I learned my first real word the other night. Privet.

Unfortunately I am not sure how to type Russian letters on my computer. Still new to the computer, the internet and of course to this site.

I want to learn some Russian, study Russian culture and history. I found this site googling "Russian penpals". I don't have a lot of money or resources to go to school for classes. So I am learning on here a little.

I live in CA, in San Diego. I am 44. I was raised in SD since I was 3 years old by my aunt. My mother was around, but too ill to take care of me. She passed away when I was 9. My aunt is also passed, since 2009. She was 67.

I have lived in SD most of my life.

I have always been fascinated with Russians, Russia, and Russian ways. I love the way they talk and pronounce words.

My fascination grew even more when I read Anatoli Boukreev's book, The Climb 2 years ago. I also read Above the Clouds, his compilation of journals. His climbing stories also fascinated me.

I wish he was still alive.

I look forward to learning more about Russians and Russia, maybe meeting some Russians.

I joined the Penpals club last week and still hoping to make some pals as well.

I am not married, but I live with a friend.

hope to talk to some of you.

Carol