Kazan — summer 2012

We had an excursion to Raifa monastery today. Two years ago I was a photoholic in Russia. This year I can hardly force myself to take a picture, but here are a few. First let's start off with the rules of the monastery.

Here is student Ken pretending to be a drunken paratrooper. He does it so well that one has to wonder at his previous experience.

BTW, what things identify Ken as an American here? First off, the sunglasses. Next, the backpack. What about the dopey hand gesture? Nah, the Russkis have rapper-envy just like Gringos do.

Next we have Chris and John. These two are doing great with their Russian; I'm proud every time I eavesdrop on them. I heard John using the word еще in contexts just like a Russian would. That and the proper use of уже are two that really show a growing feel for the Russian language.

Next we have the rest of the guys who were in town this weekend. I told them to pretend they liked each other, and this is what they came up with.