Despite my generalizations about sequels, I'm less than two weeks away from my part two in Samara. Please keep your fingers crossed for me that all goes well (i.e. my visa is approved and arrives on time, no terrorist tries to blast me, I don't catch tuberculosis, my Transaero flight doesn't fall apart mid-air, etc.). I would be quite upset if any of the above happened.
It's that time of year again. We've finished our final exams, it's warm enough to sit outside, and we can celebrate at 3pm with two-for-one specials. What does that mean? Summer.The Albany winter was brutal--I can say that even after experiencing a Russian winter. Actually, if you compare the temperatures, it's already warmer in Samara than in Albany. So I know that as soon as spring is over, there will be heat. It's the kind of heat that would drive me into the questionable waters of the Volga. More importantly, there will be mosquitoes. (cue dramatic, horror-like background music)
I learned a few things from my first trip to Russia that could make Part Two bearable. The "SCORE" products you see from above are over-priced, locally-made soap and body lotion that are infused with lemongrass oil. Lemongrass repels mosquitoes. If I'm correct, I should smell like a citronella candle. My mother and some friends tell me that it may repel people, too. That's a chance I'll have to risk if you understand the level of discomfort that mosquitoes cause me. I'm also bringing a mosquito net to hang above my bed. You can laugh, giggle, or roll your eyes back as far as you'd like, but I am serious. This is an old post about my war on mosquitoes.
Let the countdown begin.
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