Strenla, St. Petersburg - At least the rain gives us something to look at. The big drops are making big taps on the plastic roof ot the media center, while the far-off thunder rumbles have not only added to the experience. They now *are* the experience; the storm seems like a temporary hurricane, with strong winds and heavy rains. Photographers are racing to each of 27 windows. In every language, journalists are urging their photographer counterparts to "get this"! German, Japanese, Russian, Italian, Hindi, British, American.... Haven't heard so many languages spoken in one room since I got my drivers license a few months ago (ha). On a side note, I'm finally getting a little less overwhelmed with the experience here. I'm still working on taking each moment as it comes, but I've are I've just learned that extra cards give you access to take photos of G8 leaders, so I'll get some interesting photos. Now the only question that remains is - where will photo-ops be transferred to now that it's raining cats and dogs? I've started on an essay describing the issues of our press releases, and mostly addressing two issues: subsidies and energy security. These two issues, along with education, are most important. The Printed Press Computer Center is as busy as always. The restaurant served a veerry lovely salmon for lunch, and I'm hoping they serve it again for dinner. I look forward to a long night with hopefully President Putin popping in late in the night (as rumored). Yesterday, Putin was around until 2am, but lord knows I left half-dazed around 9:30pm. Needless to say, no sleep and 10 hours of conferencing isn't the best idea. I'm sure there are pictures around the world of Erica falling asleep and trying to slap herself awake during the Minister of Educations' speech yesterday. Today is turning out to be much more productive (and more awake; with 7 hours of sleep; a new woman!). Along with less swelling in my ankles (which have been to an apple-size for, oh, 2 weeks). I went to see the President of the NYC-based Grace Policy International speak very vibrantly about the necessity for policy changes in G8 countries considering the expansion and diversification of nuclear energy, along with petrol-based energies. Russia and the US have outlined a bilaterial outline to increase the supply and market of nuclear energy, and haven't paid enough attention to their enviornmental responsibilities. And it's true, much of the language used is defined in monetary terms. But I think that's natural. In any case, I'll save all my blah-blahs for my essay. I'll be leaving for Helsinki on the 18 July Finnish night train, then heading out for Stockholm on 19 July and then Oslo on 22 July, then Cork on 25 July and back to Chi-town 1 August.