New Years Day

Tonight is the final night here in Russia. It has been a very laid back New Years for sure. In Russia, New Years is a holiday that is second in line of importance, so pretty much all the stores, museums, businesses were shut down today. Although I am pretty bummed I couldn't explore the city today (we are about 30 minutes away from the downtown part of St. Petersburg)it was nice to have a "chill" day at the hotel. Basically I got up at 11:30, had brunch with Cierra soon after that, bought the internet, went to the grocery store, and went out to dinner for Chinese food. That was my day in a nutshell.

I was happy the grocery store was open at least; it is right next to our hotel. I just got some snacks and things because the only meal that was provided for us today was brunch at the hotel. It was pretty good- I have been really impressed with the complimentary Breakfasts that these hotels have offered on this trip. Perhaps its because we are not staying in low budget hotels or hostels where they normally just give you a stale croissant and burnt tasting coffee.

Here is a picture of us all dressed up on New Years Eve :). Today Cierra and I split the cost of getting the 24 hour internet in our room. We took half an hour to one hour intervals to check our email, surf, talk on skype, etc. It was so nice! I really miss having "high speed" internet. I mean, me a couple months ago would say this internet was slow... but compared to Italy it is amazing! I could actually hear people on the other end of the skype to skype conversation and it never cut out. I really wish Florence would get their act together (or Giuseppe) and fix the dang internet... its about time haha.

For dinner, Father Bryan, Cierra, and my new friend Georgina walked a few minutes to a local Chinese restaurant. We were very impressed with our food! I was craving some hot and sour soup and it turned out really good. Way better than the take out place in Italy. We also split some Wonton Soup which was equally as good, and I got some chicken fried rice and had a couple spring rolls. Overall, the meal was delicious and cheap! It has been really nice getting to know Father Byran on this trip. He is living and studying in Rome right now, and he is just 3 classes away from getting his law degree. I told him all about my dad and his recent accomplishment of graduating, passes the bar, getting a job, etc. He was very interested and pleased that he went back to school for another career! :)

Tomorrow we are getting up around 9:00 and having Breakfast, and meeting up with the GU group at 11:30 and we are on our way back to Italy! It is going to be a long day of traveling... we are taking a flight into Milan, and then we have a 3 hour bus ride back to Florence. We won't be getting in until like 10:30 at night. WHEW!!

Well I better wrap up because Cierra wants to sleep now... hehe. Have a good day everyone! :)