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Published: March 8th 2007
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Train
Getting on the train that headed north, NOT east. I know the stories are not in line but it takes me awhile to get the pictures downloaded to my computer then uploaded on here, but since I had the day off due to Women's Day, I thought I would get my blog updated and back in order. It was a nice day off and Gaukhar and I had a good day shopping and then I came home, made peanut brittle, played volleyball, and now updating the blog.
They now call me the "traveling frog" at work. I think that is their way of saying I do not let the grass grow under my feet. I can not argue with any of the statements and want to take advantage since I am here. I sure could not fly to these places for a weekend if I were in the States as it would take a day just to get here and then one to get back.
I had a good time with Alex in Yaroslavl. Alex has always watched out for me, and he did on this trip as well, but he does not plan in quite as much details as I do (I know stop laughing those of
you that know me well.) I knew where to meet him and when on Saturday, but he would never give me the exact time we were getting back on Sunday. The only reason I kept pushing him was so I could let Misha know where to pick me up and when. I finally just picked a time for Misha. The train ride there went well, see the pictures. We rode in third class this time since it was only a four hour trip. The time went back quickly as we talked and did puzzles.
The weather was above freezing, but it was a mess in terms of water and slush so I had wet feet from the time we left Moscow until I got home. While at the train station, Alex tells me he wants to get our tickets so we do not have to worry about them tomorrow, which when I found out we do not have any tickets home and all of the seats are sold out on the afternoon trains! He argues with them and even tries to buy second class tickets, but with no luck. He then tells me we are going to the bus
station as they have room for us. I looked at him funny, five hours on a bus?!?! He told me I needed some new experiences...lol Sure enough, there was room and we bought our bus tickets home. The only bad thing, we were not able to go the opera as planned since we had to leave several hours earlier than he had expected.
We then met up with his friend who was a director for different shows, operas, concerts, etc. Alex met him through one of his team's performances that this guy (sorry I forget his name, but it was a very different name) arranged. He takes us to the flat where we would be staying and it was bad! It smelled (like cat urine), it was dark, lights were hanging by wires, half did not work, the toilet seat was not connected (made it interesting to go to the bathroom), but it was fairly clean. We put our stuff down, and Alex was proud of me that I get everything in one small backpack. Then headed to dinner. After dinner, we went to see one of the shows called Chicago. It was pretty good and we had a
good time. Sitting with the director, we got a lot of special attention which also made it nice.
The place was called Utah, I do not know why, but I got my picture taken in front of the Utah and US flags. We met one of the performers that spoke English and just had a good time. Alex was also ordering me Jacks because they were having some kind of promotion and for every Jack ordered, you got to pick a card and about half the cards were winners. Of course I could not pick a winner to save my life and Alex got one everytime. He did not want it so he gave me his JD shirt, neck strap, and free drink. I really wanted to the little JD flask, but we did not win that one. Afterwards we headed home for the night as it was late and we wanted to go sight seeing the next day.
I was not overly impressed with the city, but I am told it has a lot of history for the Russians which made it nice. I also got my picture taken in front of the statue, which is printed
on their 1000 note, which is what I am holding in the picture. Alex just laughed at me and said, "Only an American would want his picture taken in front of this thing holding a 1000 ruble note." That was the one thing I really wanted to see/do while we were there. As you can see, they have some very old churches (1644). It is not currently in operation as it is being remodeled, but do plan to reopen it this summer. After our self guided walking tour we stopped for lunch at a old traditional Russian restaurant and had some traditional Russian food, which was very good. I liked the restaurant except again, the smell of cat urine. I do not know, but I smelled it everywhere in the city.
After that, we headed to the bus station. After I bought a diet Coke, I find out they do NOT have a bathroom on this thing, but we did make a pit stop about half way to Moscow for 10 minutes. Here in Russia, that does not mean there is actually a bathroom, but we will stop and let everyone urinate along the side of the building, which
some did. I did see as we were leaving, there was a bathroom, but I am not sure of the condition inside it. Although no bathroom, the bus was pretty nice inside and it was not a bad ride, but it was full so you really could not get up and walk around. I told Alex next time we are taking the train.
Another great weekend! Thanks Alex for all of your help!
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