my russian professor is the nicest woman in the world. today we were supposed to have an epic 4 hour class (11am to like 2:40pm with a break), but when I asked to clarify what time we would get out, she asked me if I had plans later. I told her I wanted to go to the Hermitage and pick an object for my final project. And her response? "Oh okay, that sounds good, we can end earlier. But don't you need to drop off your bag at home?" And I told her that I would just leave my textbooks at the University for tomorrow and she goes "Oh so then I can't give you homework...it's okay, you can just do it over the weekend!" When we approached 2pm, she then was like "Oh no, we went a bit over time, do you want a ride? I'm driving near that same area anyway." Uh. Yes. lol her car has a stickshift, and it was just so interesting watching her drive. Not as crazy dangerous as I thought it would be, and we talked about driving in general. I also go to look at her college students' English workbooks, which were really colorful and looks like something for an elementary school. During class, we even talked about Sex and the City and how Baryshnikov played "Aleksandr Petrovski" lol she's so great.
When I got to the Hermitage, it was amazing. So many rooms and I nearly died seeing all the famous Gauguins, Matisses, Cezannes sitting just rooms apart. Their Asian art was pretty good, but kind of awkward since they also have like. Asian armor and swords next to statues of Buddha and scroll paintings...
Our group ran into two reporters from the Toronto Star, who are in Russia to do some pieces on Saint Petersburg. They were both from Poughkeepsie, even! They recognized Vassar College, and even mentioned that last night they were at a bar where they met more Vassar people, who are actually part of the other Russian study abroad program through Bard. They also wanted our opinions on the Hermitage. I mean really, crazy coincidence on so many levels.
After the Hermitage we went to get some coffee and snacks at a bar right next to the first Korean restaurant I've spotted here. Would've loved getting Korean, but it was so expensive. Saw a lot of Koreans sitting and eating though which is a good sign. It's just nice knowing there is a korean restaurant somewhere near me (about like an hour away) and that it also has karaoke. Ahhhh I must go at some point.
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