Musings from Moscow

So I had/got to go to Moscow (the real one in Russia) which kept me from riding my bike for a few days. I missed a trip down south. I would like to say it was worth it, but I am not sure it was.

I am too big of a wimp to hit a city like that on my own for a couple of reasons. First, everything was in Russian and only Russian. Most people speak little more English than I speak Russian. Thus, communication would have been difficult and I had no bearing as to where I was ever. Secondly, you know how on movies they always make Russia seem like it is incredibly cold. Well, it is. So if I did want to go see Red Square or look at cathedrals, I would not have lasted long. And I am incredibly cheap/frugal. Moscow is one of the most expensive cities right now. That is not a good match.

None the less, I hung out and prepared my presentation. Here are some observations:
1. The sun is lazy in Moscow. Sunrise was around 8:45 am.That seemed crazy late too me. But it still set early. This made it difficult to assess time especially in the morning.
2. I did not sleep well at all. I had little appetite. And I did not feel like exercise which makes sense given what I was eating and how much I was not sleeping.
3. When I don't speak the language, I find that I go long periods without talking to anyone. That seems to play with my psyche just a bit.
4. I sometimes wish I was more social.

My flight was then cancelled due to some sort of mechanical issue. I got to wait in a few more long and very long lines. Then I got shipped to the airport hotel. The room was freezing so I climbed into bed with my puffy down coat on. Surely, it would warm up. It didn't. Apparently, it was too far from the elevator. So I got a new room "closer to the elevators" which was warmer. I ate my first meal other than breakfast while I was there. I was not impressed. I don't know what it was, but I was hungry and ate.

26 hours after I was supposed to depart I was finally on my way home.