights home. I think when I found out that there was no possible way I could get from Irkutsk to New York in 24 hours, I realized how far away from home I really am.

Also, so you know how Russians think vodka is a medicine that will cure everything? I was sort of upset on Saturday night and not really breathing, and my host mother comes in with a shot of...something. She tells me that I have to drink it. She describes it in Russian, yet I have no idea what it is. I do, however, know:
a) It was definately alcohol (though not very strong)
b) It tasted very bad
c) it wasn't anything I had ever heard of.

But, 4 days later, it hasn't had any majorly detrimental effects, so I guess that's good.

I really miss her. But my parents said that Deda might come and live with us. I really hope he does.

More on our group trip later.