Two nights ago met a Russian named IGOR who works for Lenbell - a Russian telephone company, equivalent to AT&T, their big competitor. He's in Antwerp with clients. To get clients, they come here (or anywhere) and go out at night & basically become friends. They drink a ton, but don't get wasted. He gave us each a gift (me a pen). I also got his business card. He would be happy to host me and some friends in Russia. He lives in Novosibirsk, a big city in the East (the big three are Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novosibirsk). I immediately thought of Matt. It was so interesting talking to him. He explained true and false ideas we have of Russia and communism (he was a member of the Communist Party!) He really supports free market enterprise & Democracy, and says it can never go back, especially businesswise (they wouldn't let it happen). Anyway, we had a great time and I have a great potential opportunity.
Last night I went out with Greit and Susan. We had a great time. They each bought me a beer. They have my address & I invited them to come to my house if they're ever in the States. Maybe next summer - we'll see.
Time for our review session. Big test tomorrow.
9 June, Friday
Last night here. Heading to Ireland tomorrow morning. Last night (this morning really) I got in at after 6am and was woken up at 8:30 by a phone call from downstairs. I've never had to get ready so fast in my life. We visited the Diamond District. It was tough since I was not doing well.
Last night was great. We went out with Carl (from IBIS) and I also invited IGOR. We had a great time. Met a girl from Madison (Amy - goes to school at UW Madison) and some of her Belgian friends. I forget her boyfriend's name. Marlene was very attractive (Dutch). Roland was a lot of fun too. After the American Bar we went to another and got shots of Geneva (awful) and Green Apple (excellent). It ended up being Igor, Roland, Marlene, and me. We had a great time and great conversation, not to mention great flirting. After, we went to a karaoke bar and sang & danced until the sun came up and the place shut down.
I have all their addresses. Marlene is visiting Russian in September (I introduced her to Igor last night only). Igor was great. He's married and has a 3 year old kid. He's invited me to come to Russia. I have to do that sometime, perhaps with Matt & friends. [Aside: They (Russians) eat butter before drinking vodka. It allows it to pass through the stomach better. It must, if they can drink as much as they do. When I met him this morning, he was totally fine (at least acting so).] Marlene wants a "juicy" letter, although I'm not sure what juicy info she wants to hear. She's from Holland and goes to the university there. Also, they have email over here and I have some people's email addresses.
