A challenging day at the Russian National Library

For some inexplicable reason, the woman at the entry desk would not allow me to bring in my English/Russian dictionary into the library. She was very unpleasant. The second challenge today was the realization that they will not make copies of 19th-century published works (not manuscripts, mind you). I have to copy by hand, anything I might want. Luckily for me, the very helpful worker in the music section did give me some manuscript paper to work from for today. I managed to copy the opening section of a Davydov Liturgy. Not terribly efficient, but this is how it is done, I have learned. After finishing there, I immediately (and rather luckily) found a stationary store on Nevsky (set back from the street - I spotted it by seeing the globes displayed!) and bought a couple of books of manuscript, pencils, an eraser, and some paper clips (for some of my earlier photocopies that are clip-less). Once that was done, I had plenty of time for a St. Pete's Stout and some Fish & Chips (I know, not very Russian) before heading to the performance of Bach's B minor Mass. It was very good, and a great way to end this difficult day. Only three more days left to work!