5:00, South Kensington, London. Up since already half an hour, I check out from my hotel and get in the taxi that will drive me to Heathrow airport. My flight is scheduled for 8:45, but I want to be there as soon as possible. Today is the big day. I am finally flying to Russia. I drop my bags, go through security and direct myself to the gate. Everything goes well. I'm comfortable. I'm wearing a beanie and a turtleneck instead of the usual hijab to avoid standing out too much in Russia. I board with my friends. 4hours later we're in Domodedovo airport. We anxiously look around trying to spot the other language students. We attempt to go through customs. People seem to be waiting in a 'queue', or more so a mass of people facing the same direction. We lose all sense of private space and politeness for two good hours and a half. Finally, we pass customs, with a supplement for me: a very funny look at my passport and a slightly racist or curious (not quite sure) controller. Then, we meet the officials from RLUS and the other 3 students going to Yaroslavl. We're now a group of 8 students, 5 from St Andrews, 3 from Manchester, each student with at the very least a large suitcase, a cabin one and a carry-on bag, trying to fit in a minuscule mini-van. 18:00, we start our 4hours-journey from Moscow to Yaroslavl. 20 minutes in, something unexpected happens: we're on the highway, the driver pulls over on the emergency lane, opens the door, steps out, takes out a cigarette, lights it and smokes for a good 10 minutes. 22: 30, we finally arrive in Yaroslavl. I'm the first one to be dropped off. I'm met by a 70-year old lady by the name of Valentina. I now know where and with whom I'm going to live for almost 4 months. MAZEL TOV!
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AuthorThird year student at the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Studies Russian, German and International Relations. Loves traveling. Loves languages. Loves to share. Hence, this BLOG! Archives
January 2018
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