Reflections on Kiev, part 2:

It is impossible for me to read signs made up of English words written in Cyrillic in an accent other than action-movie-Russian-bad-guy, even if I'm only reading them in my head.

The reason no one is out on the streets is that everyone is out under the streets.

This city is hella expensive, seriously.

After a day of walking around Kiev, a few thoughts.

1. Warsaw is to Łódź as Kiev is to Lwów. I spent the whole day moving to different areas of town (of course, only in the center) and didn't see one rudera. Even the sidewalks are even! This city has money.

2. The only real problem, and it was a problem for me, because for most of the day I was lugging my baggage around, is the relative lack of benches.

3. There is a lot of man-made noise in this city.

4. Dear Awkward Breakdancers on Khreshchatyk St., I'm sure You would have been impressive in the pre-internet era.

5. A pack of wild dogs running through the park?! Seriously?!!! SO RUSSIA!!

6. Tsar Nicholas II, in response to student protests, had the main university building painted blood red. D'You think it was so that the stains wouldn't show...?

One of my alcoholic neighbours seems to have broken her foot, and was encountered sitting at the bottom of the 8 steps to the elevator. When offered help she replied, "I'm waiting for someone strong and beautiful."

Admissions Interviews, Round 2

Q. Why do you want to study psychology?
A. Well, it's a really good science.

Q. Why do you want to study psychology?
A. I've always been interested in humans, what it means to be human, feelings, motivation. I really like psychology and philosophy.
Q. What do you see as the difference between psychology and philosophy?
A. I don't know! I will study psychology to find out!

Q. Why did you like this book?
A. It, like, had a lot of information that I wasn't, like, aware of..?

Q. What did you find most interesting in this book? Was there anything that surprised you?
A. I was surprised that animals don't perceive! I know bears eat a lot before winter, birds make nests, I didn't realize they don't perceive the way humans do!
Q. Hhmmm. I'm not sure that is what the author was saying. What do you mean animals don't perceive?
A. Well, humans have a brain.