Do you want to go to Borneo? No.

Do you know the old saying? Do you want to go to Borneo? No.

Context: Dad comparing the British penal system with Borneo at dinner at Jeveli's. Much hilarity ensued.

So yes, it's my last night in the U.S. Tomorrow I set off for Russia, where I shall be teaching ESL at the same place I was at before, Dolgoprudny. This time I shall hope to have Saturdays off so I can sing with the Moscow International Choir (too much to hope for having Tuesday evenings off, so I'll settle for Saturday mornings of telling the story and trying to not let my face have any problems while being beautiful. While I am not nearly as sad I was in 2006 when we celebrated my birthday three months early (just mom, dad, grandma, and me). I watched Finding Nemo that afternoon with mom and just started bawling, this time feels like routine. I've already spent nearly two and a half years on and off in Russia (St. Petersburg for a year and Moscow for a year and a half) and apart from a few annoying incidents, I've had lots of love and random laughs, and I"m sure I'll be having lots more. Looking forward to seeing all my crazy friends from LL and choir. Looking forward t0 walking along the Moscow River, traveling up to Dmitrov and bowling with the crew.

Today was spent doing every possible errand: dentist appointment at 8:00 am, haircut at 9:00, marathon at 10:00...LOL. Well, maybe not a marathon, but I did do lots of last minute errands. About to print off my boarding passes before I go to sleep, then pretty much just chillaxing tomorrow morning and afternoon. Mom and I usually watch a movie before I embark on such a journey, so we'll see. Maybe Nemo again? Maybe Up? Maybe a Choir marathon? :))) I love my wonderful family for all their support. I love all of you, my dear friends, for all your support. I will definitely stay in touch and I trust you will as well, whenever you can.

Will send a follow-up date with more details about living arrangements, my teaching schedule and plans for the year. For now, this is Comrade Jon signing off and wishing you a very happy Wednesday! Peace and love, Comrade Jon