This day was a long and exhausting day. It was interesting, but I don't love Russia like I love Egypt so the exhaustion got to me more. We visited to Czar's palaces which were the biggest, most extravagant, guilded gold things I've ever seen. Too many people to much to look at and absorb and we went through everything too fast to really have time to stop and appreciate it all. But I don't want to sound like I'm complaining - I just wish I'd had more time. The Amber Room at Catherine's palace was absolutely amazing - I could spend a whole day in that room alone. Our lunch was good - mushroom soup and beef stroganoff. Very fun.
Once we got back to the room we decided to go to the spa for departure again. It was nice to rest my tootsies after all that walking. Then we went to a Sommelier's Dinner - Sommelier is a French word which really has no translation (so I'm told) except that maybe it means head wine master. The wine master, Frank (I spoke about him in prior posts), is a hysterical German who really knows his business about wine. He is not liking Prosseco. :-) Anyway - we ate the most amazing 7 course meal paired with fantastic wines from all over the world - France, Chile, Portugal, Italy and even home - Washington State. After the dinner Dane and I went to the Crow's Nest where I had hopped to catch the Captain and beg him for another ball. He wasn't up there but our happy waiter told us he was in the Ocean Bar so I told Dane I was going to go beg for a ball. Found the Captain, but he was busy so I couldn't ask. Then, later, he was up in the Crow's Nest and as he was leaving I was able to run him down in the hall (of course by now I'm nice and toasty from the wine and my after dinner drink) and ask him for another ball. He said he could not do it or that I'd have to speak with the hotel manager. But he did say he was going to be around in case I wanted another dance. I asked one more time to get to the OB and he just laughed at me. Even Frank the Sommelier said that there was no way. Even if I made it to the OB, the other officer's would have to report me or risk losing their jobs so they don't mess around with that one bit.
Dane and I have been having a great time though. No fighting, not even minor bickering. Just laughing and joking. He's made some pretty good jokes - all "you had to be there" type jokes, but really good ones. We are just so happy and so lucky and blessed. We keep thanking God everyday for the opportunities we get and our house and the debt relief and everything. Amazing. Our realtor emailed us today. He has the keys. The house is ours. Ours ours ours. Unbelievable.
I miss my cats. I'm getting worried about work and coming back to a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time. I forget if I was supposed to prioritize the budget or the monthend close so it's giving me anxiety. I'm not looking forward to the jet lag, especially if it was anything like the first part of this trip (though I'm sure my Amsterdam stint did nothing to help the lag). I am looking forward to seeing my Seattle friends again and for the last time really. Well, last time for a long time. It will be a good month. No word from Water for People but I'm not too worried. Whatever is meant to be will happen in due time. What with Dane's debt relief, the pressure for me to find work immediately has been lifted.
Well I'm rambling on at this point. I'll post our Helsinki notes later today.
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