Golden Autumn - Золотая Осень

Last week in my civilization class we were in a discussion about the Russian mentality and how when you ask someone, How are you?, <как дела?>, the standard response in America could be very good or fine (normally an optimistic response) in Russia, the regular response is normal <нормално>. And if you respond with really well they wonder what is wrong with you. How could you possibly be so happy?! Well, I've been very happy lately -- at least the babies don't question me when I smile at them :)

Maggie, Bronwen, and Brian on the bridge at Taverichisky Park

These past two days have also been very beautiful. When we have nice weather in St. Petersburg (56 degrees!) this time of year it is called Golden Autumn <Золотая Осень> because it is sunny and the leaves are changing into their radiant shades.

In my last post I stated that I'd be going to see Goran Bregovic. Friday evening started at a restaurant called Black Cat, White Tom Cat, named after the Yugoslavian romantic comedy -- which I now really would like to watch.

Jarlath in a deep conversation about music with Ben and Me enjoying my 200 p Czech beer

Ann and Ben at Dinner

The food was delicious (I had home/restaurant made sausages and kasha grechnaya --конечно!) and afterwards we ran around trying to flag down a gypsy cab while the men stood on the side walk and told us to lift our skirts a little higher (just kidding). But the show was amazing -- it was a shame we couldn't dance though, people were dancing in front of the stage but because we had seats in the balcony they wouldn't let us down there. So apart from that disapointment the only thing that could have made the night better was if we were outside in the pouring rain wearing long colorful skirts and dancing in the mud...one day, maybe when I visit Maggie in Bulgaria it will happen.

Goran Bregovic and his Wedding and Funeral Band

Maggie and Me outside the concert hall -- we think we might dress up as gypsies for Halloween

Maggie and I were sitting in the Metro car on the way home from the show and all of a sudden these two guys are struggling to bring this big frame in. I can't believe they made it. Maggie was laughing so hard that she was in tears.

...More to come soon, I really should go because it's almost time for bed and I haven't done any studying this weekend ... this could have NEVER happened at Cornell, ha ha!