Learning

One of my favorite things about my being in Russia is that I am studying Russian. I take (surprisingly inexpensive) private lessons three times a week. My teacher, Irina, has a PhD in teaching Russian as a second language. She is actually in the process of publishing a book on Russian grammar. She's really great and I feel like in less than five weeks I've learned quite a bit.
Before I came here, my friend Shaun helped me get started, teaching me the alphabet, how to write in Russian (because the letters are not the same as in English handwriting), and a few words and phrases. Since I've been here, I've learned enough that I can almost sort of get around independently. I'm far from holding any complicated, interesting, or philosophical conversations, but I can communicate a bit. I've only learned a tiny chunk of the entire language, but I am excited at even that amount, which seems like a lot. I am lucky that I have studied other languages (especially Latin) because it has helped me learn Russian. Irina is terrifically patient and she tells me I am good - that I have a "phonetic gift." Now I am just bragging, I guess, so I'll be done. Hope everything is happy at home. I'll be there before you know it.
P.S. I would display my prowess with the Russian language by typing something in Russian, but it is a pain to pick at the Russian keyboard and my Russian spelling is pretty bad. You'll just have to talk to me when I get home.