Dear Diary

A day in the life of soccer columnist Kurtis Larson on the ground in Russia

SAINT PETERSBURG — A number of Airbnb hosts in this country have built pretty nice lofts in decrepit buildings that haven’t been updated in what seems like at least a half-century.

Upon arrival in Moscow last week, I was horrified while ascending the stairs leading to the seventh floor of my building.

The hallways smelled like an ashtray to the extent you needed to shower to rid yourself of the stink.

I likely lost at least a year of my life due to the amount of second-hand smoke I inhaled.

To my surprise, though, the apartment in said disgusting building was of the highest standard.

The same thing happened this week in Saint Petersburg. My taxi pulled up to an abandoned hotel that looked destined to disappoint.

But after opening four dead bolted doors — did I mention Russians love to feel secure? — my host welcomed me to a newly renovated apartment that, again, was of the highest standard.

It’s as if hosts in this country prefer to terrify their guests before assuring their comfort.

Long story short: Airbnbs in Russia are solid.

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Russian corner store clerks have no, uh, time for your rules. Purchasing booze after 11 p.m. is prohibited here unless you’re inside a restaurant, bar or cafe.

Or if you find a seedy hole in the wall where the clerk couldn’t care less what time it is.

How many times have you been reminded your local liquor store closes early on Sundays?

Your rubles are good in Russian corner stores no matter what time it is. There’s no fun police here for petty things like wanting to cap the night with a drink.

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Special shout out here to the cab drivers who don’t take advantage of foreign tourists and are happy to correspond with your Airbnb host to coordinate arrivals.

And to the American fan donning a D.C. United cap while carrying an American flag Hacksaw Jim Duggan-style while being interviewed on Russian TV.

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Today’s menu: Egg and green bean casserole with a side of chicken rice for breakfast. Vegetable stew with potatoes over rice, drizzled in Russian salsa for dinner.