I know it is amazing the "travel frog" actually stay home this weekend, but it is true, sort of. I did go to Moscow on Friday after work did not make Misha's day because he started his vacation on Friday. He found someone else to take me because he needed to be home by 5 PM, which I am not sure how he was going to do that if I just went to Moscow. But I am not complaining, he has been a great driver and glad to have him so that was fine. I was suppose to be at the Aeroflot ticket office before 7 to straighten out my Venice trip that they charged me twice and told me it was all okay to find it posted twice on my credit card. Well, with this ... read more

One thing my experience living and working here in Russia has taught me, in many ways, we are very similar yet in just as many ways we are and that is what makes it exciting! Let me tell you the story and you will see why I started the blog with that sentence. Last week, Vladimir, my Deputy, asked me to his flat for dinner and to meet his family. He told me after dinner, we would go to the sauna with some of his old plant workers and then I could stay the night at his place. I knew this meant a lot to him so I agreed in part. I just did not feel comfortable accepting his offer to stay the night, which I knew disappointed him. I also did not feel real comfortable ... read more

One thing I really enjoy here in Russia is the way they celebrate birthdays. I received many fine greetings today, both near and far, but I wanted to share a few from some of my Russian friends: 1. May your birthday be the beginning of another great journey!...Cirque du Soleil, okay so this was not a Russian friend, but I really liked it so I thought I would share it with everyone. 2. Happy birthday to you, Vince! Wishing you a good health, a big success & happiness, and big money with great love. Many happy returns of the day. 3. Happy birthday, dear Vince! Many happy returns of this day! I sincerely wish you success in everything you do, happiness, health, and joyful adventures! 4. Happy birthday Mr. Kramer. I wish you good and happy ... read more

Happy New Year! I am back from a very rushed 10 days in the States; however, I did visit everyone I wanted to see and got everything completed that I wanted to do. All kinds of funny stories to tell, but thankfully nothing major. It all started on the night of the 20th when I was laying in bed wondering if I told my driver the correct time to pick me up depending on traffic. I went to check on my tickets again and realized I was an hour off from what I thought. I am use to taking the Moscow Atlanta flight but it was not flying on Friday due to Delta's winter schedule and the New York flight leaves 50 minutes earlier. I had planned enough time, barring any major traffic and it was ... read more

I decided to venture to another Russian city, south of Moscow, called Voronezh. Of course me, I decide I can do it by train and I have to admit, I am getting better at it, but still not real comfortable. This time, unlike when I went to St. Petersburg, I asked the porter where my room/bed was. After she tells me three times and I am still standing there, she got the idea. (Actually, she was very nice about it.) When I got in the room, my cabin partner was already there and ready for bed. This was around 8 PM. He may have been on the train when it arrived in Moscow for all I know because I was early for the train. I sort of get comfortable and start reading. I grab the pillow ... read more