Moscow time!!!

Hello Moscow!!

Alright so my first experience on real Russian soil was going through customs (very easy), gathering my bags, and waiting for a man to appear with a sign with my name on it. The airport was very big yet it was very empty. 
When the man finally arrived (late!), we jumped into a van and then is when I experienced my first freak out moment in Russia. Not only did this guy not speak to us to make us more comfortable, he drove like a mad man! I have to admit that I felt panic enough to question if we even got in the car with the right person, but the others felt confident so I went along with it.

For some reason that bus does say HOCHIE'S! 

My first sight of what Russia has to offer was Russian traffic. Let me just say that all of those videos on youtube making fun of how Russians drive do present the exact image I was experiencing. It was a three lane highway, but the people decided to make it four. There were cars driving backwards making the on ramp an exit ramp because they didnt want to sit in traffic. There were motorcycles zooming by in between lanes and dodging cars!!! I was also amazed at the people just parking along the side of the road for the hell of it! STRANGE!

But I wasn't going to let the driving situation ruin my excitement so I quickly learned to ignore the crazy honking and almost being sideswiped at least 20 times, and look around for other things that caught my attention. For example, the billboards were HUGE with beautiful pictures and most all in Russian. The buildings on the outskirts of the city did look like run down apartments but still that wasn't going to deter me.
Finally after an hour of driving we got to Moscow State University. I have to admit I was in awe of the architecture and grandness of my new school. With iron rod gates surrounding the place, giving it an eerie yet protective feel, I was excited to go inside. I know many of you are concerned about my safety so I just want to point out that this place is heavily guarded and you have to have your student pass to get in anywhere! Including the dorms!

So after handing my passport over to my program leader she took off on a hunt for our temporary student passes, until we get new ones. That's when I took it all in...this is REALLY happening! I finally made it! A euphoric high washed over me and I honestly started comparing my school to HOGWARTS! Well I was very jet lagged so cut me some slack. But it totally is like an old soviet version of the wizarding school from Harry Potter!
Ok next up I'll tell you about my dorms and the cafeteria:)