Ourwalkabout.nl is a blog about the world trip Michiel de Wit and Judica Wondergem are making in 2010.

It is now Monday, March 8 and that is a national holiday in Russia. The past two days has already lived to go. In Russia they have no mother but have international women. International Women's Day in the Netherlands because it is, but here is anything actually done. Teachers, universities, schools and other public institutions are closed, starting Saturday is everywhere already referred to, because even then were already many schools are closed and there was already partying. It is similar to Mother's Day, only here it is better celebrated. Women do basically the whole day without chores and the men buy something for the women. Because we 'Babuscka' (grandmother) Jane wanted to thank for the fact that she cooks so nice yesterday we bought her a rose. She was so happy and emotional. From joy she grabbed hold of me and engulfed me with kisses. The brother of Jane (17 years) and her father (who lives with her mother lives elsewhere) have already been long in the other grandmother. When they returned they had for Jane, Babushka and me flowers, cards and a cute little teddy bear included. Michael was there would agree that we in the Netherlands for us at least in the code. Anyway, sometime in late February is of course also international mannendag.

In recent days I Egor (the brother) rather sit plagues so I felt very guilty. As an exchange student, my sister sent me Lakrisal ever, I find it very nice, but the Americans found it so violently that they were crying. I told this story to Egor and said he was of course a real man and not as weak as the Americans and gave him a Lakrisal. He was horrible! Since the deal was that he had to find something vor us, he tried with cheese / sour cream. Of course we know that and did not respond as desired. Then came another drink made from horses and goats, it was best described as carbonated buttermilk. Yesterday I remembered him today that we just leave and he came up with something. A kind of bacon on the outside with the strong spices, when I took a bite left my face completely, the state is now 1-1.

We are in Irkutsk not been so busy with a lot of items because we have done. Below is a brief summary of the first day. On Saturday we arrived at 04.55 in the morning. We had between 9:00 to 10:00 with Jane agreed in a cafe. In itself, everything was okay in the Hot express cafe (everything except the toilet, but good). The case was open 24 hours a day ... that knocked unfortunately not quite. Between 9:00 and 10:00 was closed because they were going to make everything clean. There we were ... -23 degrees with our backpacks for Hot Express Cafe. Luckily Jane coming and we were soon at her apartment. For Russian standards it is extremely luxurious. On Saturday we have further taught by Jane at school. it is a kind of additional school where children can get extra lessons before or outside of normal teaching order. She gives private lessons and we have played games with the girls. The girls had something to eat at all for Women is for Jane. Then we had tea with a colleague. In one way or another they find us here still very special, I even got paid for the lessons. Converted 12 euro, but here is a considerable amount. English is in itself correct, but the Russian acccent keeps you hear. For them we are natives, though of course not entirely true that.

After tea, we still do some walking around in Irkutsk (brrr..) And Katie joined us, a friend of Jane who is studying German (and speaks very good!). We are in a sort of picturesque pub for a drink, it was completely painted the inside so it seemed rather a garden. Because today they celebrated Women's Day is this Saturday already in the pub. All men (including Michael) had to mention a compliment for the women. Furthermore there were roses and other prizes to win, but the atmosphere was great. In the evening, Jane still Sushi for us (she has also studied Chinese and lived for a year in Beijing), it was delicious! Because we are so early risen Michael and I then fallen asleep and delicious. It was a great start to our time here in Irkutsk.

Now it's time to shower, because tomorrow we're back on the train all day. This time the travel second class, so I'm curious!