Return to Kazan

As part of the program, we are all given one week in the semester when we are free to travel where ever we want. They call it 'Russian Travel Week' and it would probably be better if people actually chose to travel within Russia, but I'm guessing 90% chose to leave.
Regardless, I chose to visit Kazan, Volgograd, and Moscow with my time and I chose to only use platzkart train accommodations. 
My host sister from last summer, Liliya, had invited me back to visit them so I decided to take her up on the offer. The train ride from St. Petersburg took 21ish hours and it was pretty normal; everyone was civil and quiet, and the train ride was peaceful.
Arriving in Kazan felt great. I think sometimes it takes a couple times to realize how great and amazing something is. From the second I stepped off the train, I just felt comfortable and at home, more so than I do in St. Petersburg. I had forgotten how much I love Kazan.
Liliya was working when I arrived, so I took some time to cruise around the city solo before meeting up with friends. I was completely taken off guard when I realized how small the center of the city really is; I remembered it being larger. From the train station, I had only walked a short while when I passed TsUM and then I could see the Kremlin a short distance further. I toured the Kremlin for a bit, and then continued in the direction of what I believed to be the university I studied at.

And what do you know, after a short walk, I found my way back to the old FSB building, and from that point I knew how to get where I was going. I also visited Kazan State University (Now called the Kazan (Volga Area) Federal University) and the surrounding area. It truly felt great to be back in Kazan.

Before I left, Liliya had given me directions on how to get to their apartment even though I knew I could find my way back there. I hopped on the metro and off I went.
There seemed to be a lot of construction there. They are construction a new overpass on Prospekt Pobedy along with the never-ending apartment complex renovation. Liliya's apartment had undergone renovation and looked quite nice.
A lot had changed in a year. There is a new mall across from the apartment, construction everywhere, new bars and businesses on Bauman, and a new metro station opened earlier this year. I mad sure to visit it and cruise around that area.

Most of all, it was just great to visit with Liliya and her mother, Galia. I feel like I was able to talk with them more and understand them more than when last I saw them. Additionally, Galia is a great cook and makes amazingly tasting food. Homemade noodle soup, salad, delicious jams, and julienne (my absolutely favorite thing ever eaten in Russia) were some of the things I had.
One day, we met up with one of Liliya's friends, Leysan. Together we played a homemade variant of Apples to Apples that included both American and Russian culture. I tried explaining the Hellen Keller Trump Card rule, but I don't think it translated well (different senses of humor I guess).
The next day, we went to Leysan's and I tried persimmon for the first time. Let me tell you, they are delicious. Sweet, interesting texture...delicious.
One of the most memorable experiences in Kazan was going to one of Liliya's English classes. Her class consisted of adults who worked in the same office together. We did some exercises together and played a short round of the hybrid Apples to Apples. I was amazed at how well they spoke. It's always interesting to witness someone learning your language and being able to understand them completely despite the challenges.

Fun Experience-- I noticed a babushka selling suckers on the street. Not completely an uncommon thing, but sometimes the shapes the suckers are in are a little surprising. This particular babushka was selling pistol suckers, cow suckers, bar suckers, and....ahem...'rooster' suckers. I decided this was funny, so I bought one. The best part was as I handed her the 20 rubles, she said that it was good for sore throats. Yup, I'm sure it is. 
Overall, Kazan was a fantastic experience. I cannot wait to go back again sometime.

Next stop--Volgograd