Not much to write about this day. I was sick. Icky sick. Stay in bed all day sick. Slept most of the day sick. You see a common theme here?????
I finally felt better enough in the evening to come out and join my host family for a light dinner. I also gave them their gifts. In Russia, when you stay or visit a home, you are supposed to bring gifts. I’ve always followed this tradition when I visit friends here in the United States but in Russia, it is expected!
I brought American magazines (Glamour), Boston Red Sox playing cards, chocolates and fudge from Winfrey’s in Newburyport, a University of Illinois baseball hat, a 2008 calendar of Boston, and a Newburyport coffee mug. I think the gifts were a hit! 🙂 Especially the chocolate and fudge – I’ve started a care package to send over to my host hamily in Vladimir already . . . Tide pens (long story on this item – they don’t have Tide pens in Russia) and chocolate are on the list! 🙂
I still was feeling blah so Natalia gave me more medicine. More sleep and somewhat hopeful that I will feel better the next day.
Hanging out in Russia for the summer 
I hope that you get to keep in touch with your host families for many years to come! It’s awesome to have made friends in Russia! 🙂 Hope that the next day is all better for you!
By: CHERYL on August 5, 2007
at 10:36 pm
They sounded like a wonderful family! You were very lucky 🙂
By: Lauren on August 9, 2007
at 12:06 am
Winfreys fudge is the best!!! No wonder they liked it. 🙂 Do you keep in touch by way of email? Yana would have more translating to do, lol.
By: Zac on August 9, 2007
at 12:11 pm