*
It’s 9 a.m. The fresh sunlight shines through the train
windows. I awaken from a mediocre night of slumber, the best it can get
considering the accommodations on a Russian train.
Along the walk I rehash last night’s stressful events with
Aysena to see if she remembered any of it. She does mostly except for the
climatic parts. She seems sorry and just smiles like she always does with that
innocent and adorable look in her eye. It doesn’t matter anymore. We made it
back to Moscow in one piece, or rather with all our pieces. It’s snowing quite
dramatically, the most it’s snowed since I’ve been here. The snowflakes catch
on my jacket and it’s possible to examine their intricate details up close.
It’s still the same team of Tristan, Aysena, Aina, and myself. We locate the
nearest Japanese restaurant and relax, making use of the free WiFi to plan out
the day and book hostels and such.
Omelet with Tomatoes, Toast, and some of that hot Mixed
Berry Juice I had the first day I was here.
Aina leaves the group and heads back home to study. Most of
our day is spent traveling on the metro and checking into hostels. Tristan
stays in one closer to the Aeroport train. Ays and I find a cheap one with a
private room. After that we meet up with Nurgun at a Russian cafeteria-style
place.
White Beans with Carrots, Borscht Soup, and an Apple Danish.
I’ve been taking notice to all the food I’ve been eating on
this trip. Sometimes there’s just nothing else to do but eat and walk. I don’t
mind too much cause I enjoy all the variety of options around this city.
Flatnik Show N Tell Party is tonight. It’s at a small studio
apartment. Sasha, a girl I conversed with on Couch Surfing, is hosting the
event and offered to help organize it. Shortly after 7:30 p.m. the local natives
start piling in, most of them saw the event posted on Couch Surfing. Everybody
reverently squats on the floor and listens to a short performance I give on the
guitar while some video footage of an old Soviet farm projects on the ceiling
behind me. I’m quite surprised at how many heads came out. I would say about 50
showed up. After I finish I invite anyone else to take the floor and share
something, with the help of Sasha translating. The majority of the audience
only understands English on a basic level. Ukulele, piano, and guitar
performances ensue. Yana is here and gives quite the inspiring speech on the
meaningless noise in life, the search for truth (or the real God) and the
assurance/peace one feels with God, and how honesty can change your life. I guess
it may have come off as depressing in comparison to the general mood of the
congregation. But I took something substantial from it personally and I’m
certain others did as well. Tristan seems to fit in well and attracts the
attention of a few girls. After the Show N Tell portion is done the snack table
is brought in from the kitchen and everybody just mingles. I chat with a few
curious people that ask me questions about America and this and that.
*
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†
†
†
I feel incredibly sick, sore throat and such. I figured it
would happen eventually considering all the cold weather I’ve had to trot
around in.
Back at the hostel. Sipping on plenty of Tea and Honey.
Aysena sleeps before me while I reflect in the kitchen. Around me I overhear a
lot of conversations in Russian but they’re easy for me to drown out since I
can’t understand most of it.
Finally joining my little Ays in dreamland at 1:24 a.m.
* Images taken
by Aysena.
† Images taken by me.
† Images taken by me.
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