21 in Russia.

So, I had pretty low expectations for this birthday. Not that I wasn't looking forward to it, but I just wasn't expecting much. Come on, turning 21 in a country where the drinking age was described to me last summer in Siberia as "when you can see over the counter"? What else is exciting about 21? Notttthing.

But you know what, I was pleasantly surprised. Really surprised. I had such a good time.

Basically, I reenacted what I did all summer yesterday..... after taking my exam, I went to the photo store to pick up prints, ate lunch at Stolle with Emma, and then went out to Fidel with my friends. Simple, but exactly what I wanted.

Here's the great thing though..... so I sent out an email to the group saying I'd be holding "office hours" in Fidel last night, and anyone or everyone was free to stop by if they'd like. But being in the middle of exam week, a lot of people didn't make it. In fact, only two Americans from the program made it: the one Ms. Ilana Tabby, of course, and the unbelievable, infallible Ms. Carolyn Clark. And the only other American to drop by was Will. Everyone else was Russian, and I was kind of thrilled with this fact. If it had been a night at Fidel during the summer, I would have been with 20 other Americans speaking English. Last night I spoke Russian probably 90% of the evening. Liza & Marianna came by.... Erin's friend Masha..... friends I've met through Ilana & Danya -- Kirill, Goga, Roma.... Will's girlfriend and my friend Olga.... and it was just such a good change. I felt like I've actually met people here, for real, not just through the program, not just "paid friends" (a.k.a. tutors). And we had a really good time, drinking Bochkarov and talking and later dancing to "classic rock night." And I was just really happy, and in a really good state of mind, and anyone who knows me knows that exactly a year ago that was not the case at all. Turning 20 really kind of sucked. Turning 21 was amazing. And never in a million years would I have thought that is how I would turn 21 years old.

Though, I am starting to feel kind of ancient. Especially when I realize things like one of my friend's Russian boyfriends was born in 1978.... the same year as Genny..... and people I hang out with now are anywhere between the ages of 17 and 32.... It makes me feel like I actually am starting to catch up with Genny, Chad, Sara and Mike, after spending 21 years chasing after their always older, always more glamorous lives. That's a weird feeling. It's odd when you start to realize how little age actually matters..... that's when you know you are getting old.....

But enough of that. I have to go take my СМИ exam now, and then I will be done with all my RSL classes for the semester. That's going to feel even better than last night.

So, in summary, thanks to everyone who made my 21st birthday really special, despite the anticlimactic nature of the event.

Faithful readers Abman & Vanessa, wish you two hadn't been in America for the occassion.