Tag Archives: foreign language
pat bazaar skyscanner bag

The Time I Sent Pat to Get a Loaf of Bread in Bishkek

By on May 7, 2012 in Kyrgyzstan

So, I sent Pat to get a loaf of bread for breakfast — only I didn’t send him to the big grocery store down the street where everything is easy to grab. I sent him to the little convenience stand in our complex where you basically have to talk to the worker, or point as I expected would be the case.

May 7, 2012 · Read full story · Comments { 11 }
russian sign

Language is Music; Your Body the Instrument

By on January 16, 2012 in 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 · Read full story · Comments { 6 }
orto-sai bazaar

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

By on January 6, 2012 in 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 · Read full story · Comments { 3 }
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 }
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 }
nospeak

The “No Speak Language Guide” is Out: Get a Copy for Free!

By on October 20, 2011 in Contests, Language Learning

Communication issues are just an everyday part of travel to countries that don’t speak English. There are some moments, some days when you may not want to deal with it. Or, you just might want to be extra, extra, extra sure your meal doesn’t come with meat. Whatever it is, you now have a tool that can help you communicate your desires and needs without words!!

October 20, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 99 }

Day 75: Getting in Touch with Locals (How I Roll, Part 1)

By on March 17, 2011 in Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan, Language Learning, Soviet Travel

With language lessons, I was forced to be introduced to a culture each and everyday. Our teachers would take us out to excursions, and share their family dishes. It was easy because it was part of the program, so that meant there wasn’t any awkward breaking the ice that would come with finding randoms on the street.

March 17, 2011 · Read full story · Comments { 8 }
News & Updates From My 'Hood

News & Updates From My 'Hood

By on April 29, 2010 in Australia, Female Travel, Interviews, Writing

Hey all! I’m going to do a fun little list post here since I didn’t get around to making a nice video for the week. I think I might have been a little hasty with the one video a week idea, but still I will try.
Actually, I’ve been quite busy this past week or so, which is why I… Read more

April 29, 2010 · Read full story · Comments { 4 }