I left the states over a week ago, but I don’t feel like my journey has truly begun yet. So now, I am officially off. I’ve come to realize that I’m the type of person where things don’t really hit me until they are happening. And well, it’s happening! During my taxi ride to Heathrow airport tonight, I realized that I am going to step off the plane tomorrow morning in Moscow… this is very surreal.
My time in England was spent catching up with family, indulging in pub lunches, seeing old friends, and galavanting around London. And I spent the last 2 days sorting my Russian visa, so that I can leave the airport during my 17 hour layover tomorrow. A $200 rush visa (transit visa at that) is worth it to me, but hurts a little bit!
When I started planning this trip, I began thinking about the places I have traveled, will travel, want to travel, and then thought about the places I might never make it. Russia is a place that interests me, but it’s not #1 on my list of places to go, so I never really knew when I’d make it. But since I booked the flight on miles, I let Delta plan the route and, subsequently, have a day in Moscow tomorrow. We arrive at 5:20 am which is 2:20 am to my body, so I will need some strong coffee before sorting out a day tour.
Ok- so now I’ll admit, I’m a bit nervous about Russia. The only word I know how to say is “No.” and isn’t the country full of corruption? What if I get in a taxi and don’t get out?? Do they accept Euro? I don’t know what to expect other than the standard sterotypes: they drink a lot of vodka, and the women are all beautiful blondes out of fashion magazines. Needless to say, the day will be interesting. That’s if the flight leaves. Better go check.
