All Quiet in Moscow

The markets may be in freefall, but things are pretty quite in Moscow. We had a small group for FHE this week, but we had a great time, just the same. It has warmed up considerably, so now we have the dreaded ice to contend with in our comings and goings.

This is a 6-day week in Russia. Last week the Russians had to work Sunday and this week they have a make up day on Saturday. It's a little strange to have the government tell you what days you have to work.

The rouble is devaluing daily. Good for us and bad for the Russians. At its strongest, the rouble was 23.2r to the dollar. Now, it is 31.7r to the dollar. More roubles for less dollars means our fixed expenses like rent has gone way down. But we were surprised to see that the price of a 60-pass metro ticket went from 580r to 850r!! I am told that the same is happening in the grocery stores too. Thirty dollar a barrel oil is not a Russian's best friend. Of course, $147 a barrel oil wasn't our best friend either!!

We got our signed contracts from the hotel, so we are good to go with the Metropol Hotel. We have worked for this one. We hope a splendid time will be had for all...