Galya and I have gotten down to business in the last two days with my Russian. I've passed from my stage of apathy that I don't know enough to communicate, and I'm back on track. I came to the internet cafe today all by my lonesome.

Preeviet mojna dva chas n'internet, pajalsta. (Hello, may I use internet for two hours, please)
Response: Yes, computer number 10, pay when you're done.

I can do this. I was trying to explain to Larissa yesterday that if she weren't there I still would have been able to buy shampoo. No, I would not have been able to answer the question about what type of hair I have, but we all know that all shampoo comes from the same magical batch anyway. It's just the packaging, some corn starch, and food coloring that makes the difference. I pointed to the comb that I wanted, and when I handed over the ticket for film processing all they wanted was the 27 Gryvnah. I'll do just fine in Kiev. Anatoly has agreed to pick me up from the train station, and put me into a hotel. I will spend some time volunteering at his office. Life is going to be just dandy. Galya is very happy to speak Russian with me and offer grammar at a pace that I can't keep up with, but that too is okay.

Even my sinus infection is on the way out. I don't think it is because of the black light I held up to my nose last night. They are convinced if you heat your nose for three minutes each night your condition will away within 2 to 3 days instead of 7 to 10. I bet google will have something a little different to say about the matter. But, who am I to question the healing powers electricity has to offer.