Sam in Kyrgyzstan Spring 2023!

Update Two: Soviet Ghosts "Don Giovani" and the Theater: As promised, my next post picks up at the opera. While I would love to say that I discovered a new artistic passion, it is more accurate to say that I found my potential for appreciating art extends only so far. Perhaps opera is just not my cup of tea. Either way, I was in for a spectacle and enriching experience, albeit without pure enjoyment.  At intermission, my Russian professor asked how I was enjoying the performance. In the moment I was faced with lying or trying to articulate my distaste for "Don Giovani" in cultured terms that she could respect. In hindsight, I would describe my aversion towards the opera as the same hesitation I have to listen to Earl Scruggs for three hours. Earl Scruggs is a master of his craft. He should be considered one of the most technically gifted musicians in American history. But, would like to sit down and listen to him play for 3 hours at breakneck speed? No. Opera, to me...

Update One: The Long Slog and AMAZING AUCA And we are off an adventure again! This time in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan! For those who don't know, this spring, I will be studying Russian in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan at the American University of Central Asia through Colorado College's Russian language program. Unlike my time in Turkey at Ankara's Ritz-Carlton five-star experience sponsored by your Department of State (see Sam in Turkiye 2022 ), this time we will be living closer to reality. This time around, I am lucky enough to be with a wonderful host family (more on them to come later!).  The journey started just about as poorly as I could have possibly dreamed of. Within 30 minutes of being at our gate in Denver, on my way to Chicago, our flight was cancelled. Initially, delaying us 15 minutes after encountering a group of pigeons on the plane's decent, they said maintenance needed to ensure the safety of the plane. We waited dutifully. After 15 minutes the resigned voice of the a...