So a Good Part of Northern Moscow Thinks I'm a Slut

I don't have much time today--gotta go home and wait for a coat (long story), but I'll tell you something I learned just now:

Usually, rather than the bus, I take a Marshrutka, which is a van that follows the bus route-weaves in and out of traffic better, really comfy seats, and only costs a buck. But the money collection on these things is a little haphazard, with people just randomly passing their fare up toward the driver.

Every once in awhile, someone will turn to me to collect fare I have already paid. So I say to them "Ya dala," "I gave."

Well Slava just informed me that I have to say "Ya otdala," or "I gave it." Otherwise, the sentence has a similar connotation to "I put out."

So yeah. I've told at least half a dozen people over the last two months that I don't have to pay my cab fare, because I banged the driver. Nice.

You can take the girl out of Transcona...