He's Leaving on a Jet Plane

Today we had a nice going away party, complete with delicious shamburgers and homemade buns. This party was for my apartment-mate, Martin, whom leaves tomorrow morning. Martin, it was a great two and a half months with you here. You will be missed! I wish you safe travels and a good life back in Washington. Most of all, I wish you happy holidays with your family. I wish I had that luxury.

Even though it's officially the end of the term at the English Language Center, my vacation hasn't started yet :( I have to teach on Monday and Wednesday afternoon at the division office (which I enjoy), and teach another class Tuesday and Thursday evening. I also have to substitute for another teacher's classes on Tuesday! It will be busy, but not half as busy as it usually is :)

I look forward to spending a little more time with my Russian friends too. This means lots of Russian practice!

Also, tonight, I and a friend stepped inside the magnificent Orthodox cathedral called "Church of Christ the Savior", and spent a few minutes watching the Sunday evening mass. This is the grandest cathedral in all of Moscow (Russia?), and its ceiling and Rotunda are absolutely spectacular!