Altai days 7, 8, and 9

So I have fallen behind in keeping this blog. It’s hard to keep motivated to post regularly when my posts aren’t actually reaching anyone. Today is Saturday, and my last update was on Sunday. This past week, Chloe, Christian, and I were in camp for three days while Cheryl, Cristina, and Cameron went camping and then we switched. On Monday, we went horseback riding around the area. The ride itself was fairly slow, but the nature was incredible and our guide was quite a character. He liked me for some strange reason, and kept trying to tell me jokes in Russian. He also wanted me and Chloe to have a popularity contest where we walk around the camp asking for money. Whoever gets the most wins, then we pool the money and go out drinking.

Beach day posing with Jim's company towel

Returning from our ride

Heading out on the rafting trip

            On Tuesday, the whole camp had a beach day. We held morning lessons, then went to a man-made lake and sat around there for five hours. It wasn’t particularly thrilling, but it was fun playing in the water with the kids. Then, on Wednesday we went rafting. I think there was maybe one Class III rapid, the rest was pretty tame. It was pleasant but nothing compared to rafting on the New.  It was weird being in camp with only half the kids and half the leaders. Cheryl is the teacher I’m closest to, and Chloe’s constant complaining can get old. Also, all the young leaders went camping and we were left with Nadia, Natalia, and Vladimir. They are perfectly pleasant, but not as fun. I really missed Igor’s jokes and having someone to hang around with after the kids went to bed. Also, we have the younger group. They’re all very sweet, but need a lot more managing. This session has some kids who are very obviously spoiled at home and most of the team leaders aren’t much for discipline. It’s hard keeping them in order for classes, but it’s awesome when we’re just goofing around during free time.