so i got an email this morning... and one of the guys (i wanna say it was my photo teacher haha but i don't think it was.. i can't rem. his last name) who put on the russia study abroad program i went on, said he's trying to organize a russia trip this winter (right after christmas).  it sounds awesome! i emailed him with questions and to show him my interest, so now i'm waiting to hear back...

i'm so happy that someone is organizing this! i've been DYING to go back and i really want jarred to go (and he really wants to go) and i've been looking up lil travel deals and stuff, but it's so hard figuring out what to do b/c there's SO MUCH. russia has sooooooo much to do, and i don't think i'd be able to plan a trip by myself. i need help! i mean duh jarred would help, but since i've been there i feel like i know a lil more... i dunno if he could really help too much.  plus, it's gonna be sooo much cheaper if he organizes it, b/c it's not like he's looking for any kinda profit. he's looking for deals and he knows the best places to stay, etc. so all we gotta do is pay however much we owe... you know?

and i think anyone can go! so if any of yall wanna go... haha. i guess i could see if any of my roomies wanna go... that'd be awesome.  i wish it was for more than 2 weeks ;( that kinda sucks. but o well. i don't think i could afford it if it were any longer anyway. but then i was also thinking, we could go visit jarred's brother in germany too, maybe... we could extend the trip a few more days? we'll see. b/c we might be goin there this summer. i dunno! we have a lotta stuff to think about and it'll be here before we know it. it's exciting :D

but like, the russia trip i went on was $3,500 i wanna say. and that included 2 classes. AND it was for a month. so this one should be considerably less than that. i really hope so.  and what's even better about ppl planning the trip for you is everything's ready for you... you don't hafta set up the room, tickets to shows/museums... yayy :)

buttttttttttttttt one big downside to this trip is it's gonna be in the winter... IN RUSSIA. you know how freakin cold that's gonna be?!?! and i REALLY wanna go during the white nights ;( gosh. so we're not gonna be able to do some of the stuff we did on the other trip... like uh... roam around all night and day and take pictures and explore... lol. or take boat rides. blah. but, i know that seeing russia in the winter time is something worth seeing.

here's the email about the trip:

"Privet former Russian travelers!

I hope that everyone is doing well and either preparing to graduate or advancing in their careers.  I want to thank you for your past participation in the study abroad program to St. Petersburg. The program continues to be a model for the European Council. Each year it grows stronger and attracts students from across Georgia and the USA. 
As a past participant I wanted to let you know about a trip that I am organizing to St. Petersburg.  You have seen St. Petersburg in the summer but have you ever wondered how the city looks in the winter? Imagine the streets covered with a blanket of snow and the canals iced over as horse drawn sleighs make their way down traditional palace paths. The city takes on a different personality in the winter as the days are shorter and the temperatures are a little cooler.

Here is the tentative plan:
Travel to St. Petersburg for two weeks at the end of the year following Christmas. Spend the New Year in Russia and celebrate in traditional Russian New Year style. Accommodations would be similar to the summer program at IMOP. Excursions would be offered to various palaces. There would be a “not for credit” educational component available in the area of history and art/architecture. It could be possible for teachers to earn PL credits for taking part in the educational options. A traditional Russian New Year celebration dinner would be provided. There would be a lot of free time available for exploring on your own. Travel in the city would rely on the city transportation system.  Basically the trip would give you an opportunity to explore St. Petersburg in the winter. You could even join the polar bear club if you choose.

Let me know if this is something that interests you. I am in the organizational stage and do not have a price available yet. This trip is not associated with the European Council or the University System. The dollar is very strong against the rubble and hopefully it will continue to gain strength throughout the year.

Again I hope that you are doing well and please drop me a note as soon as possible to let me know if this is something that would interest you so that I can start to hammer down some dates and figures.

Das vadanya,
Jeff"

and i guess i shouldnt get too excited... idk if it's a "final" sorta thing. =[
wellllllllll anywayyyyy... just wanted to write about the exciting news. i guess it's good that jarred and i are starting to brush up on our russian :) woohoo! learning languages=fun and addictive. haha.