As promised, room service was ordered. CNN International was watched. By 10 p.m., the room was perfectly cool and dark, and it seemed like the perfect opportunity to sleep. And I guess it was for the next three and a half hours. By 1:30 a.m., I was wide awake. I laid there for a while. Then I turned on the television, and by 3:30 I gave up and got up.
I researched St. Petersburg and Paris. I answered every e-mail. I chatted with Brenda. At 5 a.m., I ordered room service - the full breakfast - and I Skyped with my mom until breakfast arrived. About the food - it ain't great. Pretty bad, actually. Just look at it. And no, I didn't eat all of that breakfast. And yes, I would really like to have some Tums right about now.
I tried twice more to go back to sleep. As soon as my head hit the pillow, I'd wake up. And the strangest thing - my room smells like a heavy dose of salt and pepper - just like the batter on fried chicken.
Crazy, right? It's true.
Before long, the sun was up. It's sunny and around 30 degrees. I met with a student this morning, and let's all hope she applies. That 17 hour journey through three countries and three airports will have paid off.
It's noon, and I'm leaving now for the airport. Next stop, St. Petersburg.