The last twenty-four hours has been chaotic, as they always are with long-distance trips, I suppose. I got in at around 3:30 pm local time (around 7:30 am Eastern), and was promptly taken to the wrong apartment. Brilliant! However, the place I am staying was well worth the wait, as it my be the nicest place I've ever lived in my entire life. The bathroom floor is heated?! I have furniture to spare?! Your tax dollars at work, folks. I'll post pictures of the place once I get my free internet access set up at home (I'm at an internet cafe not too far from the consulate right now).
I had my first day of work today, which was uneventful, largely owing to the fact that the State Department messed up a minor detail of my security clearance. Fortunately, that should all be cleared up by tomorrow, as today was about as exciting as watching paint dry (which, due to certain security rules at the consulate, is actually a job that someone does. Seriously.)
I then took a long walk around, partly for the fun, partly because I got a little turned around. The city has really changed since my last visit in 2005. The people and the city itself have both clearly benefitted from Russia's booming economic growth. The area around the airport, barren in 2004, is now bustling with commerce. New western franchises, like Papa John's, Baskin-Roobbins, and Carl Jr.s have appeared, which is a bit strange, but I suppose also a sign of the expanding spending power of the average Russian. Another striking thing: I've seen several Russian men wearing shorts, which just a few years ago was a serious no-no: in fact, one of the easiest ways to pick out the foreigners was by their shorts. Fortunately, the city has retained its beauty and character. I think it should be a great summer.
Sorry to cut this short, but I'm out of time. I'll post again once I have my internet up and running. Until then, take it easy.
C
BASKIN ROBBINS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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