When not in Russia...

I have failed to obtain a Russian visa for a press trip next week - along with several other journalists in the party. Apparently, the Russian Embassy are not keen on journalists, but I've had no exact explanation of why. It was a press trip organised by Phillips to showcase future technology in Moscow. This is the second time a trip I have planned to Russia has been called off at the last minute - perhaps I'm just not meant to go there. The last attempt was several years ago. The hotel and flights were booked, but my partner at the time developed a sudden and all-consuming phobia of flying following an air crash (can't remember which one now) where several passengers were killed. I'd even been on a short course to learn a few words of Russian. We cancelled. I gather it's an interesting place - but unfortunately I have yet to visit in person...