The Dave Chronicles: Countdown to a break

Even though overall I'm enjoying my posting in Russia and, outside of work, am quite happy living here work is starting to wear on me. It has been non-stop since I arrived and even though I made it back to the states for my brother's wedding in November, I wouldn't call that much of a break. I have a countdown on my desktop to the day I leave for a training course in France. Only 19 days away from a course that's actually supposed to prepare me for the job I started over 4 months ago. Can't wait to see how wrong I've been doing it. I used to always get excited to take a course because it meant a break from the field, meeting with old friends, and a bit of partying. It's safe to say sometimes we didn't really learn much from our training. This course, however, I am actually very interested in and, maybe as a sign of maturing, I will be taking it more seriously. I will, however, still make the most of my week in Paris.

Following the course I booked a few days off to meet with a good friend in the french Alps for some snowboarding, light drinking, relaxing and general shenanigans (a sign of my lasting immaturity). My one concern is that theski resort we're going to has not had much snow this year and even the official resort site that is always exaggerating the positives of the area to increase its visitors is saying it desperately needs snow!! I'll give it a shot anyway and at least I can blame my terrible snowboarding skills on the lack of snow.

As I mentioned, Russia has been a wonderful surprise and just like I've had to explain to certain people that Canada is not igloos and eskimos (you know who you are, americans) that Siberia is not Ice and polar bears. I'd encourage everyone to come to Russia, skip Moscow ;) and visit one of the many great regions/cities in Siberia. Having said that I still look forward to switching my current temporary living quarters and view from ...