I guess I'll go in order.
So last Sunday we decided to go to Club Raй (Heaven or Paradise) for this Pro-Putin Party that some of the guys in my section mentioned would be an interesting thing to get "information" on. So I thought, "it's one of Moscow's top night clubs and it's a Pro-Putin Party, let's go see what this is all about." Oh boy. I had an amazing time, but I was so out of my league. Honestly, I can't even explain to you what this club was like. There were half naked girls everywhere, tons of different bars, a whole bunch of VIP seating, etc. It was in an old chocolate factory on the river. In order to get in we went through the VIP entrance and had to pay 15,000 Rubles... which is approx. $500 for 11 people. BUT the money went on these cards that you spent on drinks. So essentially it was a guarantee that you would spend money and if you didn't spend it, it was like you paid a cover. When we first got in, there were cameras and reporters everywhere. I guess the party had attracted a lot of attention because Putin was reportedly against the use of his name as such an event, BUT the party happened regardless.. .so it leaves you to wonder, if Putin were really against it, would it have happened... you know, what Putin wants, Putin gets. Some even think it was the beginning of his 2012 presidential campaign. Wouldn't doubt it, actually. At the main entrance they had this cardboard billboard type thing... one of those face in the hole type things... with Putin on a motorcycle and a woman behind him... obviously I couldn't resist getting a picture of myself, but at the same time some of the press was filming it. Afterwards, when she realized I was an American, a reporter came up to me and wanted to interview me, so I said yes. Mistake #1, 2, 3, and 150,000. Just a bad idea, I've learned now. She asked me a whole bunch of random and leading questions, most of which I shrugged off or said "I don't know" to. But in the end, "I'm from WI, but I live in Moscow right now" turned into "she flew in from WI specifically for this party." And everything I said was either cut out of the video or covered up with a Russian voice over that says "I adore Putin. I am here just for him. He's better than Obama" in Russian. FML. Stupid lifenews.ru and their love for Putin. (For the record, I said I love Obama and he has a great personality (it was a question about his personality that prompted me to answer in such a way)). Most of the people who saw it, including the internal section chief, laughed and said I didn't have much to worry about, but that I should learn from my mistakes and stay out of the way of Russian cameras and their sneaky reporters. Believe me, lesson learned. Other than that, the night was amazing. I danced a lot and got to sit in a VIP table that was just there for us, but we never ordered it... hmmmm?? Didn't drink because I had to work the next day, but also didn't get home until 4:30 am... that was a LONG day at work. But worth it, really. First ever clubbing experience = major success (minus the press problem). Since I can't explain to you how awesome and over the top this club was, I'm giving you their website and also including the video. Just an FYI, the video is kind of xrated, so if you're worried, don't watch it. It's just funny to see how excited I look for being misqouted, and the Russian voice over, and the fact that they named me Ashley Boil (but it's in Russian), and just the general atmosphere of the party.
http://www.raiclub.ru/
Use Google Chrome and/or search in Google and choose "translate this page"
And I'm just going to include the link for the video so you can also translate the article to see what they wrote about me: Video of me professing my adoration for Putin over Obama.
Apart from some interesting conversations at the office, that's the majority of what happened surrounding that party.
These last few days have been CRAZY!!! We just had our Wheels Up party, meaning Biden left this morning. I got to meet him on Weds, he told me to get back to WI and straighten out my governor. That's one thing I caught after seeing him speak a few times, he really isn't afraid to say what he thinks... as we all know, it's gotten him in trouble, but it's still kind of refreshing. I was able to help out with and witness his speech at Moscow State University last night. It was a very good speech. Very bold, but very good. He definitely butchered some Russian names, namely Mikhail Khordokovsky, but hey... they're all tongue twisters to us English speakers anyways. And he had a good sense of humor about it. He made some bold statements about human rights and freedoms... actually got an applause from the crowd in the middle of it. There was another incident with the press, this time Russia Today, an english language network, but super anti-American. I guess they sent a couple reporters, one of which was suppose to actually cover the event while the other one created a scene. Something about asking her for her credentials and being discriminated against. I don't know exactly. I just know she got thrown out and is making a big fuss over it. Screw the press in this country, I have a deep-seated hatred for them. (sorry to all you honest journalists out there, I just need some time lol). I also had a great time as the gift officer... I actually got to hold the gifts that the VP gave to Medvedev and Putin. I transported them to the MFA protocol officer. Yep... it was pretty cool. They were uber heavy, but it was still cool. The whole thing was pretty stressful, but it went pretty well. Now we have to get ready for Secretary Gates's visit.
I think Olivia and I are going to Ismailavo tomorrow to buy our official Russian furs. Can't wait. I think we are both looking at silver fox throws!
Other than that, I've been pretty lazy at night, but well deserved laziness, for sure. Can't wait for my mommy and daddy to get home, I miss talking to them. I also made my first hair appointment in Russia... but at Town and Country... for when I get home. lol. I think I'm just gonna chill for the rest of the night. Sorry for the delay in this update.
No comments:
Post a Comment