Hace Calor!

(originally written April 29, 2012)

I have never been so happy to take a cold shower in my life.  When I read before coming here that most houses in Samara didn't have hot water, I must admit I was taken aback.  However, after emerging from the four hour bus ride to Samara from San Jose looking like I'd just completed a cannonball -- fully dressed -- I understood why.  I mean, I've pretty much worked up a sweat just writing this, and I'm sitting under a fan.  I should also mention that most places in Samara also don't have air conditioning, despite the temperature being around 91 degrees year round.  Even if I do no exercise while I'm here, I'm pretty sure I can lose at least 10 lbs in water weight alone -- never a bad thing.

Pictured:  My dreams, in whiteface and bad jeans.

Aside from that, or maybe I should say, in spite of that, I really like it here in Samara thus far.  The local people have all been very friendly and welcoming, and you can tell from their expressions and attitudes that they truly enjoy life.  They are also very patient with us students and our broken Spanish, which I think is very generous of them, considering how little patience Americans (myself included) have for foreigners sometimes.  I have only been here six hours or so, but already I can tell I'll enjoy my time here.  As long as I wear waterproof mascara!