Month-long date: Part 1

Kristin and I had a great time traveling through Russia, Finland, and Sweden throughout the month of May. I decided that the best way to relate our experiences would be to split-up our "month-long date" into different posts according to location. Each post will be narrated by snippets from the e-mails we sent out while at that location.

First Stop: Россия, Москвa

Kristin found Moscow to be well, different...
"We've been rubbing shoulders with Russians (literally) as Ben has successfully and impressively navigated us around the city, using mainly the HUMONGOUS metro system...kind of overwhelming at first. Moscow is huge (and expensive)! And dirty. I've finally accepted the fact that my life has been shortened from all of the second-hand smoke, not to mention exhaust fumes. However, as much as we stand out from our looks and how we dress, I think I've gotten the "Russian Metro Behavior" down pat. Here's how it goes: As you rush down the stairs that go to the underground station, pull out your Metro pass, as well as your book or newspaper, oh and don't forget that cigarette...scan your pass and take the (LONG) escalator even further underground...(you can even run down the left side if you want)...as the metro screams into the station, push anyone who's in your way so you don't miss this departure (they only come and go every two minutes, you know). As the doors slam shut, quickly find your spot and stare down at your book (if you don't have one, simply close your eyes and look half-dead). As the metro car speeds off and heads to the next stop, do not, I repeat, do NOT look at ANYONE! ...But if, on accident, you look at someone, just make sure you don't smile... :) Warning: After two consecutive days and several hours of this behavior, you may feel really depressed."
This is us with Anton (my friend we stayed with in Moscow)