sofasurfers

So we’re strolling along with Support Act – he’s kindly helping us to buy our tickets to Shymkent, and we’re leaving (read: being evicted from) the Russian couple’s apartment this evening. Actually, we were again turfed out at 8.30am; we’ll just return to collect our bags).

“So, now that all this is history,” I venture to Support Act, “and that we have another place to stay, and everything’s ok now…. Could you tell us: what really was the problem with Guy- and Girl-Halves?”

“Well! I sink it is because he doesn’t tell her you are coming.”

What?! When did she find out we were staying with them?

“Well! I don’t think he ever tell her.” So like, she found out when we walked in the door? “Well! You know, he is owner of his place, he is in charge. She just lives in his place. He is Russian man – he is in charge.”

U-huh. No wonder she was upset. There was us feeling bad for him, having to play piggy in the middle between her and us, when actually, it was us that were caught in the middle of things. And there was I assuming it was a case of one fine collection of female neuroses and insecurities about speaking English, ie, the female Russian temperament, when actually it was a case of the male Russian temperament. So how far away does your sister live? I’d asked on our last morning (she being the ‘reason’ we were asked to leave). “Oh she doesn’t live so far from here.” Hmmm…