January went whizzing past the New Year, which was spent with our Ukrainian friends. We danced, we sang, we drank champagne and homemade conyak, shashlik (bbq) was literally man-made while the ladies prepared a variety of salads, including Ukraine's national Olivie (салат оливье). We celebrated at 10 for Russia, and then at 12 for us, while we lit sparklers and ran into the night to see fireworks in the distance.
Then, January jumped over a good friend's birthday party and into a freezing lake the next day where we "washed away our sins" (or maybe just our fears) for Jesus' baptism, or Кришение (video to come).
January carried us to Kiev on a hot and sleepless twelve-hour train after which it lifted us away to a small hotel in Chernigov where we remembered that we studied Russian for three months before shamefully forgetting to study for 12 subsequent months. But January, my speedy savior, thank you for giving me new motivation to learn Russian.
That whole ordeal, obviously, made January take a quick marshrutka ride to our host family, who met us with open arms, wine, vodka, games, laughter, and delicious food.
January, you conquered yourself and faded into February, but I won't forget you yet.
Photos taken by Nastya and Sasha Telikova
