Another day in the life....

Last few days were something to be remembered and forgotten all the same. Thursday was just a regular work day. We are experiencing our challenges for sure. It has not been the easiest job in my career. Language barrier becomes a distant second to the lack of organization and inherent dysfunction of all concerned parties. It is very hard to stay motivated when every day is met with another roadblock. We have had to adapt to the daily changes and still have an expiring visa looming in the near future. My bitterness is probably evident.

Friday was a national holiday here in Russia. So, we did a little shopping in the morning and then celebrated man's day with our go between guy, Sergei. We call him Sergei Front Right, as he sits in the front right seat on the bus every morning. Very kind and generous fellow. So, we indulged in food and vodka in my hotel room. An idea sprung on me that we would make a video tribute to my dad, as it was his birthday on Thursday. I am still compiling the footage. So anyways... One led to many more and mixed with beer and food, my activity was interrupted by a late afternoon nap. After a few hours of recovery, we migrated to a local pub for a change of scenery. The patrons of the pub soon discovered it was my birthday and made the best of treating me to a ton of attention. I was cornered every chance by mobs of people. Mostly curious of me just being foreign and in doing so, I was constantly questioned and greeted. Very flattering. I felt like a celebrity of sorts. Just short of signing autographs. We stayed out until it actually was my birthday and after a brisk walk home, we crashed for the night in preparation for our work Saturday...

Saturday morning, I was saluted by a happy birthday song from the crew in both english and broken english simultaneously. We put in a shorter day and came to the hotel for a late lunch. Three customary toasts to me and I switched from vodka to sprite. Hair of the dog...and made my head come back around again. A few casualties from Friday night bailed on dinner plans of pizza and beer, so we were left to just 5 of us to continue the celebration for me. Not an ideal birthday as I could not be home with the ones I love, but they made the best out of having to be half way round the world from them. The delay between posting here should now be evident.

Today is now Sunday here. We again worked a short day as the bus brought us back for 2:30. I am feeling remarkably okay, but wanted to spend some time by myself to reflect a little. My patience is wearing thin on the amount of meetings to discuss why work isn't getting done. Requests have been made to compile massive list of defect items, when the majority of equipment isn't ready. I figure it is easier to say what is done rather than spend a bunch of time defining the deficiencies. I just think if there was less time talking and more time planning, we would be further along. The point of my trip was to come and setup everything as it was ready for me. Bait and switch. I am having to bore y'all with details now.... sorry for that. Thanks for the ear (or eyes I suppose). Rant over.

It looks like I will have to come back here also. Maybe a month later. I am not convinced that it will be as interesting the second time. I have been here almost two weeks and the novelty is wearing off. As is my hair. I will save all my true thoughts for when I am home.

Nonetheless, I am still alive and probably to be sober from here on out. March 8th is another national holiday, so with my visa expiring, I will probably start my voyage home on the night of the 7th. The exact opposite trip as my arrival. Train to Moscow in the night. May or may not need a night in Moscow to meet up with my plane ticket. Off to Frankfurt, then to Vancouver and then to Kelowna. Who knows what the recovery time will be. I am expecting the jet lag to hit me harder on the way home.

Well, that is enough for now. We'll see what the next few days bring. I am hoping for some real progress, but optimism is a poison pill the same as hope. Gotta keep my spirits up.

Miss you all and love you more.

RJDK