So I hadn’t posted anything about this because there was a (very very slight) chance that things wouldn’t work out, but:
I’m going to RUSSIA!
A friend found really cheap tickets from Boston to Moscow, and, since I had told her (as I tell everyone) that anytime she wanted to take a spontaneous international trip I would most likely be up for it, she called me. I was really surprised that Americans could go to Russia without making some kind of extra-special diplomat-level arrangements, but it’s actually rather simple now. We did have to apply for visas (the which necessitated contacting a member of my ex-husband’s family [trauma]), and I wasn’t sure they would come through, but as of Thursday we’re officially going. At this time in two weeks I’ll be in Moscow (!). We’ll only be there a few days, but we have what looks like a pretty good guidebook so we’ll get in some good sights. We also hope to see a Bolshoi ballet or opera (or, better, both).
So, I’ve been teaching myself to read the Russian alphabet. Right now I sound like a little kid sounding out words or Dora from Finding Nemo speaking whale (k-aaaa-k… v-aaaa-s-h-iii… d-y-eeee-lllll-aaaa) but it’s coming relatively quickly. I’m sure my pronunciation is terrible, but at least I’ll be able to read signs.
So, so excited.
Hmmmmm….. if we contact your secret contact, do you think they can help Dan get a visa? He was blackballed from Russia and was so sad about it. Not as sad as I was, because he had already bought (non-refundable and useable only on international flight) tickets and made reservations and whatnot before he found out he could not get a visa. So instead of a wife-approved trip to the ol’ mish, he went to tour England with his dad and I was not happy. He will be jealous and I hope you have fun!
Rebecca, did he try to go before 2004? I read that the rules became less strict a few years ago. He could go easily now (though it would mean leaving you with all the children, so “easily” may not be the correct word!); there are travel agencies that arrange everything.
Does Dan have any recommendations in the MOCKBA (Moscow) area? Or are there any quintessentially Russian foods/things that we should eat/do?
Bon voyage! (Sorry, not Russian I know, but not everyone can know the supreme language of French). đ
You might consider talking to Meredith M., she’s fluent in Russian and can help you learn some proper pronounciation.
here is some awesomeness that will help you get in the mood for the trip