Russian Table, at Midd

By the way, I think that's the first time I've ever written/said/thought "Midd."

Anyways, I was at Russian table, meeting the new TA and seeing Tatiana for the first time in far too long, and thought I'd make conversation by talking about Eddie and Natalie in Siberia. As I've already figured out far too many times, ridiculing Russians in front of Russians is no good way to make civil, happy conversation. But, again, I found myself ridiculing jam water, because, of course, it's ridiculous.

"What's wrong with jam water?" asks the TA, in English, I swear those were her exact words. I almost died right there.

So I try to move on, and comment on Natalie's host mother saying "Vodka cures anything. The other day, my leg hurt, and I rubbed vodka on it. It no longer hurts."

They all laugh. I think myself redeemed. So I push the envelope, as I am wont to do, never with good outcomes.

"Do they REALLY believe that, though? Do they REALLY think it works."

Everyone turns serious. Immediately.

Tatiana: "It does work."

I stayed quiet for the rest of the day.

--gs