Well, time for another update...
The last week has been really hectic. Trying to get completed before I have to go. 12 hour days and then dinner and bed has been about it. We worked a shorter day Saturday as we had plans to take out one of the locals for his birthday. We went to a diiferent restaurant and I unfortunately made a spectacle of myself doing a Rob Special dance solo on the dance floor and had the whole place watching me. It was hard to avoid the attention of course. So, the owner dragged me up and got the music going...that was all I needed. All eyes onme for some reason. Clapping and hooting and as I lifted my shirt to show my abdomen, the music quickly changed. Haha. Cheers from all around. It was a send off for my co-worker as he had to leave to get out of Russia before his visa expired. So, after dinner we went to the train station and helped him with his gear onto the train. A few extra rubels and he was upgraded to a VIP car as his ticket was good for a shared coach with 3 others. There wasn't enough locks for his suitcases so, we had to get our friend Sergei weave his magic.
Sunday morning was a continuation of Saturday night. I was entertained to cognac and private Russian lessons. I am well versed in basic Russian language. I can speak Tarzan Russian and communicate somewhat effectively. I actually have most numbers down from 0 to 100. Enough to get by. Most of my job uses numbers, so that is very helpful. Anyhooo... on to Monday...today...
I asked for some assistance as we are down to only 2 and in doing so I ended up with 13 helpers. Two of them spoke some English. The rest just followed me around. Our translators bailed on us today, so that made things very interesting. I was directing a full Russian crew and trying to get them to work independantly. Here is your job and call me when we are ready to test. Five minutes later they would drag me away and say "Okay. Test now". No change. Same issues as before. Wires crossed and backwards function.No, like this...and show them the issue and they were needing direct and constant supervision. So, my day was very interesting. I laughed though it all and actually got a bit done.
So, by Wednesday I am out of here. Start my long trek home. we got our train tickets today. So, we leave in the night and will arrive in Moscow in the early am. We have planned for a day in Red Square and to do some shopping. We have to saty the night as our flight leaves the next morning.
I will keep you all posted. The next few days will be interesting and busy all the same.
Smart feller...or fart smeller...or both
Monday, March 05, 2007
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4 comments:
Dancing? Too funny!
Your dance show sounds really amazing. I am sorry to have missed it.
(Sorry ladies, he's taken :o)
See you in 84 hours...
wow,sure wish i could've been a fly on the wall in some of your exciting russian experiences!!! instead i'll just go on the ice and fight mindless people for mindless coaches and no reason whatsoever!other than being paid to do it!
i feel for you in your attempts at communicating in an unknown language! only my mind is'nt as nearly sharp as yours! good thing fighting is a universal language!
have fun,i enjoy reading your blog aadventures!
Awesome Rob. We're all glad ya made it back safe. :) All is well my friend.
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