Before heading off for a day of work today, my roommate, Chris, and I ventured out into the frozen tundra in search souvenirs to lug home in our already ready-to-bust suitcases.  The day before, while driving to work, we saw a few folding tables piled with Russian wares set up on the side of an overpass.  It didn't seem too far away from our hotel, and the shopping was limited to maybe fifteen or less tables, so we figure we'll be able to shop for at least a little while in comfort before nee...
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 A generous dose of Xanax is highly recommended for anyone wishing to visit the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, Russia.  Among the themes featured in the Russian art are disease, flooding, derelict architecture, drowning, war casualties, funeral processions, and death in general.  One especially uplifting image entitled "Inconsolable Grief" depicts a widow dressed in black holding a handkerchief to her mouth to stifle back tears as she adds yet another bouquet of lilies to the blooming collectio...
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The first night after I arrived in Russia, I slept like a baby through the night.  Unfortunately, ever since then, bedtime has been a different story.  Last night I forced myself to stay awake until 11:00 pm, and drifted to sleep, which I enjoyed until the ripe ol’ hour of 3:00 am.  Hooray for jet lag.  Actually, as annoying as it is, being awake for hours on end does have it’s advantages. 

For example, this morning, after lying in bed with my eyes permanently fixed open, I decided to ...

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