Lost in Russia 121205

What a way to start the day! First, I must tell you that my luggage arrived at 11:30 p.m. last night. I think everything is in it. I can't find my nylons. That is probably just me forgetting them though. I have a coat though!
In any case, it didn't matter that my luggage was so late as I didn't sleep last night. I am really thrown off by the time and a bit worked up about everything that I need to get done. I finally went to bed at 6:30 a.m. This morning I had my wakeup call at 8 a.m., and I actually got up because I was afraid to miss my driver. So, I got a grand total of 1.5 hours of sleep last night.
I went downstairs at 8:15 a.m. The driver was to arrive at 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. passes and then 9:00 a.m. then 9:15 a.m. and still no driver. Previously, I had asked which Metro station the office was at. Everyone had told me Novoslobodskaya, and that it was very easy from the Metro station. So, I hauled my butt to Belorusskaya Metro station, bought some tickets. I took the train to Novoslobodskaya. I have never seen so many people jammed into one place in my life. The Moscow Metro in the morning makes NYC look like a ghost town. I exit the Metro into the city and it looks nothing like the area of the office. I walked for an hour and a half and must've asked at least 20 people if they knew where Vyatskaya Ulitsa was (in Russian of course). No one knew. I walked until my legs were numb from the cold. I guess this is just the exercise portion of my special Russian diet. Finally, I looked for a taxi. I could not find a taxi. So, I went back to the Metro station and went back to the hotel. Alexei was waiting there for me. So, I made it to work today. I, of course, didn't eat breakfast this morning as I refuse to pay $15 for breakfast. However, two cups of tea and some Trident, and I am feeling better. I am making one concession at the hotel. I am paying $28/day for the internet.
For all my lamenting about Russia, there are a few things that I like. I really like seeing the adopting couples. They always have such a light in their eyes as they are coming to meet their baby or pick up their baby. Two of the people that lost their luggage with me were going to pick up their 10 month old in Siberia. She was so upset because all of the supplies for the baby were in her luggage and she was supposed to leave the next day to go to Siberia. I also like the subway stations. They are very lovely. I have a new favorite. In Novoslobodskaya, there are the most amazing stained glass scenes. I will try to find a picture to attach. I found some. They are courtesy of one Mark Thomas.
So, I'll end on a happy note. I'd better get to work! I have tons to do.
Cheers!
Amanda