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The spirit of the FIFA World Cup is strong across the globe, here in Russia, and in cyberspace as well. Via Facebook Messenger I was able to make a Colombia ?? fan out of my roommate, Andrew. Perhaps the greatest benefit of a study abroad class are the friendships made and relationships solidified. Dr. Neirotti does a wonderful job putting the class and entire experience together and all we have to do is put in the work and take it all in. Today is our last full day in Russia and it will be bittersweet to leave, but back to America I must go.

It is annoying that my sight-line is obstructed by the goal ? ! ? This is a fun experience with Senegal ?? fans drumming non-stop. Senegal’s first half goal put a slight damper into the enthusiasm of the loud and raucous Polska ?? fans, who have a de facto home field crowd advantage.

I could sense a “wind of change” as I walked through Gorky Park, but the change can be better described as an internal change of perception. Instead of soldiers walking by, I saw football fans from around the world and Russians enjoying an afternoon stroll. Russia is an incredible place that surprises. It is more like the U.S. than I ever imagined. Aside from politics and a different version of democracy than what we are used to, it’s people and beauty are wonderful and have more in common that that which makes us different. Too often our perceptions are steered by Hollywood and not reality. This opportunity to experience Russia makes me wish I could share this new-found view with everyone I know.

I took off from D.C. at about 3PM and landed shortly after 7AM here in Moscow. I had a hard time sleeping and occasionally lifted the shade throughout the night only to see daylight all night. The sun went below the horizon for a little while but it never got dark as we flew over the North Sea and within spitting distance of Iceland. Even as far South as Moscow the sun rises before 4AM. Now I’m here and ready for a nap, but am far too excited to rest my eyes.