Privyet friends of the Polaris Project! I’m sure you’ll all be pleased to hear we’re alive and well and only moderately exhausted. I’m sitting on the floor of the Vnukovo airport in Moscow next to a giant pile of bags and fellow participants who are furiously blogging on Max’s command. Some of us left home three days ago, and we still have eight time zones left to cross before we reach our final destination. No one’s internal clock has a clue what’s going on anymore, but spirits are high; we’re headed to an incredible location in fabulous company.

Yesterday we toured Red Square, and I think it’s safe to say we were all pretty impressed. The architecture was stunning, the weather couldn’t have been better, and the people-watching was excellent. We took pictures in front of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and Lenin’s tomb. I would love to spend more time in Moscow, even though a coffee here costs over eight dollars. The food at our “hotel-like structure,” despite looking somewhat unappetizing, has been delicious (particularly the mystery meat puffs!). And I’ve been told that the food on the barge far exceeds what we’ve already experienced.

Earlier today we had a brainstorming session for project ideas that got everyone thinking science. This may be the coolest thing I have ever done, and the really good stuff hasn’t even started yet.

Next blog post will come from the station!!