C Major

After the final I awoke in another couchsurfer's home in the city centre - she had kindly put me and Bastian up for the night as the last train back towards Djim's direction departed before the final began. With a new phone and my visa registration in the bag I finally got round to exploring some of the capital with Djim and his girlfriend Kristina. The tour was mainly an exploration of The Arbat, "Moscow's most charming and lively pedestrian street" and a St Petersburg-style flourish of cultural pomp mixed with a compelling display of the arts, which included a surprise display of heavy metal from a band next to the underground station. Stalls and buskers filled the air with heady noise and my favourite part of Moscow was firmly established.

Djim had earlier in the week suggested I stay as honoured guest for his Mother's birthday celebration on the Sunday (25th May). What I expected to be a small family affair turned into a feast of epic proportions. All kinds of meats, dishes and drinks littered the table and I was once again overwhelmed by the hospitality bestowed on me. More and more family arrived and more toasts were made until finally it was my turn. Blood rushed to my head as I took to my feet and a few vodka-induced slurs interrupted what went something along the lines of "I'm thankful to be a guest here and hope I'm representing my country well during this meal which signifies the union of our respective motherlands". Djim thankfully translated and the speech went down a storm, whereupon I was plied with yet more booze before us young scallywags departed to take a walk through the woods to the local bar (now another firm favourite) for the most exsquisite garlic black bread with beer.

Djim's fantasic cousin joined us and we played pool and cracked language barrier-breaking gaffs into the small hours. Returning home I got the sudden urge to watch Lord Of The Rings, the only copy of which was in Russian and we fell asleep to the sound of Gandalf shouting "you shall not pass!!" in the mother tongue. I couldn't get enough of life in the country, and stayed two more days at Djim's. But alas, it was time to go - the city centre awaited me and a new host. I would miss the experience which Djim, his wonderful family (especailly little Nastia) and lush Ducha had given me. Thanks Djim, you're a legend.