Openly undercover

On minimalism…

A few days ago I was making small talk with an older man at a mixer event. An older, business man.  We got on the topic of Russia, which is typical (for me at least), and he began telling me about the Russian presents he recieved while working with the Soviet Union (a sort of diplomatic position, he said). One such gift was a Samovar, which for those who don’t know is a beautifully crafted metal pot that is used to heat water. There is usually a smaller pot attached to the top with tea concentrate that you would mix with the water once it boiled (in your own individual cup). Well, I of course said that I had one when I was very young, before we moved to the states, and that I would love to have one again someday. Well you can take one of mine, I have two. Oh, well I wouldn’t be comfortable taking it. I don’t see why, you see when you get to a certain age, minimalism is key, I often give things away. Um, ugh, well… alright. Ok, let me give you my card, just call and we’ll arrange it. [Takes the card, uncomfortably, wishing I had said yes samovars are cool, or something like that instead.] Have I mentioned that I dislike small talk.

Now after finals, I will be making a very awkward call. Yes, this is the girl who wants your tea set. Where can I meet you?