Who: Ashleigh Spinnet and Aisling Astor. What: Coffee and pastries in Russia! Where: The Conservatory Bar and Lounge, Ararat Park Hyatt, Moscow, Russia. When: Wednesday 16th November, early afternoon.
Russia was wonderful. Ashleigh had spent her morning touring the Shchusev State Museum of Architecture with nothing to worry about except making sure she returned to the hotel in time for brunch with Aisling. Her anti-anxiety potions were so well personalised to her needs now that Ashleigh was actually able to not worry, for the first time in what felt like months. Alicia was either going to work or not, either feeding herself healthy mood-lifting meals or not, either socialising or not - and none of it was Ashleigh's concern. Though she had her journal with her, Ashleigh wasn't checking it unless it alerted her that she'd been specifically warded on something. It was blissful to be able to concentrate on herself, on things she actually enjoyed doing.
The Conservatory Bar and Lounge in the hotel boasted, prominently, that it had been recognised by Architectural Digest for its panoramic views of the city, and Ashleigh particularly enjoyed being able to see the Bolshoi Theatre that was the ultimate object of their trip. The lounge's syrupy glazed pirog on the little saucer might be wasted on Ashleigh, but the excellent coffee was another matter entirely. "I never want to leave," Ashleigh said, smiling at Aisling. "This has been the most excellent week, and we haven't even seen the ballet yet." Ashleigh had expected to love the ballet - but quite how much she was enjoying the simple fact of a (luxurious, expensive) holiday had startled her. "You've outdone yourself." And the anti-anxiety potions probably did help, meaning Ashleigh had no sleepness nights to content with as she had on their last holiday.