Week 18 in Russia: Olkhon Island

Week 18--my second-to-last week in Russia. It's starting to sink in that I'm leaving in a week. I have taken all my exams and only have one 15 page paper standing in my way to enjoying the 80 degree weather during my last week. Luckily, the weather is cooperating with my wish to get some work done this weekend, and it's currently 50 degrees and rainy. The forecast is promising from Monday-Saturday, though, so I'd better get my work done fast. As in, I should be working instead of writing this blog right now, but eh, I've got the rest of the night.

Anyway, last Saturday and Sunday, I went with four Russians and two other Americans to Olkhon Island. We set off bright and early Saturday morning, stopping along the way at a camp that Sasha lived in for a few weeks of a practicum during the summer after his first course in construction. He was excited to see that it was still intact, and proceeded to take a handful of pictures on my camera:

The road after our stop at Sasha's old camp was pretty much non-existent. The other car that we were traveling with got a flat tire and had to change to the spare. The road got better right before we made it to the ferry-crossing to Olkhon Island. There we waited about an hour and a half for the next ferry, seeing the view of the island from the shore and making friends with the local wild cows.

Jake wants to play, the cow doesn't

The view from the shore before taking the ferry

When the ferry finally came, I had another taste of Russian "lines" as cars from the back of the line cut in front of our car to get on the first ferry. We waited and got on the second one, though, and the ride was beautiful.

Sasha looking out over Lake Baikal on the ferry

Once on the other side, we caught up to the other car, which had made it across on the first ferry. We decided to go climb on a highly sacred rock to the Buryat people. You're not really supposed to climb it. Or collect rocks. Of course, we obeyed these rules...right? (PS Mom, I have some rocks for you).

After playing on the rock a bit (and for me, collecting rocks), we drove along the beach to find a place to set up camp. We chose a spot not far from where the sacred rock is located, and set up three tents only a walks distance from the beach. It was windy, but otherwise the weather was great. We made soup, salad, and sashlik, and enjoyed our feast in the fresh air. At night, we gathered around the fire for warmth and toasted to our trip.

Our camp: 3 tents and a fire / The sunset over Baikal

In the morning, I took a walk with Sasha's friend Yurka to the cliffs at end of our beach. Jake, one of the Americans, decided to take a dip in Lake Baikal. I thought about it, but just getting my feet wet was cold enough for me. Yurka and I had breakfast and played cards until lunchtime. After lunch, I took a nap in the sun and got some serious sunburn on my face. We packed up our stuff and headed back to Irkutsk, arriving around midnight to our dormitory.

Jake tests the water / We all pose for a picture

The rest of this week was all in Irkutsk. I sang "Star-Crossed" from Steve Sunu's Orpheus at a "Best Students" ceremony on Tuesday. They had asked me to perform again, and this time I was allowed to chose a song. Naturally, I chose one that I knew well, and that is close to my heart. :)

On Wednesday, my second cousin came to Irkutsk to get a visa from the Polish embassy. She was here until Friday night. I showed her around Irkutsk and we skype with my mom and babushka on Friday before she left. It was great to see her again and know that our ties are firmly established.

Next week, when I write this blog, I will be saying my goodbyes--if I haven't said them already. I am looking forward to a week of good weather, and hope that I get this paper finished in time to enjoy it!