A guy from Rome once said that the Colosseum was a real problem because there was never anywhere to park near it.
And it a way that is similar to Moscow - not just because there is nowhere to leave a car - but that behind the everyday drudgery of unsmiling metro faces there is a beautiful city.
Sometimes it just takes not living there to see that.
Admittedly the last training session was through VDNKh and Sokolniki - two of the nicest areas of the capital - but even cycling through the suburbs of towering apartment blocks towards the ends of the metro is surprisingly pleasant.
The sense of nostalgia is also not the most swiftianly-subtle sign that nerves are beginning to kick in. The train to St. Pete leaves at 1 in the morning (Monday) and after a day in the Venice of the north the first etap to Gostilitsy starts on Tuesday.
A mere 56 kilometres ride should be easy enough since most days are 80-90 kilometres according to the route planner, but what lies in this tiny town is unknown.
The last update from the runet (the rather outdated Russian version of the internet that still lists shops that closed down six years ago) was in about 2007. Supposedly there is somewhere to stay according to the maps - but they didn't survive their treacherous journey with Pochta Rossii.
The next post should spring from there if the town is still connected to the web. Thanks to everyone that has donated, and please keep giving. It is a really important cause. www.justgiving.com/edwardbentley
The next post should spring from there if the town is still connected to the web. Thanks to everyone that has donated, and please keep giving. It is a really important cause. www.justgiving.com/edwardbentley
Good luck! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures!
ReplyDeleteSleep well in a train!))
ReplyDeleteDear Ed [comma]
ReplyDeleteHope the trip is going great [exclamation point] We had a nice day at The Moscow News [no comma] except that somebody sent us HALF a business section article [three dots] which was not discovered until 6:15 or so [sad face turning to angry face]because we're still the same bunch of incompetents you remember.
It all worked out OK in the end [lying face] and we found several other people to blame [long dash] so not to worry, we haven't sent anyone with weapons after you [two exclamation points] All for today from
Yrs truly [comma]
MHT
Dear Mark!
ReplyDeleteI do believe you are referring to the betting article. The one that was sent to three people in that most beloved of organisations.
I heard a wee rumour that, in fact, none of the articles were put in woodwing until 6pm. So you did quite well to find it my 6.15pm. And it also means my erroneous commas got one last outing - so I'm delighted.