Our experience in Russia has passed like one day during the three weeks we spent in Cherskiy where the sun didn’t dip below the horizon. We departed almost as quickly as we came, but carrying additional duffel bags of water samples and dozens of excel spreadsheets back with us.  Our hosts at the Northeast Science Station were incredibly helpful and accommodating to our needs — the fascination with arctic science nourishes friendships across nations.

We wait in Domodedovo, one of Moscow’s many airports, after traveling 8 time zones in three days. A brief stay in the city of Yakusk, where buildings stand on stilts to stop from sinking into permafrost, punctuated our 6am departure to Moscow.  We stayed at a hotel-like structure outside Moscow, gave presentations on our findings, and took a riverboat tour then walked Arbat Street.

We are excited to see our friends and family, but disappointed to leave Russia and the friendships we have formed.  All is well in Moscow, having just past through the hectic passport control.  See you soon (after a ten hour flight with 8 more time zone changes)!