Change of Tune

This evening, we were invited to an English-speaking club by some of our Russian friends (so we can practice our English?). It was a doomed mission from the start. It took us about an hour just to find the place and once we did, I strongly considered just walking the other way. It was a crooked door in the corner of an alley that led into a kind of auditorium/cafeteria. The crowd seemed to be made up mostly of Russians trying to practice English but Miles met a British guy and someone who spoke German. It was mostly just an awkward experience for us because we had no idea what was going on. Nadia, Karlie, and I took the earliest opportunity to get out of dodge.

No sooner did we make the metro back than did Maksim meet us and coax me into going back to the same station we had just come from to go to dinner. I almost didn't go because I was cold, wind-whipped, and tired but I agreed to go with him, Shelli, Katie, Katye, and Christina to a little cafe for dinner. It was another long trek but Maksim did eventually get us to a little basement restaurant set up with little tables and coaches surrounded by paintings. Soon after we arrived, we were joined by Roma and a new friend, Anton. He doesn't speak much English but seems like a lot of fun so we immediately encouraged him to come back. And, wonder of wonders, there was a piano! Everyone must have seen the longing glances I gave it because Miles asked the waitress if I was allowed to play it...and I was! I played everything I could remember. Admittedly, it's not as much as it could be but for my limited repertoire, I don't think I've ever had a more appreciative audience or setting. The waiters dimmed the lights as I started to play so that the entire room was lit mostly by candles, a few people made requests, and no matter what I played (or how poorly I played it), I received thunderous applause and cheers from my table. Katie told me that one of the waiters got out his lighter and was waving it while I played. I don't think I stopped smiling the entire rest of the night. Everyone was so complimentary and I appreciated their support and acknowledgement as I finished. I hope to be able to play again but if not, I think that tonight will be one concert that I will remember for a long time. As I sat down, Maksim grinned at me and said, "I knew this place had a piano the whole time, that's why we tried so hard to find it."

Thanks, Maksim. You have no idea the gift you gave me tonight.