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taxis in urumqi

Funny Things Happen When You Can’t Speak the Language, Western China Edition

By on May 31, 2012 in Asia, China, Language Learning

Western China is a difficult place to travel if you don’t know Chinese… or Uyghur. Either way, it’s all super foreign and we have some hilarious adventures because of it. Read on to discover a few of our most recent!

May 31, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 5 }
dorm room

Thrifty Thursday: One Month of Intensive Russian for Less Than $850

By on January 20, 2012 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel, Thrifty Travel

In this post, I break down the numbers involved in taking intensive Russian language lessons in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Even with food, travel and accommodation, the price is no contest. Seriously, have a read and be inspired!

January 20, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 9 }
russian sign

Language is Music; Your Body the Instrument

By on January 16, 2012 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

The joy of traveling is meeting interesting people. I met Susanna Zaraysky, a self-made language learning expert, on a bus in Kyrgyzstan. Here I talk about her book and message from Language is Music.

January 16, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 6 }
orto-sai bazaar

Kyrgyz, Russian & English: A Bishkek Bazaar Language Mash-up

By on January 6, 2012 in Asia, Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

Two American girls walk into a bazaar… The bazaars in Bishkek are always fun to shop at, but they are even more interesting because of the trilingual conversations Erica and I often had there. Read on about the Kyrgyz-Russian-English convos in this post.

January 6, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 5 }
foyer

12 Things Learned About Russian Language Learning

By on December 13, 2011 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 13 }
russian warning sign

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

By on November 26, 2011 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 9 }
my russian learning classroom

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

By on November 23, 2011 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 4 }
horses outside bishkek

Taxi Cab Convos in Bishkek

By on November 18, 2011 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 12 }
sign in russian language

Thinking in Russian

By on November 14, 2011 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 12 }
working by candlelight

Russian by Candlelight: 1.5 Weeks In

By on November 10, 2011 in Asia, 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 · Continue Reading · Comments { 8 }