Greetings from Moscow! What an amazing salutation for me to write...for so many reasons!
I am typing on a keyboard with many different and unfamiliar letters- and a very uncooperative "U" key! So- please forgive the typos. I am paying by the minute for computer access in this little Internet Cafe, so I will not do too many proofs!
Let's see....we left many of yo in the parking lot at church on Sunday afternoon. The trip to JFK was long and slow, ending with a smoking rear tire when we disembarked at the Aeroflot terminal. The bus driver made prolific use of the fire extinguisher as we unloaded the bags and scurried inside. The driver was a native Russian who seem relatively unphased by the drama, and I was all too happy to let him handle the exit from JFK however he pleased!
This is the largest group we have ever taken on tor - 59 in all, plus or guides and friends, Kathie Schmoll and her son Mateas, who met us at the airport in Moscow. The flight was 90 minutes late leaving JFK but we made up most of that time en route. The girls looked beautiful in their purple shirts designed by our classy and stylish Nadine Ball and her team of girls. I was seated by a Neurologist who had grown up in the Republic of Georgia. He had been in the U S studying English in New Haven and was headed to his new home in Moscow. We chatted on and off for the entire trip; it mostly him chatting and me listening and asking questions.He must have been around 50; he spoke at length of his growing up years in the Soviet-era USSR, the various political changes and politicians associated with each phase, and how his family, community and country had been impacted at every step. He was so soft-spoken and gentle I had to work quite hard to hear all he had to say. He asked about or itinerary, and then proceeded to go through or tour journal and talk at length about each venue we would be seeing. It was the best seat on the plane (other than being in the center seat - with my long legs!) He was fascinated that we would be interested in coming to his country - especially with the goal of learning more about the Russian culture and meeting other choirs who love singing as much as we do; he was visibly moved and greatly humbled. He dearly loved his country and gave me much to think about on a number of levels.
We landed in Moscow, got in our chaperone groups and embarked on the tedious Customs and Immigration process. ONE PERSON at the foreign lane booth.... But, all the bags arrived, and we met our hosts and walked outside to incredible 80 degree weather! Perfect!
We drove straight to Red Square amid massive traffic. We drove past many monuments dating back to the 18th century, and fond ourselves at the double gates of Red Square. For the adults on the trip (we are especially fortunate to have the mothers of Susan and Jodi, Rebecca Thornburgh's sister, as well as a wonderful group of well-seasoned chaperones, some husbands and a few new chaperones who have already endeared themselves to the experienced tour-crew. We have a number of first-year Motet girls with us, including 9 Trouveres, who have adapted like pros.
But- back to the point! For those of us who grew with the Cold War, the thought of walking in Red Square--seeing St. Basil's brilliantly colored and textured onion domes, Lenin's tomb, the Italianate red-brick walls of the Kremlin and the other government buildings was surreal, and not easily believed. The architecture is, of course, stunning and massive. But wondering what all had taken place on the very cobblestones we were walking on, and thinking about what the buildings in that gargantuan square had witnessed even in the 20th century alone, was an experience that will take a bit of time to digest at any depth. The skies were brilliant blue and clear-and lots of signs advertising all kinds of products from all over the world was such a change from the image and film clips most of us grew up with.
We are done with our evening meal and more than ready for bed- tomorrow is a long day, starting back at Red Square with more in-depth touring, and ending with a concert with the choir from the University of Moscow. Thank you for the honor of traveling with your daughters and granddaughters- they are the most remarkable ambassadors the U.S. could possible send. What a gift!
Warmly,
Mark
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