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Published: June 29th 2008
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You Think You Look Russian?
I tried so hard to dress up in all the right colors and outfit to blend in, but my friends told me I looked like an American thinking he looked like a Russian fan. Not a lot to report from any specific country, but a few stories and pictures from last week that I thought I would share before heading on my cruise next week, which I am sure there will be many pictures and stories from there.
Last week I had to go to Bologna, actually Vignola, which is near Bologna to oversee the first production run of a new film/print we ordered but did not have time to generate a proof before we went to production with it. We sat on the runway forever, but had a good flight. The customer picked us up at the airport and took us to a cozy little hotel in Vignola (I think that was the town where we stayed). After freshening up, they picked us up and took us to a historical landmark, a castle, for dinner. We were the only ones there, but we treated to a very nice (and big) traditional Italian dinner. Afterwards we decided to walk some of the dinner off because it was late and I know I would have just gone to bed had they taken us home right away. I did not take many, but attached you can
Vignola at Night
I was not actually in Bologna but Vignola. This was our walk after eating a traditional Italian meal in a castle. see different parts of the castle.
We had a few issues with the start-up but overall a very good run and then I was off to the airport. I could have stayed the night, but then I did not get into Moscow until that evening where as by flying to Cologne (Koln), I got in early enough the next morning to get to the office for the afternoon. I would not have been in such a big hurry to get back, but leaving next week on the cruise, I have a lot of work to get done before I leave so I thought it was best and I am glad I did. Wow, Koln is an amazing city.
It was late so most things were closed, but still some daylight to get a few hours of my own sightseeing in, but I have to say, I was in awe of the Cathedral. It looked so much like the one in Prague, I really wish I knew the history and how they are connected, if they are connected in any way. Of course, it also made it so much more fun that the Germans were playing Turkey in the
semi-finals of the Euro Football (soccer) Cup, which is where I saw my Russian fans on the steps of the Cathdral. It was fun talking to them, one of the ladies was from Russian, but had been living in Germany for several years with her German friends. Since Russia was not playing Germany, they were all cheering for Russia that evening and of course Germany, but they had their Russian flags out.
So after getting checked in to the hotel, I headed to one of the packed bars to cheer with and for the Germans. It was not so bad in Germany where the game kicked off at 8:45 as oppose to here in Russia at 10:45. After winning, it was wild. The streets were packed with people and cars, flags, horns honking, etc. It was a lot of fun, but I decided I had better get to bed since I had a 6:30 AM flight to catch in the morning, but if you ever get the chance, I would recommend Koln!
The flight was fine into Moscow, but the passport control I got "buzzed" meaning they had to call a supervisor over. They said my passport was
invalid due to the extra pages the Embassy added for me. As many times as I have been in and out of the country, never once have I had any problems until now. And the way they were bending it to "look" at it, I am surprised they did not rip it in half so she buzzed for a supervisor which usually means you are going to the "bad boys" room as we call it here. The supervisor came over and asked me about it, the initially lady did not know any English, so I pointed out where the Embassy added the pages, typed in the note and "stamped" it. They looked at it again, several times, with their magnifying glass and finally accepted it. I am glad I was one of the first ones through the lines and not the last ones because I would have been very upset standing in that line then have that happen. Being the first, I was still calm.
Then that night, Freddie, Andrey, and Leo and I met for the Russia verses Spain match. We started at my flight with Russian flags that still did not come out right. The blue stuff
On to Koln
I was only able to sight see for a few hours and it was late, but what an amazing city - yes, I want to go back! I have is just too heavy, but at least it did not mix with the red stuff this time and made two layers. The vodka had no problems sitting on time and after a few tries of lighting them, we just drank them. Since Leo did not dress in Russian colors, we made him take the picture. We then headed across the street to the sports cafe to watch the game. The crowd was a lot of fun as you can see by the pictures, but honestly, with the way Russia played, there was not a lot to cheer about. It was a good match, but Spain was by far the better team. I wish Russia would have played like they did against the Netherlands and I think it would have been a very different game/score. I am glad Leo did not take my bet of Russia winning because he would have ended up with my 1000 rubles I put on the table.
For the Superbowl, the half time show/commericals are sometimes better than watching the game, well, it was sort of that way for the Thursday match if you were cheering for Russia. At half time the cafe
Koln Cathedral
This looks so much like the one in Prague. I would like to know the history between the two. cleared out and people were climbing over the sides, entrance, etc. to head to the bushes to use the toilet! It was funny watching people stumble over each other and the poor neighbors next to the cafe had a real show from their window if they looked down. My building is across the street but the on the same side of the street as the cafe is where everyone headed to relieve themselves.
Friday was a pretty emotional day as well as it was Michael's last day after six years being with Elinar-Broiler. There were a lot of tears as well as laughter. He has made some good friends there, but Russian and American and I am not just talking about Dasha and her family. He was thought of very highly and I know he will be missed. I called Dasha on Saturday to see how she was doing as Michael flew out that morning. We laughed a little and talked.
Okay, that should bring you up to speed with me until I get back from my cruise. More pictures and stories to come!
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Leo
non-member comment
National spirit
Vince, spirit of nation and unity must be inside you (me or anybody else). I didn't care about colors, because it's just an appearance. To be honest I came there to shout :) to release "the steam" as we call it in Russia ;)