Russian update

No love from Russia either... but I may have a crush on my press conference manager...we stayed late at work together on Valentine's day and he gave me some chocolate. Every man in the world knows the way to a woman's heart is through chocolate :) We went back to our hotel together on the bus, and chatted the whole time. I'm helping him with his 'r' pronunciation. The russians really roll their r's. He repeats the phrase "reduce, reuse, recycle" everyday now. Other than language training, nothing has come of this crush yet. There are so many hot russian women around...I probably don't stand a chance.

The other day I had a really sour experience. I bought a ticket to speed skating off a fellow Canadian, only to find out he overcharged me by DOUBLE! It said right on the ticket he paid 1000 roubles, and he charged me 2000. That's an extra 30$. It just left such a sour taste in my mouth. Also, there was a big party at Canada house, but of course I had to work. I work every night, until 1 am, plus 2 hours to get home. I am not a night owl first off, and then I miss all the events I'd like to see.

I've become good friends with a girl from work. If we didn't get home at 3am from work, I'm sure we'd go out and have a ball. The next couple of shifts will end earlier, so I am looking forward to having a life. My ankle will probably get in the way, but I want at least one night of fun. I love being here. I'm not homesick yet. But I'm not taking advantage of the Russian spirit yet. I'm also not speaking any Russian. It's just so damn hard and in english I can tell stories and share experiences. If I go party though, In a way I'm worried I'll go to far like usual. But I think my new work friend will keep me in line. I may have found a suitable babysitter ;) I'll focus on my ankle the next few days and hopefully let loose on closing ceremony day!

A lot of people come up to me and start yammering in Russian. They just assume I am a local. I've been told I look Russian...which I'm not sure is a compliment or not.

Now that I can't run, I'm pretty upset actually. That was the one thing I really looked forward to everyday. It kept me calm, gave me a mission in life fitness wise. The doctor told me two weeks of no activity. Well, expect a chubster when I get back then! Running was keeping me trim with all the heavy carb foods here. Now I'm not sure what I will do. Eat less I guess...but I LOVE FREE FOOD!

Another downer ... I've been told we can't travel with our visa. That means no Vladimir in Russian visa and then tell me I can't take a train to another city. It's a Russian visa...not a Sochi visa. I'll find out the truth soon and let you guys know. I have to meet Vladimir! I can't make another trip over here for that. This is my last chance.

Don't worry about me. I do like being here. I have a massive bathtub in my room. Somedays I just sit in there soak and pretend I'm home. Also, it's 15 degrees here almost everyday. Sometimes more. I am not missing out on all the cold you've been having. By the time I'm back at the end of March, winter will have released its' grip on Alberta and I will be glad to come back ;)