Live from Moscow!

It's nearing the end of one of the longest days of my life, but I made it safe and sound to Moscow and to the dorms. Much to tell...

We started at 7 am east-coast time, getting ready for our orientation and finishing packing. I made mad dashes to get to Starbucks before the first meeting to get my computer online, and then after the meetings to get my cell phone in the mail. We got to Dulles by bus really quickly and waited around for a bit. The flight was fairly uneventful, but not the most comfortable. United doesn't charge you for 2 pieces of luggage on international flights, but the once-complimentary drinks are now $6. I watched Coraline and He's Just Not That Into You, and tried to sleep a bit. Not much luck.

After landing around 11 am local time (that's 3 am east coast time), we had to get inspected by a "medical team" for swine flu (because it's an AMERICAN disease). Two middle-aged ladies scanned everyone's ear with some sort of laser, supposedly to measure one's temperature. Who knows; we all passed as healthy. Then there was the usual passport control, the baggage claim..all made just a bit slower by traveling in a group of 13 people. We had a chartered bus take us to the dorm, where we got weird lectures on how to behave and a good taste of Russian xenophobia (they just don't like foreigners, or at least treat them a little differently). By 3 we were unpacking and taking showers. Oh yeah, no hot water until Monday. This is actually good news, since that means the water won't be turned off for 3 weeks.

Anyways, the dorm is ok, and I'm glad I have my own room. I'll send pictures soon. I like the people on the program, too, which is extra nice. We've spent the past three days glued at the hip, so it was make or break. We all got cell phones today (My number is +7 925 893-6639, but it's quite expensive to call mobiles in Russia) and then had dinner at some restaurant that was posing as a brewery/firestation. It was good food, but then again we hadn't eaten since the light meal on the plane. Afterwards we explored the nearby hypermarket/mall. It's even better than what I had in Lithuania (there's a fitness center AND a movie theater in the same building as the grocery store!), but the food isn't quite as good. In the end, this is Russia.

I have to run because I can't bring myself to type another word. Love to all, and I hope to be online somewhat regularly starting this weekend.