Work and Play

Finally a chance to rest and catch up on my journal. The last two days have been hectic to say the least. School Thursday morning and work in the evening. My shift at work was strange, 3-11pm. I keep forgetting that I am in the land of the night owl. Fitness clubs here, open at 7 am and close at 11pm. Everything here is open later. Russian life revolves around what you get up to in the evening. There is no problem grabbing some dinner at midnight. Streets are full of life any night of the week until 3-4am. The last movie sessions' start at midnight! Can you imagine watching "Lord Of The Rings" at this time slot? You wouldn't leave the cinema until 4 in the morning.
Russians generally start work at 9-9.30am and go through until 7-8 pm officially, however most finish up later, (10 or 11pm). A far cry from Communist times when you would finish right on the dot. Sound familiar Australia?! These guys are taking capitalism and entrepreneurial ambition by the horns. They are ravenous in chasing the rouble and are not at all scared of work. The sicky attitude is non existent and thought of as ludicrous. The people work hard, then play even harder and then think nothing of it. No statistical winging about how we are now working longer hours. What's a hangover at work on Moday? It's not going to kill you. I love it! What an attitude!