I’ve been here almost two months, and by here I mean Moscow exclusively. I’ve been within city limits since my cab from the airport. There’s a lot to see here, but it’s good to get out of the city sometimes. Moscow is full of busy people. It seems like everyone is running late for something, except the people who are already at their jobs who have all the time in the world to ignore you. I’m excited for a break in routine and a chance to go farther east than I’ve ever been.

Any student of Russian has heard countless times that “Moscow isn’t Russia.” It may not be Russia, but it is all I really know of Russia, so maybe after some traveling the phrase will make sense.