Getting Started

As a warm-up, some Minsk-related feelings and events from the 2 weeks preceding my departure.

Saturday, 18 January:

2 weeks to go. Feelings? Well, excited and horrified at the same time. But I manage. Still a lot to do. Yesterday I've been to the Russian Embassy, having my transit visa done. It'll be ready next Friday. Just in time before we leave for Vienna (I do hope it'll be ready).

I must focus now on going over my Russian notes, to be able to babble something on my arrival. But I'm perfectly getting into the "Eastern mood" by reading an immensely interesting book about the Russian archives (they have such treasures!), written by a professor at Yale. I'll have to obtain their book after returning from Minsk.

Uh, for those who wouldn't know. The word "Cейчас" means now in Russian. Such a simple and suggestive word. I just love the nostalgic sparkle and the smile on my parents's face when they say or hear the word. It does not necessarily indicate the very present, but rather the near future (but not always, of course). So it carries the connotation "patience". Well, I'll behave accordingly where ever I go. 

Tuesday, 22 January:

(short and concise) notes:

I have got done with several farewells. I've realised I'm not a "man" of farewells.

Finally for today I've managed to fit in some hours of Russian practice. Magnificent!

Yesterday I was inoculated at the National Centre for Epidemiology. Nice workers! Results: emptier wallet + my upper arm feels like as if I had done a few hours of weightlifting. Anyway, I advice them in case you need any vaccinations, since they are nice and cheaper than other places.

Wednesday dawn, 29 January:

Wien's been fantastic.We have just managed to get my Russian transit visa from the embassy prior to our departure to Wien.

Now my mind is full of lists... must have copy of everything, print a map, carry out the perfect packing, etc. Bklaskd... Anyway, I'll manage. I do have butterflies in my stomach though.

Thursday night, 30 January:

Here comes the challenge: to fit in as much and as little stuff in my luggage as possible. The last few years of low-budget travelling comes in handy now.