Moscow

I emerged from the airport on Friday absolutely exhausted and devoutly thankful that immigration hadn't taken too long. The nice manager of the school met me and soon we were in the car, wizzing past beguiling birch forests into the misty dawn. Soon we were to my flat, a monstrosity from the 80s but the powers that me had the good sense to plant trees surrounding the buildings so initial impressions at least are not disagreeable. It reminds me of both Bucharest and Jyvaskyla. I got food, a metro pass and a sim card before I was finally allowed to sleeeeeeeeeeeeep. Later I went to she shops and had great fun buying fruit. Russians haven't really taken to supermarkets, fruit, vegetables and meat are usually sold behind the counter. I don't speak Russian so there was a lot of pointing going on! It was fun. Later I met a couchsurfer who will share her Russian for my English!
Yesterday and today were days of exploration. I remember Moscow as being a little grim (I remember seeing a dead body near the Kremlin 8 years ago!) but it seemed happy. I suspect there is an element of denial, the people I have met all had good jobs, weren't political and wanted to talk of light things. but never mind! There was some anniversary or other going on this weekend so there were festivities in Red Square and Gorky park had a birthday cake facade over the gates. The weather has been pleasant and warm for early autumn and I have found the Russians to be pleasant despite lacking the superficial social graces one takes for granted in England.
Today a benefactor sent me the link of Kino 35mm, an arty cinema which shows things in the original language. After I finished my explorations today I went to see Jane Eyre. I think I am going to have erotic dreams about Michael Fassbender's Rochester for some time to come!
so yes thus far at least Moscow pleases me, I hope work is ok!