In a Russian all.

Hello World! I speak to you now from a cyber cafe in Petersburg, where there are a few problems with the computer. At least there are computers; they are quite few and far between, but that's actually like home, where everyone has their own in their house. I walked down Nevsky Prospect looking for one of several cafes, and after tripping over all sorts of stalls selling hats decorated with military style badges, table clothes, boat trips and all sorts of other fare, I finally discovered this rather MacDonalds-style place where I bought a coke and an hour on this (probably) wind-up computer. I just hope it lasts 'till I can save this short note.
Firstly, a big 'hello' to my family, who may be a little concerned at my lack of communication so far. This is only because there has, until now, been no opportunity. And this opportunity is curtailed by a pressing urge to use a rest-room( as they would have said back in the States) and a serious shortage of money. I will have to omit various details and amusing anecdotes until tomorrow, but be assured that everything is great. I arrived easily, met the reps from the school at the airport, got to my accommodation and settled in fine (oh, probably another Americanism) and have not been poisoned by the infamous Neva water. Petersburg is amazing, and not really what I expected. In some ways it is exactly what I would expect, mostly the drinking and taxi drivers. And the lights at the pedestrian crossing give a count-down, presumably so you know when you will be hit by a speeding drunken motorist in a Volga........ From what I've seen it is possible that any persuing 'militsia' will be equally intoxicated, but I wouldn't suggest it.......
So it's all very interesting, and conversation isn't too tough. Tend to shout alot and wave my hat and things happen. Nevsky Prospect is quite extraordinary, and full of good buildings.
I'm living quite a few miles out of town, in a suburb. It is about 25 mins on the metro, which is worryingly fast. There are lots of little 'marshrutkas'- speedy gonzales buses which stop (with the rightwave of the hat) on demand, and cost pennies. Everything here is cheap, unless you really want to spend, and I saw some hotels this afternoon that look like they were built for that sort of person. Absolutely amazing. There are lots of loan words here as well, more than I new about before; eg 'bizness lanchy, caffay haoze....... More amusing in Russian! Crazy Russians.
Well, what else can I tell you. The Benedict School is a rather typical Russian affair; that being a bit run-down, a bit rustic and very rusty. As are some of the locals. It is, however, quite effective at what it does, which is teach. In Russian. This should get my Russian up to speed pretty smart-ish, and of course I have every opportunity to speak it all the time. People are friendly, and usually happy to give you directions and that kind of thing. There is, as per stereotype, a very large number of very attractive women- everywhere- but as there is simply a very large number of women this is probably to be expected. You do the math. Shops are often full of cigaretts, magazines and alcohol, and sometimes water, but rarely anything nutritious. There are lots of very cheap snack bars around the town selling blinis, pasties, pizza, chicken, sweets, and all sorts of curious food that I haven't yet identified. What I have tried has been good, and I intend to try alot more. It is light here 'til about 9.30, and time goes so fast it is easy just to wander around the city, along the cannals (more than Vennice) and along prospects and boulevards, and around huge elaborate classical buildings, many of which seem to be churches.
If I was to try to summarise my first impression of Petersburg, I would say it lacks potency. It is huge, in many respects, but you kind of have to look for things. Maybe it's just that I'm not used to living in the city, but that's how it seems. Maybe that's a good thing, as it's not too intense. Nevsky Prospect, on the other hand, is quite intense, and is about three times the size of Oxford Street (London, in case you were wondering). It's very pleasant, with the Hermitage at one end and something (I'm still on my way there) at the other, butI expect it will be big and have a gold roof.
Right, time to try to save this stuff. Hope it works. Will send updates soon, but not entirely sure when. Manyana, know what I mean!
'Til next time,
Da svidanya.