Bits and Pieces (Moscow, Russia)

Planes = 5
Buses = 7
Metros = 12
Trains = 3
Countries = 7
Days = 14

Staying in a hostel is an adventure in itself. I highly recommended it and most in the U.S. are great. However, my first few hostel nights were not spectacular. Since then we have been really blessed. Economical prices. Good showers, OK breakfasts that are free. And on three occasions a large room meant for eight without any neighbors. This is not always the case. At my hostel in Ireland I booked an "8 bed male dorm." I was there on a weekend which means lots of partying. I was rather jet-lagged and opted against the parties. But at all hours of the night people came in both men and women. One paying guest opens the back door allowing his lady friend to enter without paying. They then cram two into a twin bed made for one. In hindsight it's pretty funny a room designed for 8 becomes inhabited with 10 or 12.

Once you cross the Atlantic ocean cigarette smoking increases abundantly. You see it everywhere. Dublin and Moscow have been the worst. Although I remember Paris being pretty bad. Anyways I have ingested more second hand smoke in two weeks than that last six years of my life. I am longing for some pure mountain air and the smoke free establishments that I have taken for granted.

I have met a lot quality people so far. My last night in Prague we met up four french girls our age in the dentistry profession.

While in Moscow I had some good conversation with two guys (one Irish the other Swedish) about to embark on a trans-Siberian journey. We talked about our upcoming adventures and they educated me on there 76 hour trek east, ridiculous to me.

I have recently had my first over night train experience. To describe it as an experience is accurate. After buying a third class or platzcart ticket my expectation started low and never rose. What can you really asked for with $25.00 invested? I heard it described as "all of Russia right in your face!" 8 hours. I slept for about three. Hot, loud, smokey and uncomfortable are a few fitting adjectives.

Food. Eating is one of my favorite things to do. I love exploring new places and genres. I crave Asian and Mexican dishes but BBQ and pizza are my number ones. Supporting your local dive is what I am all about. Throughout my travels my food addiction has taken a hit. I do feel healthy and satisfied but my eating habits the last two week have shrunk. Lots of bread and not enough water. A beer here and there most not any good. Pizza has been a staple because it's delicious, found everywhere and it fits my budget. Throw in some nutella, more bread and the fifty CLIFF bars (I thank God daily for that genius idea) I brought and you have a picture of my diet.

Even though most of my remarks here are critical my time abroad has been really good and I remain extremely thankful!