Minus 29

This morning I was eager to work out before class at the Hotel Minsk. I got my stuff ready before bed so I could leave the house around 6:30 and get to the hotel when the fitness center opened at 7:00. Ready by 6:15, I went to have a look at the Internet. First thing I discovered was that it was -29 degrees at the Minsk Airport. (a.k.a. -20˚ F) Wow, that’s cold! I’d never experienced anything much below zero (F) before this.

I re-thought my plan. Maybe I’d better take a bus. I also sent a message to “my kids,” a few last words so they’d know I was thinking of them if I froze to death at the bus stop. Then I headed out.

Surprisingly, in dark stillness the air didn’t seem all that cold. Snow fell lightly, and crunched loudly under my feet. My neighbor walked out moments ahead of me, and I saw him turn away from the bus stop, in the direction I would have walked to the hotel. Heck, I thought, if he can do it, I can do it.

He didn’t walk my direction for long, but I did. It was great!