So let me preface this post by saying that I truly like Moscow. I was really excited to go back after living there in 2007. With that being said, I've never been more ready to get the hell out of a city. It was awful, as the world's media are picking up on.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/07/world/europe/07russia.htm
The entire city is shrouded in a dense, hovering smoke. You can feel the ash in the air. I read a story in the news that being outside for 2 hours was the equivalent of smoking 2 packs of cigarettes. Couple the smoke with 100 degree temperatures, and Moscow was definately not a fun place to be for the last 3 days. The most apt description of the scene would apocalyptic. There is simply no wind, and the smoke and ash just hang in the sweltering heat. Here are a couple of pics from Red Square on August 6.
Needless to say, I was ready to get out of Moscow. We were a bit worried that we wouldn't be able to get out of the airport due to the smoke, but after about a 1 hour and 45 minute delay, we were able to take off. The high point of the trip for me was reuniting with my good friend and former colleague Anton. We me for a quick drink on Thursday night. He still has his sarcastic sense of humor. Moscow is notorious for its "face control" -- tough guys working the door as bouncers who decide who to let in bars and who to keep out, all within their sole discretion of how you look. We had a bouncer give us a long look over before finally letting us into the bar. I commented about the face control still going strong in Moscow. Anton responded derisively, "Welcome back." It was great to see him, but good to finally get out of Moscow.
Following a short 5 hour flight, we made it to Dubai, United Arab Emerites, around 11:30 pm. After immigration and customs and a short drive, we were at our hotel by about 1:00 am. I'll spend two days working in our Dubai office meeting our team who heads up our Middle Eastern operations.
glad you get out of Moscow.
Posted by: uggs | September 19, 2011 at 09:37 PM
I'm glad you got to see Anton...also happy that you were able to get out of Moscow for now. The scenes on TV have been terrible. Hope you have a good stay in Dubai. Mom
Posted by: Connie Spalding | August 08, 2010 at 10:46 AM
Sounds like the novel "The Road," only with a good ending. Glad you are out of Moscow.
Posted by: Kelly Hall | August 08, 2010 at 08:37 AM