SNOW-vgorod.

Ok, I don't have much to update you all on, except for the fact that Novgorod is B-E-A-utiful right now, what with all the lovely snow. Here are some photoooos! There are more photos of Novgorod in the snow, plus a couple Thanksgiving photos in my "Russia: Part Two" album. All of the albums are now linked on the right side of the blog.

Above: This is Rachmaninoff Park, where they play Rachmaninoff over the loudspeakers all day long!

Below: This is part of Yaroslav's court, otherwise known as Old Novgorod.

Last night Livi and I had a sleepover at my house, but first we spent some time at Andrew's place hanging out and wearing suits. You know, blazers, sport-coats, slacks... It was classy.

Today I saw my Friend Ira: She took me to her Volleyball practice, and later she showed me the Catholic Church nearby. It was a very new church, i.e. post-Vatican II boring. But hey, now I know where it is, in case I decide to go to Mass before I leave Novgorod... Not likely, because it's about an hour-long trip to get there from my house.

Oh, what an exciting life I lead, here in Russia!

I Love and Miss you all,
Sarah

News from the Motherland:

First of all, as usual, I LOVE Russia. Just thought I would remind you all.

Secondly, I am SOOOOO excited for this weekend!! On Friday we are going as a gaggle of Americans to St. Petersburg in order to celebrate ALL of our birthdays in style! I haven't made it to Peter yet on this trip, so I am reeeally psyched to be there in a month other than January. On Saturday I am coming back early for an entire day of rehearsal. I am performing in two concerts before I leave Russia, in which I will song two songs with my Russian ensemble and two solos in English (one of them will be with two girls who are dancing while I sing? I am not sure yet how that will work)... Anyway, the part of me that is pining for my AWESOME band (Sober Peter, shout-out) will finally be appeased with some vocal-performance therapy.

Third: The weekend after next we are celebrating Thanksgiving potluck-style at the boy's apartments. I am in charge of Apple pie/crumble/dessert of some sort. We are going all out with stuffing, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, corn, Mmmmmmm... aw yeah. Also, our professor from St. Olaf will be visiting Novgorod that weekend. Let me tell you, she is the definition of Russian Diva. This lady's got class and attitude like you've never seen. LOVE her.

Lastly, I only have 4 1/2 weeks left in this BEAUTIFUL place, but it STILL hasn't SNOWED!!! Come on, Russia, I have a big beautiful coat that I will wear everyday for the next month if you will just give me some snoooow! Although, I guess it's still really awesome that I can get away with wearing a cute little leather jacket, instead of the 40-lb wool ball-gown that is my winter coat. Still, I do love showing it off.

Stay tuned for more updates on my life in Russkiy-Land --- Просто Любовь!

Sarah