ive left the motherland

russia is behind me now. saddening thought. my opportunities to speak russian daily have subsided. [ i feel like my speaking ability itself has dwindled.]

im now in Ukraine.

[ Please, don't ask me what I think of Ukraine. Because, unfortunately I have been very, ill. I am currently eating my first 'legitimate' in three days. french toast-a very easy chew. and somewhat tasteless.]

however, now that i have finished my time in russia, i want to share a list i had going while in russia.

Reasons to Love Russia: 

a collection of miscellaneous facts and observations

 that could sway you either way, really.

1. When taking a photo, please pose like Tyra Banks. And, if you will, bring those petunia's up to your face. Smiling: not natural.

2. Change is a must. I'm not talking about freshening up your home with some new drapes instead of that rag hanging. What I mean is coins. Don't have them? Death glare for you [believe me, they are goosebump worthy]. Or, a blatant refusal to let you purchase the item.

3. Two sets of doors? How dare you think you can walk through the same side, both sets of doors. Really, do you not have any sense? Well, we are going to lock that door, just so you a) not only look like the foolish traveler, but b) you start traffic jams. And, just to spice things up...the last week you are there, they will change all door-traffic laws! [seriously, a very confusing day.]

4. Socks, socks. Socks. Lets add it one more time: socks. The most vital part of your wardrobe. No matter if your shirt is shear, your pants are ripped, or your clothes just plain don't match. Make sure at all times to be wearing a pair of socks. Even with flip flops. Don't have any clean? Good thing every street has at least three vendors who are selling socks of all styles and sizes. Do they really help keep your feet clean? No. Do they really help your feet not sweat as much? Negative. Are you frowned upon for not following social norm? "Dumb question, Kylie" was indeed the correct thought process there. [just in case you don't know the answer to that question... it is YES**] **emphasis not added. 

5. Refrigeration 101. You thought you knew what was up, but you don't. Let me help you out.

 What is required, and what is not?

REQUIRED	OPTIONAL	NEVER
Bread	Opened Juice [it can alternate days, if needed]	Liver
Beer Caviar Vodka Beer	cooked noodles, if room Mayonnaise: luckily if you forget the rules of mayonnaise, it is just like opened juice.	Cabbage leafs. [Unless it has been sitting out on your counter for about a month, then it is a pretty good idea to think about it. But, even then…]
Garlic	Dirty beet straight from the ground	WATER***
Weird medicine tablet	Cooked ground beef	Left over pizza, it is good for up to 5 days just being left in the oven.
Dough	Cherries	Soup, if you do that, you have to get it out of the fridge to heat it. Just leave it on the stove.

Now do we have a better intake in why I might have been sick so often in Russia?

 6. Water. Please note the stars by the water in the NEVER section. This is because in Russia, if you have cold water, you will get sick. No questions asked, please. It is proven fact. Here is a little blurb from my life in Russia about it: One day I was on the elevator in my apartment. [give me a break, i lived many flights up] In the elevator with me was a babushka, her grand daughter and her grandson. Her granddaughter was drinking a bottle of water. Horrified, the babushka asked if she bought that water off the street. "yes" replied the granddaughter. ElevatorBabushka immediately reached to touch the bottle. "Is it cold?" "No." "It feels cold to me." "Baba, it isn't cold. It is just normal." "It is cold. You are going to get sick." And, then came my floor. So, I don't know how this was resolved.

I'm not quite sure how well I am keeping your attention. So, I think I will call it a day. But, don't worry I have more to share with you. 

Loves from the land hosting Euro-Cup:

K. Billy