Days Two to Four

So after one day of sightseeing, the meetings began. And this, this was very different than the sightseeing. So, for example, instead of staring in awe at beautiful buildings and marveling at Russian history, we met with the head of the electoral commission, the head of the human relations commission, members of the Youth Public Chamber and some other politicians.
My understanding is that we got to meet with people that the Ambassador had had trouble getting a meeting with.
One thing is clear. You think, perhaps, from the media, that the issue of Ukraine might be big in Russia. You would be correct about that.
If by big, you mean all consuming.
I am hesitant to say more than that about any of our meetings in Moscow.
And by "hesitant" I mean a mixture of cautious and anxious that is completely unlike my usual propensity to completely run my mouth off.
Of course, being even a semi-official face of the U.S. during a time of crisis makes you the default recipient of a lot of opinions on U.S. politics. This is true wherever you go as a U.S. citizen, but it feels more intense right now, I think, because official channels are more obstructed.

Moscow is not only filled with politicians, of course, It's also a center of art and business. Or, in the case of Kespersky Labs, both. Mr. Kespersky started his business in 1994, immediately after the collapse of the soviet union, and now has a worldwide anti-virus company, with a gorgeous office space that reminds me of Maya Design, in Pittsburgh.
He also bought a Dali, as in Salvador, which graces the lobby. One message we received loud and clear is that business of the right size can thrive in Moscow.

On Wednesday night I visited the Bolshoi Theater (translation, grand theater) and watched the ballet. I don't love dance, and the ballet, in particular, seems distant from art with which I can engage, but this was something else. I sat in a box, with a beautiful unobstructed view (would love it if Pittsburgh theaters could take a cue from the Bolshoi) and watched some of the most amazing feats of athleticism I've ever seen. The audience shouted Bravos and hollers as if it were a football game.