This past weekend, I got to go on an excursion to the Olkhon, and it was truly amazing. I learned a lot of history about the town of the island and the people who live there, and truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Thursday, Iraida Petrovna texted all of us and asked us to come to her office before class. When we did, she dropped a small bombshell on us - we were being given the opportunity to go on a three day trip to the island of Olkhon, the biggest island in Lake Baikal, but the trip was leaving Friday morning, cost 5400 rubles (roughly $180), and we had to let her know before the end of the day. Originally I told her I wouldn't go, because I wasn't sure I had the money. But after a quick conversation with my mom, I changed my mind and told her I would go. It was a wonderful trip. The island is beautiful, and I got amazing pictures, which are on Facebook - I took almost 200, so I'm not going to try to send more than a couple. It was very cold on the island - the temperature wasn't more than 50 degrees the entire weekend, and since it was an island, there was a lot of wind, but it was wonderful weather. Clear, sunny days - great for taking pictures.