Where in the World is Cat?

Brrrrrrrr! Well, we are definitely in the dead of winter here in Moscow. Today the temperature hit a high of -18 Celcius. Even with a bright sun and clear skies, I felt like my nose was going to shrivel up and fall off! We in the US often think that we know the cold...we certainly do get temperatures in the North that rival Moscow's, but unlike millions of Muscovites - most of us have warm cars that we drive to work. I realized this crucial different during my routine fifteen minute walk to the metro station to buy some concert tickets for the weekend. I needed to stop twice, once in a pharmacy and once in a grocery store, just two warm up and get the feeling back in my limbs!

Additionally, for the longest time, I had heard and read stories of hikers or climbers who found themselves lost or stuck in extreme conditions, who always feared of "falling asleep" in the cold. Apparently, the body's reactions to extreme cold is to slow down, which in turn creates a feeling of sleepiness. I never quite understood this fear, I always thought, "How could you fall asleep if you're THAT cold? I can't fall asleep unless I'm snuggled up under my blankets!" Well, while waiting for the bus today, I learned of this feeling. I stood for 15 minutes on the street corner, bundled up head to toe - down jacket, two scarves, gloves, hat, hood, long johns, wool socks, the works. After 10 minutes of standing in this cold, I had the strongest want for a nap. I even then started to fall asleep on my feet...even though I've gotten plenty of sleep in the last couple of days. It wasn't until this moment that I realized just how defenseless we can be to nature's wrath at times...and became all the more aware of how careful one does have to be in extreme weather conditions.

At the moment however, I'm snuggled up in my room getting ready for bed. The cold really does take a lot out of you! Tomorrow is the Day of the Defenders of the Fatherland - aka - Mens' Day here in Russia. This is basically the Russian equivalent of Father's Day, just broadened to encompass all men. (It's okay, I'll get to enjoy Womens' Day on March 8th ;)) Best part - no school!