The Beginning of a Journey

This summer I will be studying Russian language in the city of Tomsk.  Today is my last day in Minnesota before leaving for an orientation session in Washington, D.C.  I have said goodbye to friends and family.  I have almost finished packing my clothes.  All that remains is to gather my medicine and buy a gift for the family I will be staying with.  I will be living with a Russian couple and their son, who is about my age.  The description I was sent says they like books and music and are involved in business.  This promises to be a change from my living situation last year on the same program.  At that time, I stayed with a Russian grandmother named Lenina.  She cooked for me everyday and did my laundry.      

My host family lives on Gertsena Street, right in the center of Tomsk.  When I typed the address into Google Earth, I was pleased to find that their apartment is near a beautiful Russian Orthodox Church dedicated to St. Alexander Nevsky (see photo).  I was also happy to discover that it is within walking distance to Tomsk State University, where my classes will be held.  All in all, it sounds like a pleasant enough setup.