Getting Adjusted!

Well, I have been in Moscow now for 17 days and have been slowly getting adjusted to my new surroundings and the culture of this massive city. My friend Kat was here when I got here and left just yesterday so it was nice having a travel buddy for the days when John was working. We were able to begin to figure out the metro system which has something like 11 lines and 4 light rail trains. Rumor has it that over 9 million people use the metro in Moscow daily which is more than New York and London combined, and let me tell you wherever they are going is way more important than where you are going so either fight with the best of the them or get the heck out of the way! The great part is that the Brown Line goes in a circle so if all else fails find the Brown Line!! Other than that Kat graciously played the role of our first real visitor and we were able to navigate her trip and sightseeing with only a few minor hiccups. Her and I saw a lot of what Moscow has to offer as far as the major landmarks. In our travels and adventures we developed a Top 10 things to remember before heading out into the streets of Moscow:
10. Everything is served room temperature and ice is uncommon
9. Don't plan on visiting the museums on a hot day, they aren't necessarily air conditioned
8. You must pay for water everywhere, but the streets and buildings of Moscow are the cleanest you will ever find
7. Mullets are the rave and undergarments are optional
6. Be prepared to get the evil eye if you pay with 500 rubles (less than $20) because giving change is not a happy time
5. Be sure to bring small change to use the bathroom and a little extra for toilet paper
4. Dill is like parsley and will be in and on everything
3. Don't try to find the line, there won't be one
2. The sidewalks aren't necessarily the safest place to walk
1. Wear your swimsuit because fountains are fair game and it's HOT! (Moscow is having the hottest summer in 40 years)

Now that Kat is gone and I am feeling more like I am really living here and less like I am on vacation I am hoping to find a teaching gig either permanently or subbing at the Angle- American School and other small English private schools in the area. John is doing great and enjoying his job. We are beginning to strategically plan our time off so that we can see as much as possible between now and the end of our adventure here.