Well, here it is. The LAST post documenting what was, without a doubt, the best experience of my life. I made a lot of friends who I love and cherish; learned a lot of things I never would have learned with my nose stuck in a book; and for the first time im my life, just let myself have fun and not stress about life, the universe, and everything. Hopefully, this won't be the end for good. If all goes well, I will be back in Moscow next year. So, without further adieu, here is the last day...
Well, here I am. Sitting in Moscow's Sheremetov airport, waiting for my flight home. It's been 3 ½ months, many fights just to get through the day with no disaster, many awesome friends, and countless bottles of vodka and beer later (just kidding on the alcohol, mom – it's not like I am writing this from the airport bar with my freaking LAST bottle of Baltika 7 or anything). It has been, without a doubt, the best 3 ½ months of my life. I know it is very cliché, but I have changed a lot. I think its for the better, some may say the worst. I guess we will see...
I don't know. I can't really think right now. I just finished my last Russian all-nighter (for now). It was a blast. I started off with one last hurrah at Scans with Joe, Brian, and Natasha. We said our goodbyes (or see you laters), drank some vodka (I blame dad, or Joe, take your pick), and compared ipod playlists. After that, I headed out to meet friends at Arbat. Of course, as this is Russia (and not just Russia, but my very last night in Russia), nothing went right. There were changes of plans, people who didn't show up that should've, people that showed up that really should NOT have, and, of course the fact that the entirety of Arbat was closed.
Because THAT happens ALL the time. But, hey, we haven't been in Moscow for many months without learning how to be resourceful. So, we headed off in the general direction of Red Square, stopped along the way for some midnight blini, and found this really cool bar right off Tverskaya. We got a private room just off the dance floor, danced, drank, took loads of pictures, and just hung out. We finally left as it was getting light, only to walk outside and see an absolutely beautiful sunrise.
We walked to the Red Square with the sun rising behind the Kremlin. Thus was my last sight of the Red Square. As far as last glimpses go, that wasn't all that bad. It was one of those perfect movie moments. We started out all walking together and slowly a couple of us fell back until it was just my closest group of friends. Then, they left, leaving just me and Susan, walking in the sunrise to Red Square. Finally, Susan left, leaving just me standing on the steps, overlooking one of the best sights in all of Moscow, for the last time. I stand there and until a couple of them run back, laugh at me a bit, and we take off for the metro. It was such a complete movie moment I would have laughed if I wasn't trying so hard not to cry.
And I didn't. Cry that is. There were many more movie moments: from everyone falling asleep on each other in the metro, except for me, to locking the door to our little room for the last time, to mine and Susan's last breakfast together (eggs and the nutella blini I mastered all of this morning after everyone but Susan and I went to bed). It was close, hugging Susan goodbye just about did it, and saying goodbye to Joe at the airport as well, but I didn't cry. Why bother? I am here in the airport anyways. Tears are pretty useless as far as things go...
Normally, when I leave something, I can look back and be satisfied. Usually, it's time to move on and I can close the little box on that section of my life. I don't think that is going to be the case with Russia. I think, and I really, really hope, that this will not be my last time here. There is still so much I still haven't done. This can't be it. If I do come back, it will be different, I am sure. There may be no little, wooden room. There will definitely be no Susan, or Francesca, or Sarah. Nevertheless, I can't believe I am done here. We will see what happens. And until that time, I am going to go get another beer...
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Two Months Later...
So, two months later, I am finally getting around to posting the last two blogs I wrote in Moscow. I'm sure nobody's reading this anymore (except Grandma. Hi Grandma!), but I wanted to get these posted. Later, if I ever get around to it, I will post all those blogs I never got around to writing, the ones that are actually more than my exhausted ramblings documenting what I actually did. All the cool cultural things I noticed, but never had time to write. And maybe even those posts I did write, but couldn't post because they would give mum a heart-attack. ...Then again, maybe not. She might not let me go back. Anyways, here is my second to last blog in my dear Moscow: The Last Week.
OK. So, a lot has happened since my last post. It's been less than a week, but what a crazy week it's been. I hope I can remember everything. Let's see... I had class Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so I wasn't really able to go out much. Last week, the summer cafe opened at Scandanavia, but it snowed and I was busy/sick, so I didn't go. On Monday, I went out after class (can't remember where, I think I just walked around...) and then met Joe at Scans for the summer cafe. It was very, very cool. Everyone always talks about the summer cafe at Scans like its Eden, but I never really got it. It's an outdoor cafe. Whipdeedoo...
Yea, I was wrong. It may just be an outdoor cafe, but an outdoor cafe, in the middle of Moscow, is a lot cooler than an outdoor cafe in Florida. Oh course, I just happened to go on a night when they were practicing for the Victory Day parade. And when I say “they,” I mean Russian military. And when I say “Russian military,” I mean hundreds of tanks and missile carriers. And when I say “practice,” I mean close off all the streets running from Arbat, past the Red Square, and up Tversksaya and running these tanks and missile carriers around the city. It shook Tverskaya, one of Moscow's main streets. SHOOK it. As in parts of the road ripped apart and the metro rumbled 20+ feet underground. And Scan's summer cafe just happens to be located about 5 feet off Tverskaya and Pushkin's statue. And I just happened to be on the front line as the tanks rolled past. How lucky am I?
I stayed out at the cafe until about midnight with Joe, Brian, and Natasha. We talked, ate, drank, and made plans for Tuesday to go to the beach. Yes, I said beach. There is indeed a beach in Moscow. It's actually more of a park/beach as it is on the side of the river (apparently, one of the only swimmable parts of the river). But still, beach. Unfortunately, the beach was closed, so instead, I went out with Cara and walked up and down Arbat, drank some coffee and beer, and went to Dom Knigi. After that, off again to Scans for another night at the summer cafe.
I had my last classes on Wednesday. I was very sad. I had a very neat professor (once we started getting along) and we would spend class drinking tea, making fun of men (specifically and in general), and talking about different Russian legends and historical figures. It was one of the most difficult classes I have ever taken. I didn't have any tests or write any papers, but I walked out of class everyday exhausted. In a normal language class, there are about a dozen or so students. You have time to think or pass questions if you just don't get something. You may only get one or two problems per exercise and can generally work things out by the time it gets to you. My class was one-on-one. Three hours: ready, set, go. No stops, no passing, no time to think. If I didn't get something, we sat there until I did. There was little grammar, few exercises. We sat in a little room for 3 hours a day and I just talked or was talked to. In Russian, if you haven't figured it out. At times, I felt like the most stupid person on the planet. At other times, I walked outside after the lesson and just cried. And other days, things just clicked. There were many of those epiphany moments where I understood everything, could speak well, and just GOT it. It was so cool. I can't imagine I got that good of grades, but, frankly, the grades don't matter to me at this point. I did something few people have done or are able to do. And it was cooooollllllllll..............
Anyways, that was not the point. I have just kept that inside for a little too long. Where was I... Ah yes, Wednesday was my last day of class. We read about the first woman ruler or Russia, Olga. Basically, her husband was a wimp and her son a pimply-little-punk and see was left to rule the country. And kicked major butt doing it. It was not a bad ending, as far as endings go. We finished everything and just sat and looked at each other. I knew we were done; she knew that I knew. But I just couldn't bring myself to get up and walk out for the last time. So I didn't. We grabbed another cup of tea and talked for another hour or so. I am looking into a trip on the Trans-Siberian railroad next summer, so we talked about that. She gave me some tips and her email address in case I need any help. Finally, I got up and left.
I went home and was promptly dragged out by Susan, who could tell I needed some pick me up. We stood in her window and threw stale bread at Francesca, who was sitting in her window, just because we could. Then we found a bottle of vodka and some Cadbury chocolates. And promptly finished both, using Sarah's shot glasses I forgot to give back to her. Then, we headed off one last time to the Ashan, our lovely Russian-version mall. Yes, yes, I know, what am I doing in a mall in Russia. But you don't understand, its a RUSSIAN mall. And thus, quite the hard-core experience. You see, they wrap up your bags in plastic so you can't use them; they sell zebra balloons. 10 RUR ice cream cones and, wait for it, beer in movie theaters. I thought Dr. Denner was joking. He wasn't. It is a beautiful, beautiful thing. So, we went to the movies and watched the new X-Men movie in Russian while drinking beer. Overall, a very culturally-educational night.
Thursday was the beginning of the end. There was Scans, blini, deadly champagne, and vodka in water-bottles. But that is for later...
OK. So, a lot has happened since my last post. It's been less than a week, but what a crazy week it's been. I hope I can remember everything. Let's see... I had class Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so I wasn't really able to go out much. Last week, the summer cafe opened at Scandanavia, but it snowed and I was busy/sick, so I didn't go. On Monday, I went out after class (can't remember where, I think I just walked around...) and then met Joe at Scans for the summer cafe. It was very, very cool. Everyone always talks about the summer cafe at Scans like its Eden, but I never really got it. It's an outdoor cafe. Whipdeedoo...
Yea, I was wrong. It may just be an outdoor cafe, but an outdoor cafe, in the middle of Moscow, is a lot cooler than an outdoor cafe in Florida. Oh course, I just happened to go on a night when they were practicing for the Victory Day parade. And when I say “they,” I mean Russian military. And when I say “Russian military,” I mean hundreds of tanks and missile carriers. And when I say “practice,” I mean close off all the streets running from Arbat, past the Red Square, and up Tversksaya and running these tanks and missile carriers around the city. It shook Tverskaya, one of Moscow's main streets. SHOOK it. As in parts of the road ripped apart and the metro rumbled 20+ feet underground. And Scan's summer cafe just happens to be located about 5 feet off Tverskaya and Pushkin's statue. And I just happened to be on the front line as the tanks rolled past. How lucky am I?
I stayed out at the cafe until about midnight with Joe, Brian, and Natasha. We talked, ate, drank, and made plans for Tuesday to go to the beach. Yes, I said beach. There is indeed a beach in Moscow. It's actually more of a park/beach as it is on the side of the river (apparently, one of the only swimmable parts of the river). But still, beach. Unfortunately, the beach was closed, so instead, I went out with Cara and walked up and down Arbat, drank some coffee and beer, and went to Dom Knigi. After that, off again to Scans for another night at the summer cafe.
I had my last classes on Wednesday. I was very sad. I had a very neat professor (once we started getting along) and we would spend class drinking tea, making fun of men (specifically and in general), and talking about different Russian legends and historical figures. It was one of the most difficult classes I have ever taken. I didn't have any tests or write any papers, but I walked out of class everyday exhausted. In a normal language class, there are about a dozen or so students. You have time to think or pass questions if you just don't get something. You may only get one or two problems per exercise and can generally work things out by the time it gets to you. My class was one-on-one. Three hours: ready, set, go. No stops, no passing, no time to think. If I didn't get something, we sat there until I did. There was little grammar, few exercises. We sat in a little room for 3 hours a day and I just talked or was talked to. In Russian, if you haven't figured it out. At times, I felt like the most stupid person on the planet. At other times, I walked outside after the lesson and just cried. And other days, things just clicked. There were many of those epiphany moments where I understood everything, could speak well, and just GOT it. It was so cool. I can't imagine I got that good of grades, but, frankly, the grades don't matter to me at this point. I did something few people have done or are able to do. And it was cooooollllllllll..............
Anyways, that was not the point. I have just kept that inside for a little too long. Where was I... Ah yes, Wednesday was my last day of class. We read about the first woman ruler or Russia, Olga. Basically, her husband was a wimp and her son a pimply-little-punk and see was left to rule the country. And kicked major butt doing it. It was not a bad ending, as far as endings go. We finished everything and just sat and looked at each other. I knew we were done; she knew that I knew. But I just couldn't bring myself to get up and walk out for the last time. So I didn't. We grabbed another cup of tea and talked for another hour or so. I am looking into a trip on the Trans-Siberian railroad next summer, so we talked about that. She gave me some tips and her email address in case I need any help. Finally, I got up and left.
I went home and was promptly dragged out by Susan, who could tell I needed some pick me up. We stood in her window and threw stale bread at Francesca, who was sitting in her window, just because we could. Then we found a bottle of vodka and some Cadbury chocolates. And promptly finished both, using Sarah's shot glasses I forgot to give back to her. Then, we headed off one last time to the Ashan, our lovely Russian-version mall. Yes, yes, I know, what am I doing in a mall in Russia. But you don't understand, its a RUSSIAN mall. And thus, quite the hard-core experience. You see, they wrap up your bags in plastic so you can't use them; they sell zebra balloons. 10 RUR ice cream cones and, wait for it, beer in movie theaters. I thought Dr. Denner was joking. He wasn't. It is a beautiful, beautiful thing. So, we went to the movies and watched the new X-Men movie in Russian while drinking beer. Overall, a very culturally-educational night.
Thursday was the beginning of the end. There was Scans, blini, deadly champagne, and vodka in water-bottles. But that is for later...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
And the End is Near
Well, just finished my last class of the semester. Super sucky... Loved the class, loved the professor. Had a blast and now it's over. This is depressing. Said I wouldn't cry, but don't know how long that is going to last... le sigh
been having an awesome last week. Great food, friends, tanks, and large military trunks carrying missles that shut down the main streets in Moscow. Yep. And I will leave you all with that for now. This is probably my last post until after I get home, so I if I don't write until then, tootles!
Wow, now I am depressed. I don't want to leave...
been having an awesome last week. Great food, friends, tanks, and large military trunks carrying missles that shut down the main streets in Moscow. Yep. And I will leave you all with that for now. This is probably my last post until after I get home, so I if I don't write until then, tootles!
Wow, now I am depressed. I don't want to leave...
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Last Weekend
Well, I officially finished my last weekend in Moscow. I was really ill this week and while it didn't completely defeat me, it definitely slowed me down. I went out to dinner Wednesday to get info. About leaving Russia and again on Thuirsday with Jason and Amanda because Jason was going home. Other than that, I just stayed at home, started packing, and hallucinated about being a vampire ninja. Yea for fevers... But I couldn't stay in on Saturday, so I went with Amanda and Francesca for one last hurrah at Izmailovo. Finished up sopping, ran into some more friends there, and went to dinner at my favorite little Chinese hole-in-a-wall. It was quite difficult ordering without Hongda, but we managed to order something. Not quite sure what it was, but that's why I love it so much there. It was lots of fun, but perchance a bit too much, for I spent the rest of the evening in my pajamas, hacking up my lungs while my friends force fed me tea in an attempt to make me get better. I love my friends.
On Sunday, we finally got to go see Lenin. Yes, that Lenin. And, yes, we actually got to see him. You see, they actually mummified Lenin and put him on display. For a couple months out of the year, visitors can walk through the Kremlin cemetery, go into this dark, guard-infested building off of Red Square, and look at the creepy, decaying Lenin. Of course I had to go! It was really quite cool, although I am pretty sure he is mostly a wax figure by now. You walk into the building, tripping along the stairs because there is zero light until you finall make yourself into this room. There, laying on this really fancy bed with a red glowing light, is Lenin. I stopped and gapped because it was just that weird. Then I tried to get closer to see if I could poke Lenin and promptly got yelled at and poked by a guard. Assat grabbed me and dragged me away, hissing in my ear that you don't DO that. Hehe. It was fun.
After Lenin, we headed off to do a river cruise around the city. It's a great way to see some of the many landmarks and it just opened up last week for the summer. We got on by the university and toured around the city for about 2 hours. We saw the Kremlin, Church of Christ the Savior, the glass bridge, some monasteries, a few of the Seven Sisters. We thought that we could stay on until we ended up back where we got on but, of course, that would be sensible. And Russia is anything but sensible. So, we got dropped off across the city, in an area neither Susan or Kara had ever been before, with no way to get back and no idea where to go. Fortunately, I had been in the area before (its right near the monastery where Princess Tarakanova was interred), so we were able to get back home eventually.
On our way home, we got a call from Sarah inviting us for dinner. Her parents visited from the US last week and brought tons of goodies. One of those goodies...peanut butter!! Woohoo!! So, we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Now, I know that might not sound very awesome to you all but trust me, over here, its gold. Yum. They also brought cookie mix, which we made and then realized that, hey!, our ovens don't work. So, Hannah attempted to fry cookies in her pan. Yes, fry cookies. They weren't actually that bad, surprisingly enough. Go figure.
Anyways, that was the weekend. Have a marathon of classes this week, one day off, and then I come home. Lots to do and I am still quite sick, so I am going to watch some Russian Winnie the Pooh and go to bed. Tootles!
Oh yeah, I will get around to typing up my trip to St. Pete. Eventually...
On Sunday, we finally got to go see Lenin. Yes, that Lenin. And, yes, we actually got to see him. You see, they actually mummified Lenin and put him on display. For a couple months out of the year, visitors can walk through the Kremlin cemetery, go into this dark, guard-infested building off of Red Square, and look at the creepy, decaying Lenin. Of course I had to go! It was really quite cool, although I am pretty sure he is mostly a wax figure by now. You walk into the building, tripping along the stairs because there is zero light until you finall make yourself into this room. There, laying on this really fancy bed with a red glowing light, is Lenin. I stopped and gapped because it was just that weird. Then I tried to get closer to see if I could poke Lenin and promptly got yelled at and poked by a guard. Assat grabbed me and dragged me away, hissing in my ear that you don't DO that. Hehe. It was fun.
After Lenin, we headed off to do a river cruise around the city. It's a great way to see some of the many landmarks and it just opened up last week for the summer. We got on by the university and toured around the city for about 2 hours. We saw the Kremlin, Church of Christ the Savior, the glass bridge, some monasteries, a few of the Seven Sisters. We thought that we could stay on until we ended up back where we got on but, of course, that would be sensible. And Russia is anything but sensible. So, we got dropped off across the city, in an area neither Susan or Kara had ever been before, with no way to get back and no idea where to go. Fortunately, I had been in the area before (its right near the monastery where Princess Tarakanova was interred), so we were able to get back home eventually.
On our way home, we got a call from Sarah inviting us for dinner. Her parents visited from the US last week and brought tons of goodies. One of those goodies...peanut butter!! Woohoo!! So, we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Now, I know that might not sound very awesome to you all but trust me, over here, its gold. Yum. They also brought cookie mix, which we made and then realized that, hey!, our ovens don't work. So, Hannah attempted to fry cookies in her pan. Yes, fry cookies. They weren't actually that bad, surprisingly enough. Go figure.
Anyways, that was the weekend. Have a marathon of classes this week, one day off, and then I come home. Lots to do and I am still quite sick, so I am going to watch some Russian Winnie the Pooh and go to bed. Tootles!
Oh yeah, I will get around to typing up my trip to St. Pete. Eventually...
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Blech, again
OK. So, just got back from St. Petersburg yesterday. Was really cool, will write more on it later. Still haven't written a post for last week either. Will do it when I get the time. Have a week and a half left and I am getting sick. Woke up with a croup cough, fever, and achy body. Like that will stop me, hah! Going out with friends tonight, tomorrow, Thursday, Friday, Saturday... OK, you get the point. I can be sick back home. So take that! I've got Airborne and vitamins. Bring it on...
OK. Crazy post, I know. Need to finish up work and head off to class so I can do stuff. I don't want to go back to Florida yet!!! There is still so much to do! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OK. Crazy post, I know. Need to finish up work and head off to class so I can do stuff. I don't want to go back to Florida yet!!! There is still so much to do! NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Haha! I Love Coincidences!
OK. Quick little post. I was walking into CafeMinimum (um, I mean, CafeMax) to use the internet. Stopped to get some tea and in walk two Englishmen (well, an Englishwoman and an Englishman). They try ordering some drinks, but are having a difficult time. I help them order, we chat a bit and then leave. About an hour later, Susan walks up. Apparently, the two Englishmen are her parents and were telling her about this nice American girl who helped them out. That would be me. How funny is that? So, good first impression. Check. They gave me some Cadbury chocolates in thanks! Yes! They are now off to brave the inside of MGU, so I might never see them again. Poor, brave souls...
OK. That's it. :P
OK. That's it. :P
An Entire Week in One Blog. Ready, Set, Go...
I am trying to remember everything I've done this week. I think I've gone out everyday in my desperate attempt to do everything before my last three weeks are up and I go home. So, I am properly exhausted. Still, I can't quite yet! I have tomorrow off, so I'll see what I can get up to (stupid Monday's and everything closed). Wednesday Joe leaves for St. Petersburg, so I might go with him and spend a week there (if I can get my passport back and if I can get out of classes and if I can finish work...). If not, it's another theater night and back to the Tretyakov. Susan's parents are here, so she's doing a lot of stuff with them. I might see if I can join them for something... Anyways, that's besides the point. First things first: this week.
Right. Let me see if I can get this right. Monday was a trip to the Kremlin, but I already wrote a blog about it that I may or may not post. Tuesday, I went out with Sarah to Beauty and the Beast: The Musical in Russian. Her great aunt just died, so we were trying to cheer her up. She got tickets from her program and invited me. It was awesome! Definitely one of the best musicals I've seen (I am actually listening to the soundtrack right now). Because I was familiar with the movie, it was very easy to follow along and I was able to understand a lot, which was great. Beautiful theater only three metro stops from my university, great sets, and good actors. While not quite as brilliant as Les Miserables, it was definitely up there.
Wednesday, I went out for another $.66 Bolshoi night with Susan, Kara, and Bethany. We saw Spartacus the ballet. Being the Bolshoi, it was, of course, amazing. Again, because I knew the story going into it, I was able to appreciate it much more. It was largely a cast production with only a few dances done by the main dancers alone (a change from the others I've seen), so it was very lively. Loved it. Another recommendation. Although, I am pretty sure you can't go wrong with a ballet at the Bolshoi.
Thursday, I had work, with an exciting little crisis in the middle. It was actually not a crisis, as dad will attest. It was just Hannah being indecisive and dramatic. To feel better, I went out again with Susan, Kara, and Bethany for dinner. It was wonderful. I got a buffet, which was a real buffet (meaning that you are allowed more than one plate) and I ate so much I was sick. A great change from the ramen and cereal I eat all the time. It's quite the conundrum. The food here is world-class, if your willing to pay for it. And, at the markets, the freshest food is dirt cheap. However, that means you have to cook. Normally, I would be in heaven (well, I am anyways), but I have all of a pot, a pan, and plastic silverware. No spices, no refrigeration (its getting to warm to keep things in my window), and nothing to cook with. And no idea what half the stuff is and how to cook it. Eating out is horrendously expensive. Even dinner in the food court can be no less than $8 for a meal. Thus, ramen and cereal it is. Why don't we have markets like this back home? Fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables. Meat still klucking, mooing, swimming, and whatever farm animal noise you can make. Fresh made breads and home-made pastas. Food pickled, boiled, or stewed by the babushkas selling them. Street corner food that I can't even describe (most of the time, I don't even know what I am eating. It's better that way.). sigh I am going to miss markets so much.
But, again, that is not the point. We are only at Thursday. Let's see, Friday I had classes all day, so I stayed in and cooked (Susan and I have discovered the joys of fried eggs on toast. We go through a dozen eggs ever time we make it. Which is generally about 3 times a week. I have become such the college student...).
Saturday, I got up early and took off for the Muzeon and art market. The Muzeon, also known as sculpture park, is this, well, sculpture park. It's along the river by the Church of Christ the Savior, the Red October Chocolate Factory (which closed down. No!), the New Tretyakov Museum, Gorky Park, the Central House of Artists, and the monument of Peter the Great. Not bad, no? The park was originally a graveyard for sculptures removed from public squares during the Soviet Union, but is now hold hundreds of statues of all kinds. Saturday was sunny and warm (ok, warm for Russia) with a great breeze. One of the nicest days we've had, so I made the most of it. It's going on my list of off-the-beaten-track places. Because, although its is near basically everything and hardly off the beaten track, apparently it is mostly frequented by locals.
On either side of the park is this great art market. In front of the park is the Central House of Artists, so all the artists who work there sell their art outside along the river. I've been there before, but wanted to go on the weekend. The prices weren't bad for hand-painted art, but still a little out of my price range. Nevertheless, a great place to walk around.
From there, I walked along the river until I got to the Old Tretyakov Museum. The river runs along all the most prominent landmarks in Moscow and I wanted to hit all of them. About 3 hours and 15+ miles later, I made it to the Red Square (great view. I had never seen it from the river before), watched the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and met up with Joe. We walked along Tverskaya (one of the main streets) and did an exchange of sorts. I took him to FAQcafe, one of my favorites in the city, and he showed me Duma Cafe (one of his old favorites) and Transilvanian Records (probably one of the best record stores in Moscow). Then we headed up to Scans, as per usual, had some drinks and dinner and hung out for a while.
And now for today, Sunday. It's been a couple of weeks (ok, so maybe 1 1/2) since I've been to Ismalovo and I still needed to by souvenirs. Sarah's been wanting to go, so we headed off. Spent way too much money on presents, of course. Nobody was willing to bargain today. Like, at all. I think that it's finally starting to be tourist season and they are much less willing to bargain with tourists. Oh well. I still got lots of stuff for much cheaper than anywhere else. We didn't go to my favorite sketchy restaurant, but walked around the Chinese and Vietnamese sections (my favorite) and got some food from the kiosky places. We then left and walked around the Red Square for a while.
Today was Russia's version of Palm Sunday (next week is Easter) and I had heard rumours about old ladies waving the Russian version of palm branches and giving away cake. While, alas, there was no free cake, there was instead old ladies with palms, which was cool. I am excited about what Easter will bring. Should be interesting.
Finally, it was theater time, so we got our $.66 tickets and went to see Cvetlyi Roochei (Light Stream?). About half way through the first act, Sarah got really sick and we left. No worries. We were both pretty exhausted anyways and it was really crowded. So, now I am back home, drinking tea and writing to y'all. Tomorrow will bring more adventures, I'm sure, so I'll be back with more later. Now, I am going to go listen to Beauty and the Beast and search my guidebook for something I haven't done yet... Wish me luck!
Right. Let me see if I can get this right. Monday was a trip to the Kremlin, but I already wrote a blog about it that I may or may not post. Tuesday, I went out with Sarah to Beauty and the Beast: The Musical in Russian. Her great aunt just died, so we were trying to cheer her up. She got tickets from her program and invited me. It was awesome! Definitely one of the best musicals I've seen (I am actually listening to the soundtrack right now). Because I was familiar with the movie, it was very easy to follow along and I was able to understand a lot, which was great. Beautiful theater only three metro stops from my university, great sets, and good actors. While not quite as brilliant as Les Miserables, it was definitely up there.
Wednesday, I went out for another $.66 Bolshoi night with Susan, Kara, and Bethany. We saw Spartacus the ballet. Being the Bolshoi, it was, of course, amazing. Again, because I knew the story going into it, I was able to appreciate it much more. It was largely a cast production with only a few dances done by the main dancers alone (a change from the others I've seen), so it was very lively. Loved it. Another recommendation. Although, I am pretty sure you can't go wrong with a ballet at the Bolshoi.
Thursday, I had work, with an exciting little crisis in the middle. It was actually not a crisis, as dad will attest. It was just Hannah being indecisive and dramatic. To feel better, I went out again with Susan, Kara, and Bethany for dinner. It was wonderful. I got a buffet, which was a real buffet (meaning that you are allowed more than one plate) and I ate so much I was sick. A great change from the ramen and cereal I eat all the time. It's quite the conundrum. The food here is world-class, if your willing to pay for it. And, at the markets, the freshest food is dirt cheap. However, that means you have to cook. Normally, I would be in heaven (well, I am anyways), but I have all of a pot, a pan, and plastic silverware. No spices, no refrigeration (its getting to warm to keep things in my window), and nothing to cook with. And no idea what half the stuff is and how to cook it. Eating out is horrendously expensive. Even dinner in the food court can be no less than $8 for a meal. Thus, ramen and cereal it is. Why don't we have markets like this back home? Fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables. Meat still klucking, mooing, swimming, and whatever farm animal noise you can make. Fresh made breads and home-made pastas. Food pickled, boiled, or stewed by the babushkas selling them. Street corner food that I can't even describe (most of the time, I don't even know what I am eating. It's better that way.). sigh I am going to miss markets so much.
But, again, that is not the point. We are only at Thursday. Let's see, Friday I had classes all day, so I stayed in and cooked (Susan and I have discovered the joys of fried eggs on toast. We go through a dozen eggs ever time we make it. Which is generally about 3 times a week. I have become such the college student...).
Saturday, I got up early and took off for the Muzeon and art market. The Muzeon, also known as sculpture park, is this, well, sculpture park. It's along the river by the Church of Christ the Savior, the Red October Chocolate Factory (which closed down. No!), the New Tretyakov Museum, Gorky Park, the Central House of Artists, and the monument of Peter the Great. Not bad, no? The park was originally a graveyard for sculptures removed from public squares during the Soviet Union, but is now hold hundreds of statues of all kinds. Saturday was sunny and warm (ok, warm for Russia) with a great breeze. One of the nicest days we've had, so I made the most of it. It's going on my list of off-the-beaten-track places. Because, although its is near basically everything and hardly off the beaten track, apparently it is mostly frequented by locals.
On either side of the park is this great art market. In front of the park is the Central House of Artists, so all the artists who work there sell their art outside along the river. I've been there before, but wanted to go on the weekend. The prices weren't bad for hand-painted art, but still a little out of my price range. Nevertheless, a great place to walk around.
From there, I walked along the river until I got to the Old Tretyakov Museum. The river runs along all the most prominent landmarks in Moscow and I wanted to hit all of them. About 3 hours and 15+ miles later, I made it to the Red Square (great view. I had never seen it from the river before), watched the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and met up with Joe. We walked along Tverskaya (one of the main streets) and did an exchange of sorts. I took him to FAQcafe, one of my favorites in the city, and he showed me Duma Cafe (one of his old favorites) and Transilvanian Records (probably one of the best record stores in Moscow). Then we headed up to Scans, as per usual, had some drinks and dinner and hung out for a while.
And now for today, Sunday. It's been a couple of weeks (ok, so maybe 1 1/2) since I've been to Ismalovo and I still needed to by souvenirs. Sarah's been wanting to go, so we headed off. Spent way too much money on presents, of course. Nobody was willing to bargain today. Like, at all. I think that it's finally starting to be tourist season and they are much less willing to bargain with tourists. Oh well. I still got lots of stuff for much cheaper than anywhere else. We didn't go to my favorite sketchy restaurant, but walked around the Chinese and Vietnamese sections (my favorite) and got some food from the kiosky places. We then left and walked around the Red Square for a while.
Today was Russia's version of Palm Sunday (next week is Easter) and I had heard rumours about old ladies waving the Russian version of palm branches and giving away cake. While, alas, there was no free cake, there was instead old ladies with palms, which was cool. I am excited about what Easter will bring. Should be interesting.
Finally, it was theater time, so we got our $.66 tickets and went to see Cvetlyi Roochei (Light Stream?). About half way through the first act, Sarah got really sick and we left. No worries. We were both pretty exhausted anyways and it was really crowded. So, now I am back home, drinking tea and writing to y'all. Tomorrow will bring more adventures, I'm sure, so I'll be back with more later. Now, I am going to go listen to Beauty and the Beast and search my guidebook for something I haven't done yet... Wish me luck!
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