I hope you have a glorious time, hon (in Moscow, as well as when you see Shutter Island). *massive hugs* I'm sure it will be fascinating!

In regards to the drabbles, I think, in the sort of conditions you've detailed, drabbles are definitely the best way to go, and you have to write about things you like writing about, or you feel the need to write about, otherwise what's the point? I don't think it's cheating, it's just writing about what inspires you, and not something some little table tells you to write about when you are just not feeling it.