A Blog by Any Other Name

A couple of people have written, asking me what name this blog will have once I make it to Russia. nd so, in answer that question (drumroll please):

After careful consideration, I have decided not to change this blog's name. I will still be the Far East Side Minyan, even on the east side of Europe.

I have decided it would cause too much confusion to my regular readers, some of whom are not particularly computer savvy, to have to remember a new blog name and address. Moreover, I have come to rather liking the name I chose on a whim about six months ago, when I set out for Taiwan. I may no longer be in the Far East, but I like the humor of the name, and I can think of no better one for the regular dispatches I send out about my adventures overseas.

Speaking of which, your roving reporter is heading out for further adventures soon, G_d willing. I received my Letter of Invitation from Moscow today and sent my visa application to the Russian Embassy posthaste. This application should take no more than ten business days to process, so I expect it back by the 1st of May, after which I will finally be able to book a flight to Russia.

It's hard not to be afraid of somehow jinxing this. I have had such a long string of things almost come together and then fall apart over the last few years, that I hesitate to count any unhatched chickens. But there is little reason to suppose the Embassy will reject my application. I checked and double checked my paperwork before I sent it off, and so I have every reason for cheer. Whatever nagging thoughts I have in the back of my mind I will have to work to dismiss.