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12 Things Learned About Russian Language Learning

By on December 13, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

In this post I take a personal journey down the road of things learned about Russian language learning. What words can I just not say right? How much more can I complain about the absurdity that is Russian? You’ll have to read to find out!

December 13, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 12 }
manas airport

Let’s Talk About Sex… With Your Taxi Driver

By on December 2, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

I’ve had plenty of taxi fun while in Bishkek (see this old post, too), but the final ride on the morning I left really takes the cake. It’s a long one, with no photos, so grab a cup of coffee before getting started.
My morning on my last day in Bishkek. It could have been worse, I guess. I … Read more

December 2, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 28 }
russian warning sign

Week 4 Wrap-Up: Holy F#*k, I Know Russian

By on November 26, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

And we’re done, people! I told my teachers that I surprised myself during my final week of lessons. Big improvement from the week before, thanks to finally getting good sleep and no longer being ill.

November 26, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
my russian learning classroom

Questioning One’s Purpose: Thoughts During Week 3 of Russian

By on November 23, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

Learning or relearning a language is like a roller coaster. I’m up and then I’m down… and it sometimes isn’t easy to see the light! This past week has been especially hard, but I’m back and ready to smash my final week here in Bishkek.

November 23, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 4 }
horses outside bishkek

Taxi Cab Convos in Bishkek

By on November 18, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

A taxi ride in Kyrgyzstan always ends up making me feel a little self-conscious and worried about my reproductive future. Ha, I know, right?! If only there were a ring on my finger and a bun in the oven, I could finally earn the respect of my taxi drivers.

November 18, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }
sign in russian language

Thinking in Russian

By on November 14, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

Learning Russian is a tough process! What do I do to keep my morale going strong? I focus on the small gains. This week’s small gain involves… well… I’m sure you can guess!

November 14, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 12 }
working by candlelight

Russian by Candlelight: 1.5 Weeks In

By on November 10, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

I have studied many languages now in my time, but I have yet to master any of them. Latin in high school was not about speaking. Italian was learned in college, but I was never good at conversing. Spanish in Guatemala was a small triumph when I found myself booking tours and arguing with people without thinking too hard by the end of it. But Russian…

November 10, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 7 }
bebe burger

Bishkek, I Can’t Get You Out of My Head

By on November 8, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Soviet Travel

My arrival into Bishkek caused my blood pressure to rise. It was 3 am, freezing cold, I hadn’t slept a wink on the flight from Istanbul, and still my body was overly aware of the moment we touched down at Manas Airport. It was so cold the air was icy, making it look foggy through my airplane window.
I’m here … Read more

November 8, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }
packing for k-stan

I’m Unprepared… and I Like It

By on October 24, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Pre-Travel, Soviet Travel, Turkey

I bought the Istanbul section of the Turkey Lonely Planet, and have yet to look at it. I booked a hostel for the first night in the city, and I have no idea how to get there. I know when my flights will be landing; I know when they should be departing.

October 24, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 8 }
Kyrgyz hero Manas

Day 273: Reasons I’m Excited for My Next Trip (and reasons I’m not)

By on September 30, 2011 in Kyrgyzstan, Pre-Travel, Soviet Travel

I can’t believe it is already the last day of the month of September! October starts tomorrow and that is a time in Australia when more and more individuals find themselves outdoors. But I’m heading out towards the end of the month, on a trip I am both excited and nervous about.

September 30, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 9 }