Got a light?

Big article in today's NY Times about problems with the torch relay….seems The flame has gone out a bunch of times
Enjoy the video.

Those wacky Russians.

http://nyti.ms/1flgZmI
The 40,389-mile Olympic torch relay to the Sochi Games in Russia, which hit a low point this week with the death of a runner, has proven to be an exercise in misfortune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tr_JiOfLI4Y

Solid student

Well just so you know, I passed my online course with a solid D+. I'm sure I will represent our nation well.

More good news

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1006.html#criminal_penalties

Studies

Well, my brain is throbbing after only 22% of my online course. And I've discovered you can't cut corners on this baby.  You have to learn everything about Russia. Even if it takes all night. However, I have learned at least one interesting fact. The life expectancy of a male in Russia is 64. And the population is actually declining. Pass the vodka.

Finally, a bit of good news. The average daytime temperature in Sochi is 60°.

Now, more bad news. Don't drink the water from any tap. Drinking water in Russia is unsafe from any faucet except in Moscow.

The city of Sochi is 90 miles long. Be careful when you get in the taxi. Plus, our little corner of the world is 25 miles from downtown. Whatever that is.

We have also lbeen advised to leave all our valuables at home and lock all our doors and windows 

Let's go. The sooner we start this, the sooner we will be done with it.

And try to avoid hanging out with young Russians who want to have drinks and "Practice their English" with you.

Come on. This will be almost like a vacation. Minus the vacation.

Homework

Aw geez...just got an email from HQ indicating we are required to take an online course regarding the  joys awaiting us in the former Soviet Union.  There is even a required quiz at the end.
I hear we shouldn't even bring our cell phones.  It seems someone from the company got billed $7 000.00 for long distance without making a call.  We can't even bring our laptops or IPads into the IBC due to concerns about hacking.  Can't wait for the free thumb drives from our hosts.  I will update after my further edumacation
Where is the NSA when we need them?

Cold War

I admit it. I grew up during the Cold War. To this day, when I hear people speaking Russian on the subway I am suspicious of them. But from what I've heard from my friends in Brighton Beach these fears are not entirely misplaced.

Despite this, I have signed my contract. I am now committed to this arduous journey. Which can only be amusing for you, my loyal readers.

In the past, colleagues have expressed  joyous anticipation of their Olympic assignment. Not this time. At all.  No one I've spoken to is looking forward to this one.
I've also heard that the construction on the venues is behind schedule. I hope our Motel 6 will be completed in time.

On the positive side, I ran 5 miles today. That should give me a slight head start on the KGB.