Good Grief

The weather is on the verge of getting terrible here again and this time it's for good. The average temperature for September is a balmy 11.8 degrees Celcius. That's just autumn too, as in Not Winter. It just keeps getting worse. So what's there to do in Russia amist 50 degrees and rain? Use your imagination. Nothing at all. Cold weather spoils poor traveler's even mo poor social schedule. I'm down to my last english language book, which is unfortunately War & Peace. I don't even care about the romantic notion of enjoying War & Peace in it's homeland, it still reads like the back of a shampoo bottle. My poor social schedule looks even more dismal thanks to the weather. There aren't any more rasta festivals or rap battles in the park on the week's horizon, since there's no sun and cheer.  I'm pretty sure every one especially me is starting to sulk over the weather. 

Nah it's just me. 

The rest of Moscow is thinking, "I'm so happy now. This weather finally gives me a chance to look......even more Miserable."

It's a unromantic version of the Summertime Blues. 

No worries though, cabin fever will set in soon and that will be the death of me. 

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The New York Times recently finished some extended travel feature called the Frugal Traveler's Grand Tour. Some frugal traveler apparently not named Cathy Wallace set out on a 13 week trek across, above, and around 16 different european countries, living off only 100 euros a day, in search of the true roots of Western civilization. Even though he's probably some turtlenecked stiff getting paid four times more than his daily financial self-imposition, he does have some words of wisdom. I might have some words about his words.

-Think like a local

I find it hard to believe that this slice of advice comes as a surprise to people. This is no late night National Geographic deep in the jungle travel secret. It's God given common sense. Are there ever benefits to being glaringly obviously foreign when traveling overseas? Looking, spending, and acting like Spring Break at Disneyland is the obvious invitation to trouble not just in friendly white Europe, but everywhere in the world. People that don't act, spend, and generally think like locals when traveling are just proof that personality checks should be required when applying for visas. 

-Make yourself useful

If the discomfort of travel makes people discover this life lesson, then everyone should throw themselves into the world at one point or another. Making yourself useful applies to situations way beyond working at organtic farms during extended vacations in Europe. Getting involved in the community around you is just an important opportunity for interaction and a way of keeping the mind, y'all. M.I.A. says it best. "Money makes you numb." Get out there and do something, because it's joy to the world and you as well.

-Rely on the kindness of strangers

A definite must when traveling on your own, and a constant reminder of Karma's influence over the daytoday order of things. Even though it's hard to figure out how legit the kindness actually is when you don't speak the same language, it's better to take your chances than be rude. No matter how unknown and horrible it is, just eat it and smile. You only live once.

-Generosity Trumps Frugality

It's no contradiction. Generosity trumps frugality and the generosity of Europeans is outrageous, in the very best way possible. From free meals to rides to even night stays, I've accepted and declined everything under the sun, even from the most frugal businessmen.

-Redefine Europe

I can't really say I'm out to redefine Europe. Russia is hardly European. The only thing Russia might have in common with the rest of Europe is the time zone. I've got nothing to start with  so there is no redefinitions on this trip. Except for maybe me 

Bwahhaha

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