Wednesday, January 18, 2006

VIENNA, January 11

January 11: This is the first day of classes. Almost all of my students are of Slavic background. More may register late. My non-Slavic students are German and Lybian. Presumably another young man from the Middle East will enroll. In many ways the students seem a lot like American students—some gossip about another professor, some seem more motivated, and some seem to have a better sense of direction regarding what they want to do. Mary even heard some cursing in English. Most seem to be at the university because they like the American style of education. One young Russian fellow spoke English with the typical slang words common today. I thought he was American at first. Mary went to the store and for support we had a fresh salad, ravioli with tomato sauce, green beans, and great bread baked with pumpkin sees; for dessert dark chocolate. . . . .in moderation. After supper we went for a long, very brisk walk, in freezing temperatures.

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