bolshoi restaurant

contrary to what it seems, we weren't the only diners at the bolshoi! but what was interesting was how it was only us clueless tourists seated in the open. the rest ducked in and out of concealed entrances, and lingered in the shadowy corners of the inner rooms. it was only on my way to the ladies that i realised the restaurant was actually pretty busy! funny how culturally the russians are so different, and quite like the chinese in the need for dining out of sight. reminded of private rooms at the chi chi and not-so-chi chi chinese restaurants back home. always wondered about that. the mister hates private rooms as he feels part of the dining out experience is people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere. this of course does nothing but boost my ego as i wonder what how that reflects on me and my ability to muster intelligent conversation.

the bolshoi kind of messed with my mind, like much of moscow. it had all the trappings of an upmarket establishment but the staff were messing around in plain sight. like the hostess and sous chef canoodling by the kitchen door, the manager making 'i'm going to kill you' gestures to the hapless waiter, and random people coming in and out looking like they were there to interview (you know the look, somewhat nervous, dossier-clutching, ill-fitting 'interview clothes') which made me feel sort of guilty to be enjoying myself when other 'young people' are trying so hard to find employment. or so i surmised anyway, and could've been completely wrong. 

on a funny note, it was raining when we left the hotel and the mister was hogging the brolly. to avoid soaking our leather shoes (fashion > function, sigh) i insisted on taking what i thought was a shortcut. only to find i'd barged into an important government building and past the stunned armed guard and metal detector (wondering the whole time why the restaurant was so tight on security) before the guard laughed in my face and directed us next door. i suppose it could've been worse (he could've shot me...?) and it was nice to hear a russian laugh. not something we saw much of on the trip.