My first month

Today seems to be a good time to reflect on my first month. Must pack and have messages to do tomorrow and I'm homeward bound on Friday.

I have to say I'm very happy here, though it is odd being on my own. Thank heavens for the internet and Radio 2. Where I am staying is beautiful with lots to explore as I have found out. I have found the Moscowites helpful, though dower, not unkind. I do have to smile. The weather has turned incredibly warm as anyone who has followed the weather on the BBC will know, but they are all wrapped up in hats and warm coats as if it were freezing. Children at school are wearing tights, long johns, all manner of things. I wonder what they will do when it is really cold.

We are being plagued by wasps at the moment in school whenever we get a warm day. No sign of cold weather apart from the odd morning. Everyone says it will get cold, but today was warmer than the UK. We have had some incredibly wet days.

Working in Moscow is dictated by paper work. Visa applications, registration documents, booking flights. It is all part of life here. From what I can gather foreigners are not approached for documents like they used to be. When Nadine first came she was stopped several times, and her partner even more so. Not these days. I think is a good time to be here.

Now I have my own place I'm looking forward to exploring more of the city. The local area is lovely and I want to explore further. The Moscow river is not far and there are places to take river cruises. I have hardly touched the city so have more delights there and lonely planet recommend a trip around some of the notable metro stations. Tracey and I have promised that treat for a damp weekend, probably in the new year.

I must get to grips with Russian and at least learn the alphabet. I may get one of the TAs to teach me conversational Russian when I get back. A lot depends on if and when Peter comes out.

This link shows where I am. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?hl=en&tab=wl

From the yellow road on the right hand site turn left and I am on the next cross roads, number 28.

I wonder what the next half term will bring.