Saturday, part DUH

It warmed to the mid-50's this afternoon, and I had a lovely long walk up to the kremlin and then all around the perimeter. There were SO MANY weddings taking place! At one side of the kremlin the wedding cars were double & triple parked. Wedding processions honk their horns here in Astrakhan, too, and the wedding photographers here do goofy things, too, like making the groomsmen all stand together and hold the horizontal groom. It was a great day to be out, to see all the happiness & laughter all around. Even away from the weddings, people were out in droves today, soaking up the sunshine and chasing kids and walking hand in hand.

I walked for about an hour, then came back & have spent the rest of the day chilling in the room. Very laid back. Talked to the kids again - I swear we talk more when I'm away than when we're home, but hey, I'm not complaining :-)

I had a DUH moment around 8, when I tried to figure out why I was so very tired. Okay, there's lots of emotions at play, and I had a long walk, but still, this seemed a bit much. Then I realized that it's been a week since I had my daily synthroid pill. Talk about your V-8 moments! I'll be okay, this isn't a drastic dosage by any means, but no wonder I'm dragging a bit tonight!

A few cool things that I've noticed here:
- the tall windows here in the hotel have 2 options for opening. If you turn the handle up, the window tilts open from the top, about 5 inches. If you turn the handle sideways, the window swings open as wide as you choose.
- Pringles come in some very interesting flavors, including red pepper & vinegar (I think), cheese & onion, and bacon. Which may be Pringles flavors at home, too, but since I don't buy them there, I wouldn't know.
- the women are SKINNY. And they seem far more fashionable than at home, though you know, that might just be me :-)
- driving is a test of stamina like no other. Especially when the drivers decide to drive 3 abreast in a space meant for 2. Or when a cow wanders into the road. Or when it's time to make a left turn, which involves 2 or 3 or 4 cars pulling over into the left lane, all beside each other, and then ALL turning left at the same time. Which means you not only have to avoid oncoming traffic, you also have to watch out for the other left-turning cars as well.
- mixed vegetables, cole slaw, rice, and hot dogs are breakfast foods here.
- Coke is everywhere. Pepsi, not so much.
- hotels do not provide washcloths. However, there has been a fridge in every place we've stayed, which is very convenient, especially as there are no ice machines. Ice seems to be out of favor here.
- even I, who avoids buying water whenever I can go for the tap, will spring for BonAqua sparkling water. It's just so refreshing!

Finally, here's a big shout-out to the things that make it so much easier to be away from home: live streaming radio that allows you to listen to a hometown station from 5,000 miles away, email, and Skype. And, of course, Pringles. Especially when paired with a Cadbury chocolate chaser.