Russia

Well I just returned last night from my first trip to Russia. I must say it was an experience. Having traveled a lot in my life I thought it would be more routine than it was. Russia is certainly filled with surprises and adventures. My general impression is that the country is in the midst of great economic and social changes with wide gaps of attitudes between various generations. The country is both on the cutting edge of modern advancements along with being painfully backwards in attitudes and rules in my opinion. Over the next couple of weeks I will try to write about the things that surprised me most, what I liked best, and what I thought was most interesting about the country. I certainly would also support anyone who would like to travel there and think it is well worth the visit.

I have to say I greatly enjoyed meeting my new family down in the black sea. They threw us a wedding party and freely expressed their happiness for us. I had a great time even if my blushing bride was embarrassed by me joining in an Armenian dance or two! I see a lot of potential in the area that RG’s dad and relative are from and think that in 20 years it will be one of the great vacation destinations in the world. I was also glad to meet RG’s and KB’s friends in Moscow, and their roommate IB. IB was very gracious in showing us the city and putting up with our (ok my) incessant questioning. Having friends in far off places always makes traveling more fun and interesting.

My trip also re-taught me a few lessons in packing! First an foremost, pack for the typical weather of the month not for the weather of the last couple of weeks. Moscow was cold the first week, and I didn’t even have a long sleeve shirt let alone a jacket. I brought extra pants and shorts I never wore but would have killed for my jacket and a long sleeve shirt. I also packed too much. Normally if I am going to a place with a washing machine I avoid doing this, well I didn’t. So getting things back in my back plus Vodka, Caviar, and Chocolate was a challenge. So next time I hope I can get it right; though - November should be an easier month to pack for.