After an arduous 28 hour journey from Vancouver to Toronto, Toronto to Frankfurt, Frankfurt to Moscow followed by an hour bus ride, we have finally settled in.

The Canadian under 20 squad and a staff are here to represent our country for the Junior World Trophy Event.  There are 8 teams (Canada, Zimbabwe, Russia, Italy, Japan, Romania, Uruguay and Papua New Guinea) here competing for a chance to move up to next years Junior World Cup in Italy.  I have worked with the U20 (and the U21 previously) for over 5 years now.  It has given me the opportunity to see the world and meet some amazing people while being immersed in their perspective cultures.  Last year we spent just over 3 weeks in Japan and I have to say the main difference between Russia and Japan would be that there are less Japanese people here and more Russians. 

            I would love to say that the Russian people have been accommodating and friendly, but then I would be lying. This first article will basically cover my observations of what I have seen and heard on this trip.  I feel it is important to give a shout out to Frankfurt first.  We had about a 4 hour layover in Germany and I think I can sum up what it's all about in 3 little bullet points:

• There are not as many Germans in the Frankfurt airport wearing socks with sandals and fanny packs as you would think.
• You can buy a sausage or wiener (whichever you prefer) anywhere.
• If you are traveling from Vancouver to Germany, pay extra to NOT have to fly out of Toronto.

Although my facts are fairly useless, I feel strongly about sausages and thought I should share with you.

Here are some of my observations and fun facts about Russia (DISCLAIMER-do not be offended, these are just my observations)

• Generally when traveling to different countries, a smile and a little nod are a great way to say hello.  In Russia, they say hello by frowning at you and staring you down.  If you haven't noticed, there will be a lot of sarcasm here.
• Deodorant is non-existent.
• Be weary of sharp and rusty objects sticking out of the ground and large, open pits when walking around.
• Wheelchair ramps are the same gradient as the stairs, so if you are in a wheelchair, you may want to avoid Russia.
• Last nights "boiled beef" is tomorrows "beef in clear broth" soup.
• Our interpreter told us not to smile at people because they will think you are crazy.
• Our rooms smell so bad of smoke that I am thinking of covering up the smell by taking up smoking.
• You cannot drink the water out of a tap.  I noticed when I rinsed after brushing my teeth that the water tasted like an outhouse.
• There are some of the most beautiful and fashionable women in the world here. 
• The men seem to all look very similar.  White shoes, tight pants and unflatteringly tight t-shirts with man purses or "murses" if you will.
• They have some of the most elaborate sporting venues I have ever seen!  Our training fields have been great.
• I have only met a few, but the gypsies seem like trustworthy people to take your picture with your camera.
• Toilet paper and paper only differ because one is in roll form and the other comes in sheets.

          I will keep you all posted on more useful information in the future, I just felt I needed to get a few things off my chest!  My future articles will be a little more upbeat and will have a little more mention of rugby!  Our fist match will be against Zimbabwe on Tuesday night and I can already feel the energy levels rising!  Goodnight everyone, I am just lulling myself to sleep to the gentle sounds of freight trains and gunshots!

Yours in Strength,

Joe McCullum