A note from yesterday!

Moscow 16.30 UK 13.30

I started writing this on the train although when I write up I'll try to keep it authentic. I have cut it very fine getting to the airport today and I am not convinced I am going to make it. it's nearly half four and I am on the train to Domedovo - train should get there at 4.50. Plane leaves at 6.15. It should be ok but I have no idea what it is like getting out of Russia - Fuck, a few years ago that would be an all day job. Ironically this is one of the least bureaucratic countries I have been to - everything has been very straightforward. It would also be fucking typical if it got difficult now. Also, ignored Moscow rule (2?) Murphy's law - if it can go wrong. Fuck, still if it does go wrong, there is nothing at all I can do about it now. The other problem is I am not absolutely sure I am on the right train, I think I am on the right train but it is not obvious - different type of train to the one I got Monday. There are only Russians on this train - Muscovite's - one of them today!

There is a women (not old enough to be a babushka) walking through with a shopping trolley full of mags, books cold drinks etc. I think she is official, but the shopping trolley is a Moscow improvisation! Looks like its from the river.

Fuck me I have cut this fine. Shit. Not even going to think about anything at the airport other than getting through - if it is the right airport. Got about 1500 roubles - can get more. is that enough for a bribe? Don't even know if they take bribes anymore. Don't know whether I could head for Germany or other EU place if I could not get to UK tonight? Read that it is difficult and expensive if you over stay your visa - not worried, it would just end up being an expensive fuck up, probably not get change from a grand. Just wait and see.

looks like it might be the right train. car park looks familiar and people putting coats on.

5.40

Checked in and in holding pen - still don't quite believe it, takes longer to get through Bristol when going to Edinburgh!

Potential fuck up started when I just spent the morning arseing around red square - time creep got me again (why don't I learn?) It got to half one and I realised it was going to be tight - had to get back to hotel to get bag etc etc. Started to go wrong then. that was also the point when that rather quaint Russian trait of "tell someone who gives a fuck" started to piss me off. Then I ballsed up a metro change - another 20 mins. decided to cab it to the airport.

Moscow taxis - worth going all the way there just to experience one! Love to get the same one again next time I go - he was fucking fucking (supposed to be twice) insane! Never had a car journey like it, had a grin on my face the whole time, not sure why though cos I am sure i was only inches from death! Then we hit traffic - that's when I thought it is really going wrong. And - as he got me to the station, he got nicked! He was having a row with a fat Moscow copper! (only fat copper I saw in Moscow).

And most of it is because of foot situation - not good. They are probably oozing a bit. Got back to the hotel yesterday (Tuesday) and they were agony, kept me awake a long time. Wrapped them in half a field hospital this morning and have been shuffling around like a Moscow drunk, scowling at everybody - especially the Moscow drunks. Doc Martens are brilliant. They keep you warm and dry, you could probably drive a bus over the steel toe caps and would not feel it. Mental note to wear them in if I ever get another new pair though, avoid having feet that look like plates of chopped liver that way.

(still got some more to finish)