Moscow State University

Well... I am continuing my studies halfway around the world (for most of you). It has started to snow again in Moscow and the city has begun to take on a whole new life. Men once clad in bright pastels and white slip-on shoes have begun to dress considerably more conservatively; now in blue jeans, dark jackets and black boots. Women have traded in their colorfully-patterned dresses for thick jackets and boots trimmed with fur (which is more tasteful than it sounds). I have begun to adjust my wardrobe as well. After a month and a half wearing sweat pants and a tee-shirt, I have begun to opt for more fashionable dress shirts and trousers (Maybe I have spent too much time amongst the British). Classes have begun at Moscow State University (which from here on out shall be referred to as MGU in order to fit the time constraints of the author) and the campus is now alive with the influx of students. The campus here is dominated by the main building, one of what are referred to as the Seven Sisters (or perhaps more colorfully as Stalin's teeth). This is where I am living (well, kind of). The main building is shaped as a mirror image, with four arms protruding out of a central tower. I am living in one of these four arms. So far, I have quite enjoyed my time back here. I have spent the last few days catching up with old friends and finding a few new ones. I am starting to become adjusted to the world of academia again, although picking up the language again has been a little more challenging than I had imagined.

Here are a few pictures I have taken from my first couple of days at MGU.

This first picture I rather like, although I shall credit it more to good fortune than to my abilities as a photographer. This is the main building of MGU, seen through the trees lining the walkway up to the building. I actually live on the opposite side, but my side is almost identical.

... and a picture of my humble new abode....

... and another
The room isn't particularly well-furnished, but is roomy enough. I share a shower and a bathroom with a roommate who has yet to arrive in Moscow.

This is the view out of my window. If you hadn't guessed from the picture, it has been difficult for me to get a good night's sleep. I don't know if it is as much the jet lag as it is the excitement to be back here. I've had a lot on my mind lately.

And here is a view of the courtyard I look out to in the daytime. Trust me; it looks a lot nicer now that it is covered in snow. The transition from fall to winter here is not a smooth one.

Please forgive me if I don't have much time for phone calls. The only internet access (for Skype, my Russian cell can't make international calls) I have at the time is in the lobby of the main building, which I guess doubles as a gymnasium for some of the international students, who play badminton here nightly. It is also a bit loud in here and I fear it might be difficult to communicate on the telephone. I'll try to work something out though.