Living in the Russian Federation 21/10/2008
Living in the Russian Federation 21/10/2008
I’ve now been in Russia for a day and a half with almost no sleep or food as of yet. But it’s ok, I’ve had an amazing time so far and I’m really blown away by how nice the city is. First things first, I want to dispel the myth that the city is ridiculous levels of cold. Experience so far puts it at a little warmer and clearer than Leeds, whilst it may get much colder during January and February, right now it’s pleasantly mild.
Today was my first day in the office, a daunting prospect when I hadn’t really gotten my bearings with my surroundings yet (or eaten any food). I hadn’t even had any coffee due to a lack of milk, which as those who know me will understand means that I was barely even functioning on a basic level this morning.
A good thing that I had a Taxi organised to get me to the office! Even better was the really nice quality FREE coffee available all day long in the office. This was a good thing seeing as I was there from 8am through until 8pm – a pretty lengthy first day on the job. I only stopped once to pick up some sandwiches somewhere around lunchtime so by the time I finished I’d had almost nothing to eat since mid-day yesterday (and that was an in-flight meal…) Some how I managed to find my way around the Moscow Underground Metro and arrive at the street I’m staying at (Novvy Arbat).
I was really impressed with the sheer liveliness of the city – there’s a really amazing vibe that I really wasn’t expecting.
After looking at the shiny stuff I decided that I should really find somewhere to get some food so I started exploring until I found a 24 hour place. Now Moscow is expensive, people warned me but I had no idea. I bought the following:
Toothpaste, cheese, bread, ketchup, Pringles equivalent, a bottle of Pepsi, 2 bottles of Mountain Dew, some shower gel and a Snickers.
The total cost for this stupidly small list was £26 or $47
WOW
I eventually made it back to the apartment with less trouble than I’d anticipated.
Philthy
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:01 am
Anyone for a tube of cracks? A tube of cracks. Anyone?
Those buildings look like they belong in Las Vegas, man. That’s hilarious. Keep it coming!
October 22nd, 2008 at 10:50 am
There’s nothing quite like the horror of those first few days in a place without much of an english alphabet… nothing alienates you more than not even recognizing letters.
You need to get teh guys at your office to hook you up with the local eateries, there must be like a cheap pierogi stall or a borscht house or whatever it is they eat in Russia around somewhere…
Have fun man, it sounds like an adventure so far!
October 22nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Looks like you’re having an awesome time. To me, it seems like you’re camping and surviving out in the wilderness since the communication barrier is so high. What a cool, alien experience.
I am very envious. Echoing John, keep it coming! This stuff is great.
October 23rd, 2008 at 9:16 am
Thanks man – appreciate the comments
also I’d say an excellent description!