The Amazing Race 17--Episodes 6, 7, and 8--Stuck in Russia

After two weeks in St. Petersburg, things finally heated up on the most recent leg of The Amazing Race. For the second time this season, we were stuck in the same city for two legs. Talk about budget cuts. Previously we hung around Accra, Ghana, now we had to mark time in St. Petersburg, a city we've visited in previous races. There were actually difficult challenges in Russia especially the classic music versus classic film one. As soon as they showed the roomful of pianos all playing different pieces, I said to msyelf, "They'll never get this." I recognized Pictures at an Exhibition, it was the theme for Cinema 13. But unbelievably Chad and Stephanie stuck to it and got it while other teams gave up despite Chad's existential despair--"I wish we could go back in time and never have picked this challenge."

The second St. Petersburg episode was actually pretty exciting with the outcome hanging by a matter of minutes and how much of a penalty the father-son team would incur. BTW, there is nothing wrong with Nick's lying at the Russian mystery roadblock. I had DVRed the episode and Undercover Boss, the next show, because of the frequent football-related delays. But this week, wouldn't you know it, goddamn football ran over by one hour and about five minutes! I didn't tape the show after Undercover Boss, so just as the camera is showing who's about to be eliminated, the sign comes on to save or delete the show. Now do I have to tape NCI or CSI or whatever it is that follows Undercover Boss? Fortunately, I was able to catch the outcome online. The father and son took a cab when they weren't supposed to and were panalized a whole 30 mins., allowing Chad and Stephanie to step in.

Episode 8 had the six remaining teams FINALLY getting out of Russia to Muscat, Oman, a totally new and exciting location. I love it when spoiled Americans are totally out of their comfort zones. Camera-hog Chad proposed to Stephanie on national TV while Nick screamed at Vicki for letting slip some info at a gas station. Miss Perky Kentucky lost her sparkle as she and Dad got lost on the way to the first task. I hope it doesn't boil down to a race between the newly engaged couple--so cute that their subtitle changed, is that a first?--and the Notre Dame guy and the Cosmetology Univ. grad. That would be so cliched, the young fit heterosexual couple winning, especailly when the producers obviously went to so mcuh trouble to get strong all-female teams. I would have no problem with Team Home Shopping winning, or the doctors, but both are behind. BTW, what is this rule you aren't allowed to pay a cab to lead you somehwere? This cost Thomas and Jill first place. Was it conspiracy to get Chad and Steph a honeymoon trip to Belize, especially after oversleeping by three hours?

Next week, or tonight actually, I am that far behind, we get the first ever double U-turn and the spoiled Americans go even further into the third world in Bangladesh which I'm sure makes Accra look like Beverly Hills.

Day 9--Drive to train station in Norway, 8:30 PM
Day 10--Train to Stockholm to get flight to St. Petersburgh
Day 11--Arrive in St. Petersburgh, film vs. music, babushka potato digging
Day 12--Circus challenge, Russian mystery
Day 13--Fly from St. Petersburg to Oman
Day 14--Arrive Oman at night
Day 15--Enter the fort, Chad proposes, day of challenges, repelling, delivering water, etc.