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May 2nd 2004
On the way to the airport, we stopped to take some
pictures of a mural of the Eager To Please album cover that had
been done by a Russian sailor. I have sent Rod a picture
of this because I thought you might like to see it. I have been
given many things and the kindness of Russian fans amazes me and
warms my heart but this was something else. The sailor/artist was
there and lots of pictures were taken, I only hope you can imagine
how I felt!!
We also got a bit of a guided tour and a lesson in the history of
Kaliningrad which was found 749 years ago. I have been invited back
to play during their 750th anniversary next year and that would
be a great honour… we shall see.
With a head and chest full of flu, the last thing I wanted to do
was get on a plane but there was no choice so we flew to Moscow
to pick up our flight to Arkangelski which is in the north of Russia.
I remember they had a mine flood some months ago and I am also interested
to find out how the city got it's name.
But first we have some issues to deal with as the tech spec for
this show is a long way off the mark. We always provide a detailed
technical rider and most promoters get acceptably close to it but
this one was a bit dodgy so, once we got to Moscow, we set about
resolving this. The last thing I wanted to do was go to a city and
have to cancel a show but the promoter had flown to Moscow to meet
us and to offer us some re-assurance. My representatives were aware
of this problem but were nowhere to be found so poor old Richard
worked with the translator to try and make the situation understood.
We had some time so we went into Moscow for lunch where our good
friend Tim joined us and we began to make some headway towards a
resolution. A new and improved spec was e-mailed to us (thanks Mikhail)
and the decision was made that we would go to Arkangelski and see
what materialised. Probably the right choice actually but difficult
nonetheless.
So back to the airport and another, much older, Russian plane. Russian
airlines are now members of IATA so their standards of service and
maintenance are much higher but some of the planes are still a bit
rickety (a bit like me today) so it's always an "interesting"
experience but we arrived safe, if a little unsound, and were met
by the local contigent who were keen to make us comfortable.
We got to the hotel a little late but we were still able to grab
a light dinner before retiring for the night. My prayer is that
I will feel better tomorrow.
I am writing this from our room. I only mention that because it's
the first time I have stopped long enough to plug my laptop in.
Actually the room has three rooms and in the dining room we have
a computer with a high-speed internet connection and all the comforts
of home. Not a bad place to be stuck for three days! God is good.
Next day...
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