Ah, what to tell, what to tell. Life here in Russia continues pretty much apace. Thank goodness my regular schedule is not like last week’s, or I might not long be bound for this earth (not to mention I’d definitely outgrow all my clothes).
As you probably read, we had a fairly successful summit with the Russians this week. I would have to say that the outcome was pretty predictable—we made progress on nukes, which everyone expected and which everyone wanted, but we remained divided on the missile shield, which everyone also expected and everyone feared. Nothing particularly fascinating, I would say. There has been a lot made about President Obama’s “star-power” not carrying much weight in Russia. In fact, the CG was asked a question about this today at a meeting with several young American professionals here on Alfa Bank fellowships. First of all, I think too much has been made of this phenomenon. (Warning: this is all anecdotal and observational). Average Russians by and large don’t dislike Obama or hold him in disdain. They are, however, hesitant to jump up and scream about him. They did that for Clinton and were disappointed, then they got to watch Bush muddle through multiple foreign policy mistakes in regard to Russia and its interests, and now, in my humble opinion, there’s more of a wait and see attitude. I think a lot of Russians are optimistic about improvements in relations between our two countries. But they do not subscribe to the notion that he’s going to magically fix all the quarrels and problems between the two countries. So let’s all calm down a bit on the Russians don’t like Obama rhetoric. I think a bigger problem, and I'm not the first to say this, is that there has been a little too much Obama-centrism, so to speak in foreign policy. There aren't a whole lot of new ideas so far (I remain optimistic that this will improve); rather, the visits have mostly been about the genuine excitement Obama brings most of the rest of the world as a symbol of change. The Russians, I think, (and eventually the rest of the world, too) are going to need to see less style and more substance. But I don't want to get to political here.
As for me personally, work is work. As I have mentioned, I am working as the Public Affairs Officer in lieu of our permanent staff member, who has been in Moscow helping with the visit. This honor/trial by fire explains why I was so wiped out by the end of last week. This week, especially the last couple of days, have been significantly and mercifully lighter, and the genuine article PA Officer gets back either tomorrow or the next day. Whatever the precise arrival date, I will slide back into my normal job as intern on Monday. This weekend should offer some excitement, though. First of all, the annual Baltic Tall Ships Regatta is set to sail through St. Petersburg from Gdansk, Poland, with all of the teams mooring along the river for the weekend and opening to the public! I am definitely going to see them, come Hell or high water. Also, ALLEGEDLY, the weather here will be nice with plenty of sunshine this weekend. The weather forecasting in this city, for lack of any nicer way of putting it, absolutely sucks, so I cannot say with any certainty that the weather will cooperate with my plans. But if it does, you can anticipate not only stories about the boats, but also the long-awaited pictures I have been promising you! Other than all that, I am going to sleep a lot this weekend, and I can hardly begin to explain to you how excited I am about that. Until then, enjoy Vinni Pukh, and tell me if I am using my dryer wrong.
Also, this made me giggle out loud at work today: http://www.theonion.com/
C
Pictures of the Regatta please!
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