We have closed the first chapter of the Christmas and New Year celebrations and we are about to open the next one. At the moment we are at the airport in Moscow, Sheremetyevo, and there are still a few hours until the flight to Novokuznetsk. This year they have simplified the procedure somewhat as we don’t have to check in the luggage again in Moscow, it goes straight to the final destination. Next year they will also get rid of the paper slip that one gets when entering Russia and that needs to be kept until you leave Russia. That is progress đ It will also be interesting to see if the 72 hour visa-free-trips will be introduced as has been reported. I think that could introduce the tourist trips to Moscow and St Petersburg significantly. I have not been in Russia for a year since we were busy at home this year but next year we want to go to St Petersburg again and it would be more convenient without the visa requirement since I don’t have a business visa at the moment.
We had a good, and as usual eventful, time in VĂ€sterĂ„s. The weather was not the best possible but we did not spend much time outside and we did not go to VĂ€sterĂ„s for the weather, but for the people. It was great to see the family, including Joel’s girlfriend Sara, Raoul and Gunnel, and friends from ABB Industrygymnasium. Last night Jakob and I could spend some time tuning his computer as well which felt rewarding for us when things started to work better.
Freja stays in VĂ€sterĂ„s for her yearly “spa-like” week with mom’s nursing and care. Freja showed great loyalty last year when she still wanted to come with us to Switzerland instead of staying in VĂ€sterĂ„s with longer walks and better meals. We hope that we can count on her also in a week…
The weather in Novkuznetsk seems very pleasant, same figure as in VÀsterÄs but with a minus sign in front. There has been no snow so far but according to online weather services it is arriving at the moment and the next days. Looks like there is hope for a white New Year at least.
If anyone wants to get in touch, I am (in addition) available on my Russian mobile number +79832230631.