Super-Duper Wacky n' Tacky Euro Adventure

And it turns out he's not that bad. So the world bank set up a small reception with Mr. Wolfowitz just to welcome the new interns, this being the first official intern program that they have ever had. There are only seven interns that they chose from and two are from Stanford (yes we pulled some major Russian strings and got Iris in!). Ok, here is how the conversation went when the big man entered the room:

*Smiles, cameras, handshakes, overall phoniness*
-Hello Mr. Wolfowitz, my name is Beto Juarez, I go to Stanford University.
-Well, hello. My son was class of 2004.
-Really? What was his major?
-Earth Sciences
*Pause for commentary. Earth Sciences tells me two things about his son. 1. He is nothing like his dad. 2. It is possible he is also a hippy and might have lived in synergy at one point. Def not like his dad.*
-Really? I didn't know him, unfortunately.
-Say, do you maybe wanna go grab a beer or something. I'm getting awfully tired of these cameras and secret service and junk.
-Yeah sure
*at the pub, four beers later*
-You know, I never really thought it was gonna fly
-What's that Wolfi? (Being in Russia, I had to create a new pet name for my friend.)
-The whole Iraw thing. But W just gave that real pensive look, you know, the one where he squints his eyes and it appears that he actually might be thinking a cohesive thought...
-Yeah, I know the one.
-Then he told me. Paul, let's do it.
-Ooh oby, was I excited then.
*four more beers later*
-I miss my family.
-Don't cry Wolfi, it's gonna be alright.
-I didn't know that with this whole "World Bank" thing that you actually had to travel the world!
-Everyone makes mistakes.
-Did I tell you my daughter is just starting at Chapel Hill?
-Yes you did, Wolfi.
-I think you might like her.
-I don't know. I've never met her.
*another four beers later*
-Did you know "Vlad" didn't even wanna meet with me?
-Really?
-Yeah, says he doesn't have time. Does he even know who I am? And who is he? Some little Russian nobody. If it wasn't for that stupid oil!
-Now Wolfi, I know you're not constructing another war in that little head of yours!
-Would it be so bad if I was?
-Yes! Too many people! Too much money! Haven't we learned our lesson?
-I guess so. That's what Rumsy keeps telling me. But Karl's got my back! He loves wars!
-Yes he does. But we don't know if Karl will be there much longer, do we?
-I guess not.
-Well Wolfi, it's been great, but I have class in a few hours, so I've gotta bounce.
-Can't you stay for one more beer?
-Oh Wolfi, ok, maybe just one more.

The previous conversation may or may not be the entire truth. I leave the reader to discriminate which is which.

because I've been so terrible lately at updating. This might be a bit choppy, but mind seems to be a bit choppy right now.

*I am currently skipping my second day in a row of Russian to surf some internet downtown at this Parisian cafe that I've become increasingly accustomed to. Mmm, the Kofe Amerikano c malakom i c cakharom is quite good here.

*I have a legitimate excuse to skip today! In an hour and a half or so I will be at the World Bank headquarters for what I think is a reception to welcome Paul Wolfowitz. I think. Well I'm in my one suit anyway, so it better be something good.

*This poor suit has gotten such a workout! I was about to not even bring it abroad, but I have worn these shoes and suit pants for 3 out of the past six days! Where in the world are dry cleaners in Moscow?

*The good news: the World Bank position is secure!

*The bad news: they broke their promise to accept two Stanford students so Iris won't be joining me for the time being. Of course this is simply unacceptable and Iris plans to nag and nag, Russian-style, until she gets a position. You know I got your back girl.

*Did you (the hypothetical you of course) know that other cultures have flan! They just call it different things! In French it is Creme Caramel. something else in Russian. I was simply blown away.

*Roddy, I don't know if I should join your facebook group. Again, I'm flattered, but these coalitions are starting to get rediculous.

*We leave for St. Pete tomorrow! Good times to be had this weekend!

Alright Flash Player is making me close firefox to install some stupid updates so I gotta bounce this cyber-space. More updates soon!

Micha enjoys the company of the lad.
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The lad from St. Petersburg thoroughly enjoys Moscow. I'm joining you this weekend Sean!
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All up in da club!
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And he got it!
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Steven delicately manuevers a pint into his pocket.
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Happy Birthday!
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Oh my, this is going to be an epic obshcezhitie party.
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Where are the dark ladies? Maybe inbetween Micha and Seepan.
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This guy's stuff won the show. Love the Animal House look.
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American, Irish, and Russian! Everyone loves free wine!
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Seepan supports the alternative lifestyle while Richard simply lives it.
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This guy's stuff did not win.
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Honey, where do you do your hair?
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This guy was asleep by my metro stop. I decided that I would give him a bleen to help his hangover when he woke up.
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The stupid internet has been down everywhere! Sorry no excuses. This was a busy weekend, but I don't have much battery left, so I'll do what I can for the moment.

I think this picture signifies the weekened very well: New people mixed with old people and good times had by all!

Ok, a few quick hi-lites:
*Did I mention that we went to go see Andy Warhol the other day, in Moscow?! It was amazing. There was also an angry babushka that didn't let Iris or me in on our student passes. Damn, not being able to argue in Russian!
*We went to this very hot Russian fashion show contest hosted by MTV Russia. Our invitor, Ruslan, even won the competition! The only down-side was worrying way too much about what to wear with a fashion show!
*I found spicy food! My tounge was out of order on Firday night. Yummy.
*Lads from St. Petersburg joining in the wildness that was Saturday night. Well, one lad and one Estonian. Good combination.