Countdown to Flight Departure from Houston (Central & Moscow Time!)

My Countdown Countdown

My Countdown Countdown

Dr. Pope's Packing List

Today Dr. Vandiver sent us a list of suggested items to pack that she received from the director of our host agency, Dr. Pope.  I was extremely excited about this list, until I started reading it!  The first word that scared me...MOSQUITOES!  Anyone who knows me knows that bugs, primarily mosquitoes, cockroaches, and ants, bother me tremendously!  I am allergic to mosquitoes and ants and get giant red whelps anytime I am bit by one.  I will definitely be taking bug repellent to Russia!  Next I begin reading the list of suggested clothing to wear and the list discourages t-shirts and any jeans that are tattered, frayed, or drag the ground.  Apparently these items will warrant teasing as being a "sloppy American."  I can get over the t-shirt part, but I do not own a single pair of jeans that: a.) do not drag under my heel; b.) are not tattered and frayed at the bottom as a result of dragging the ground; and c.) I own "distressed" jeans, meaning I bought them with holes in them!  Also, I would like to know who wears nice shirts with tennis shoes?  I will be packing my Ugg boots, my comfortable tennis shoes, flip flops to wear in the hostel shower, and, apparently, now some type of nice, black flat.  I was confident in packing until I saw this list.  Now, I think I need a bigger bag! (lol)  I will not be discouraged!  I will make this work and even the scary packing list cannot quell my excitement!  Для России!

New Swag for the Trip!

 

 New L.L. Bean Rolling Duffel that was under $100.00.  The customer reviews are also excellent and the company will replace it if it is damaged or breaks, no questions asked!

For an additional cost they will embroider your name or initials!

It is top heavy so it doesn't stand on its own very well, but it has wheels and a retractable handle.

As a purse alternative, I purchased this Nike gym sack!  It is very roomy and only costs $15! 

Another steal at $15! I purchased this expandable toiletry bag at Walmart.  It has individual slots for my shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and bath sponge in the from zipper! It is also adorable!

Inside has pockets for all of my other travel size goodies!  It is super spacious!

Lastly, I purchased new walking shoes from the Sketchers outlet.  They are Sketchers Toners.  These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever walked in.  I walked a couple of miles in them just to test them out and my feet did not bother me at all!  They aren't even broken in yet either!



Well, these are some of my new goodies for the trip!  Still trying to debate on purchasing a disposable international phone at some point or if I will just skype/email the amazing husband while I am away.  Also, Dr. Vandiver informed us that we will be in Russia during white nights or the phenomenon also known as the midnight sun!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnight_sun  It sounds very interesting and is just another great thing we will be privileged to experience on our trip!

News About the Russia Trip!

We had a meeting about our trip to Russia today!  We will be staying at Hotel Vladimir most of the nights we are there.  http://www.hotel-vladimir.ru/ Additionally, we will stay three nights at a hostel in Moscow. http://www.hotelnewarbat.ru/  I am excited that we will be able to visit the Militia Training School, visit a Russian Court, and possibly the Vladimir Central Prison or women's colony!  The many discussions and lectures also sound very interesting!  I am so excited and feel very fortunate that I am able to experience this great opportunity.  I am looking forward to meeting all of the new people and experiencing a different.  One of the other students, Rebecca, was telling me that staying in a hostel is a fun experience.  Since this is my first trip out of the states, I am looking forward to this as well!  In the next couple of days I will post some pictures of my new rolling duffel bag and new walking shoes!  I still have shopping to do.  I am going to try to buy some nice Texas State swag to take with me to share with my host family and still have all of my toiletries to purchase.  I may also purchase a small gym sack, like the Nike or Adidas ones, to carry my belongings around. I am definitely not taking a purse!  Anyway, I still have to make a complete list of everything I want to take!  This is going to be such a fun trip!