BBЦ Park

THIS IS ME AT THE ENTRANCE WAY TO THE PARK, IN MY OPINION MOSCOW HAS BUILDING THAT ARE JUST AS BEAUTIFUL AS ST. PETERSBURG.

As I promised, my adventures in the park. Well I made it to the park where the musical store was and I was lucky enough to remember which number building it was. When I got to the music shop, there was just barely enough room to maneuver  by another person pa reusing, so I wasn't sure I was going to find such a rare and odd musical instrument in this store. The man had an accordion looking thing, however it was about the size of your hand and only played 4 notes so it wasn't what I was looking for. But it's totally cool because I then got to go exploring.

 

THIS IS WHAT ONE OUT OF 72 SHOPPING CENTERS LOOKED LIKE IN THIS PARK. I COULDN'T GRIP HOW AWESOME EVERY ONE OF THEM WAS.

HOW FUN DOES THIS LOOK? A GIANT FLOATING HUMAN/HAMSTER BALL!!!! I WATCHED FOR LIKE 5 MINUTES THE LONGEST ANY CHILD STOOD WAS ABOUT 7 SECONDS.

I had such a good time walking around this park, but like I mentioned earlier, I didn't have my travel partner (Wendy) with me so it wasn't a perfect exploring day. The weather was quite hot and when I stumbled onto a huge fountain and saw this.

WHY WOULD YOU GO TO A WATER PARK WHEN YOU CAN SWIM IN A GOLDEN SOVIET FOUNTAIN? IT LOOKED LIKE A LOT OF FUN.

It was only a monday, but a summer monday means still quite a few people. I enjoyed people watching and thing watching alike. Just a quick note, I don't know if any of you know this but out here in Russia, rollerblades are incredibly popular here. And the funny thing is the talent levels range from "wow that person is flying through crowded streets so effortlessly." to "oh no don't fall, come on, you can make it...ooo he fell...that looked painful."

THIS ROLLER COASTER LOOKED PRETTY FUN. DID YOU KNOW THE WORD FOR ROLLER COASTER IN RUSSIAN IS Американская Горка "Americanskaya Gorka" WHICH LITERALLY TRANSLATES AMERICAN SLIDE. I THOUGHT THAT WAS INTERESTING.

All in all it was a fun day and I am glad that I found this very cool place in Moscow. I just wish that Wendy could have been here, she would have enjoyed it just as much as me.

THESE PIGEONS WERE SO FUNNY THE ONE ON THE RIGHT WAS SO GREEDY. HE HAD 3 PIECES OF BREAD AND HE LEFT HIS BREAD TO FIGHT WITH ANOTHER PIGEON WHO WAS CHEWING ON A SMALLER PIECE. SO I CHASED HIM AWAY BUT HE KEPT COMING BACK.

After a few stops on the Electrichka, a boy about my age got on with a black bag of cans and bottles, I was so excited to talk to him. For those of you who don't know, I went on a bottle collecting obsession in Oregon and made 715 dollars in one school year at 5 cents a can/bottle. His name was Saril and he was from Kyrgistan and moved to Russia to try to make money to send home to his family. We talked about can rates if he liked it, how it is hard but a satisfying job. He was so amazed that an American would do something like collect bottles and cans. I asked him all kinds of questions about his country and you could tell he was so proud of his homeland. Then he gave me some Kvass (fermented bread drink) and then I had to get off. I was so honored to meet him and I'm sure he liked talking to me also.

MY FELLOW CAN COLLECTING FRIEND SARIL. I AM GOING TO START SETTING CANS AND BOTTLES OUT FOR HIM AT THE METRO STATIONS SO THEY ARE EASIER FOR HIM TO PICK UP.

By the way, thanks to everyone who reads this thing. I have had a good time doing it and it really helps Wendy to see what I'm doing out here, and I'm really glad that you wish to be a part of it too. So thanks a lot.

To ВДНК (VDNK)

I had such an awesome adventure today and it was all completely on accident. So today I went searching for one of those little accordians that my friends Mick and Sherrie Ewing bought when they were in Russia. I looked on the internet and found a store that claimed to have exactly what I was looking for, and for a good price. So I hopped on the train and headed to the far side of Moscow. I forgot the paper that had the address on it so I began walking around aimlessly searching for one tiny little music shop. The whole time I was muttering anger words to myself like "you idiot why don't you remember when you put things down, now your walking around the 5th biggest city in the world looking for one particular room full of instruments." As it turned out my aimless walking was great I stumbled onto some absolutely amazing things. The street was called VDNK but I'm not actually sure why. I was actually bummed out nobody had told me about this place when Wendy was here because as cool as it was, I didn't have as much exploring without her.

THIS WAS SO COOL. THE YELLOW SIGN READS "FURNITURE FOR THE OFFICE BY: THE FELIX COMPANY" I HAD TO TAKE A PICTURE.    ФЕЛИКС=FELIX

 I WAS SOOOO STOKED TO RUN INTO THIS STATUE... IF YOU'VE EVER WATCHED A SOVIET FILM IN YOUR LIFE, THEN YOU KNOW IT IS THE MOSFILM SYMBOL.

 COME ON IS THIS NOT THE GREATEST SPACE MEMORIAL YOU'VE EVER SEEN? RUSSIANS ARE SO PROUD OF "THE GREAT SPACE RACE" BECAUSE FOR ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES THEY WON.

THIS IS THE KOSMOS HOTEL (VERY FAMOUS) THINK FOUR SEASONS... AND A STATUE OF CHARLES DE GAULLE IN FRONT.

ME AND YURI GAGARIN (1ST MAN IN SPACE) HE IS SO FAMOUS IN RUSSIA, I DON'T THINK HE HAS HAD TO PAY FOR A MEAL AT A RESTAURANT SINCE HE
RE-ENTERED EARTH'S ATMOSPHERE.

Please check back in tomorrow for part two where I actually go into the most awesome park ever and possibly find my music store. I wanted to do this in two parts.  See ya tomorrow. 

My Turn!!!

Okay, it's my (Wendy) turn to post. I have to before Brian gives me a hard time. :) My friend Elia and I hung out for a few hours in Sellwood for lunch and a good walk. We just happened to walk by this cute little church! Built in 1851, a beautiful little church, still open for public use. 

More shots from our walk along the way. 

Mmm, then we stopped by a great cake shop and had some amazing cake.  It was a fun day! 

Мисли Собак (misle sobak) Thoughts of Dogs.

Today I was sitting outside the local store eating a candy bar, when a lady and her dog walked up. The dog clearly loved his master and wanted to follow her in to help her complete her shopping tasks. She stood in the doorway and said " Мишка не проходи, нельзя." (Mishka ni proxodi, nelzya) Mishka you can't come in, it is not allowed. I laughed at how we (I am absolutely included) talk to dogs as if they understand our grammar structure and the word usage we choose to convey a verbal message to them. When I heard this lady talking to her dog,  it immediately reminded me of this great Farside Comic.  
    

Back in History

Well this post is not really in chronological order, Wendy and I went for a walk in Snegiri and we wanted to post about it, but so many other cool things kept coming up. So here it is about 1 1/2 weeks late. This is designed to give you an idea of what stuff looks like outside of the 4th largest city in the world (Moscow). But don't be fooled this is not the suburbs, those don't exist out here in Russia. It actually is kinda nice to live outside of the city in a somewhat mellow village.

THIS IS A TYPICAL LOOKING HOUSE, SOME PEOPLE LIVE HERE ALL YEAR ROUND, AND SOME USE THESE PLACES AS Дача (Dacha) or SUMMER COTTAGE.

BRICK IS VERY POPULAR TO BUILD YOUR DACHA OR HOME WITH. I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHY.

The only downside of living outside of the city is the added cost of traveling into the city for: work, seeing stuff, shopping... and so on. It costs 49.5 rubles to go to Тушинская (Tooshinskaya) train station, then you have to get on the metro, which costs 28 rubles, and then it is possible that you have to take a Машрутка (Mashrootka) which costs 35-40 rubles. So all added up that is about 110 rubles or 4 bucks. Now you might be saying to yourself " 4 bucks isn't a lot of money" But remember, then you have to go home for the same cost, so now you are at 8 dollars. And lets say you go into the city 2 or 3 times a week, now it's 24 dollars for the week.

MAJORITY OF THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE OUT HERE IN SNEGIRI HAVE BEAUTIFUL GARDENS OF: Помидоры (pomidori/ tomatoes), Картошки (kartoshki/potatoes), Моркови (markovi/carrots), AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST Капуста (kapoosti/ cabbage).

THIS PICTURE IS FOR MY MOM IN LAW DIANE. LOOK AT THEIR GREENHOUSES. WENDY REALLY WANTS YOU TO BUILD ONE LIKE THIS. THEY USE FLEXIBLE PIPING AND 2X4's TO MAKE THEIR GREENHOUSE TALL. I'LL HELP YOU BUILD 3 THIS WINTER.

Many people like to go into Moscow from here just to simply walk around. I think this is quite fun also. Moscow has so many attractions to offer that are just fun to look at, you don't even really need to spend all your money doing events and other things because just walking around and seeing all the sites is fun enough. But just make sure to bring enough money for ice cream. I will blog about Russian ice cream in the future but it is pretty stinking good.

A GANG OF Уличные Собаки (oolichni sobaki) STREET DOGS. THEY LIVE ON MY STREET: GVARDESKAYA. THEY USUALLY SLEEP ALL DAY AND THEN CHASE AND BARK AT THINGS AT NIGHT. STILL I THINK THEY ARE KINDA CUTE.

(Dedovsk)

Not much happened today. I basically hung out around Snegiri and studied Russian most of the day and helped with some English lessons that some girls here in the dorm teach to some of the locals. All the people really appreciate it because they want to hear an American and how we speak. I did get to go to Dedovsk with Galya to shop for some food and that was really fun. I like this town, which is about 10km away from Snegiri. We went through the market bought a few things and then on to the super market.

HERE IS A COOL PICTURE OF THE Рынок (open market) in Dedovsk. HERE YOU CAN FIND JUST ABOUT ANYTHING ( EXCEPT ONE OF THOSE LITTLE ACCORDIANS THAT MICK EWING BOUGHT FROM RUSSIA THAT I WANT SOOOOO BAD)

I really like throwing myself into situations where I have to talk to strangers. Most of the time anyone that I'm with that knows me thinks I'm strange for wanting to have an in depth conversation with the taxi driver, but I just enjoy meeting knew people and talking Russian with them.

THIS WAS INTERESTING TO ME... IT IS SHOE REPAIR AND LOCKSMITH IN THE SAME SPOT. SO IF YOU LOCK YOURSELF OUT OF YOUR HOUSE THEN BREAK YOUR SHOE ON THE WAY TO TOWN... YOU'VE GOT THE PERFECT PLACE!!!

Fun in Snegiri

Last night after Wendy left I was just sitting at the dorm here in Snegiri, when Anton saw me and asked if I wanted to go throw knives at trees with him and Natasha. I've never really thrown knives but I thought it would be fun to do like the movies and just huck a knife at a tree. It was way more difficult than I had anticipated, I barely could get the thing to stick into the tree at first.

ANTON AND NATASHA WINDING UP FOR THE KILL, I THINK THE TREE WAS GETTING TIRED OF US POKING LITTLE HOLES IN HIM

 I was trying to throw hard when Anton said to me "No, no Brian, you must be gentle with knife, gentle like with Wendy." That made me laugh cause Wendy and throwing knives don't really seem to correspond in my mind, but if my teacher said it then I must imagine it. It actually helped a little and I managed to stick a knife in the tree 4 times in a row.

Earlier today I went for a run for about an hour. On my way out one street heading towards the woods I saw a large group of people gathering and I really had no idea what all the hub bub was about. I ran around in the woods for a little while and on my way home I saw what all the commotion was about: everyone knew that a milk truck would be coming today. I was so excited to see a milk truck, I watched for a little bit and the people were most likely thinking " Why is this weirdo watching me get milk?" But I can't say that I have actually ever seen a milk truck (besides those films that are set in the 50's) So that was a really cool thing to
see today.

                                     
THERE WAS A DRIVER AND A POURER/MONEY COLLECTOR. IT WAS REALLY FUN TO WATCH.

THE TRUCK WASN'T EVEN THAT BIG. I'LL GIVE YOU THREE GUESSES WHAT "МОЛОКО" MEANS.

MY WIFE LEFT ME

Today was the inevitable day that Wendy and I both wished wouldn't come: she had to go home. We rode into Moscow together on the electrichka train, then metro, then bus, which was nice because we got to spend some good time just staring at each other. Finally we made it to the airport. I helped her check in, I was ready to be her translator but all the Delta workers spoke English (darn). Then we met some guys from Jefferson, Oregon oddly enough and talked to them for a little while. They were here for the world championships of a tank computer game. Finally I said goodbye to her and we both pushed down tears.

          I HAD TO TAKE A COUPLE PICTURES OF MY ADORABLE WIFE AT THE AIRPORT.

MY WIFE HAVING TO LEAVE, IT WAS HARD TO WATCH HER GO BUT WE WERE BOTH STRONG. WE DIDN'T HAVE A BLUBBER FEST RIGHT THERE IN SHEROMETYEVO AIRPORT.

It was pretty tough and now the countdown begins (7 weeks) For those of you married folk who have never needed to be apart from your spouse for a long time, it's a strange reality. I miss her like crazy but at the same time I am learning Russian so I am excited to be out here. I have a new respect for military couples who have to be apart for 6 months at a time.

I THINK WENDY WAS SAYING " LOOK I JUST HAD TO LEAVE MY HUSBAND, SO DON'T MESS WITH ME PASSPORT CONTROL LADY!!!"


On my way home I had to wait an hour for the Electrichka so I walked around for a little bit. Then the best part of my day happened (besides hanging out with Wendy this morning) I found this tasty little treat called Лаваш (Lavash) I think it is like a tortilla from Tajikistan only thicker, and the best part is it's cheap 10 rubles/ 35 cents. It was a great treat and made my day a little brighter.

                MY TASTY LITTLE LAVASH, IT WAS WHAT GOT ME THROUGH THE DAY.

My Last Day in Snegiri

Today is the last day for me (Wendy) here in Snegiri, Russia. It started off a very rainy, misty type of day. Much like Oregon. Is this getting me ready to come home to rain?? After lunch we took off on the electric train to another town further from Moscow, called Istra. We had heard there was a cool synagogue there to check out. The New Jerusalem Monastery. Built in the 1600's. Much of the monastery was destroyed by the Germans as they retreated during WWII. Most has been restored except for the main cathedral. We could only see parts. I did think there was a certain beauty to the ruins.

I always seem to post more pictures than Brian, so be prepared. After the morning rain, it did become quite humid and warm.

 BRIAN WITH THE TWO GREETERS TO THE MONASTERY

 ME IN FRONT OF THE CATHEDRAL. A LOT OF SCAFFOLDING ALSO

 INSIDE, THE STAIRCASES AND DOORWAYS WERE MY FAVORITE

 YOU CAN EASILY SEE THE DAMAGE TO THE WALLS, IMAGINE THE WHOLE CATHEDRAL THIS WAY.

 THIS WALL AND TOWERS SURROUNDED THE WHOLE CATHEDRAL.

 WE DID A LOT OF STARING TODAY, DAYDREAMING BY THE ISTRA RIVER.

FOR ALL MY JUNEAU FRIENDS WHO WILL RECOGNIZE THIS FLOWER. IT MADE ME THINK OF YOU. 

Tomorrow I head to the airport for my journey home. I am slightly relieved to get back home and the United States. I love traveling, but living out of a suitcase gets old and "home" is a nice comfort. I'm hoping that will make it easier to leave my husband here for two more months. Prayers are always welcome for our separation. Thanks everyone! 

Dead Bodies and Begging Bears

Today was a very special day for Wendy and myself. We decided to go down to Red Square to see Lenin's body. It was one of the things on my Russia To-Do List so I was kinda pumped about it. I had a dream the night before so it was especially eerie to me. We met Anton down at Red Square where the Masoleum is. We stood in line for not too long and finally it was our turn. I must say my heart started beating as we descended the steps down to his clear grave. This was the man responsible for changing the world (some say for good, others say for bad) It was truly an awesome experience whether you are communist or not.

 THE OUTSIDE OF LENIN'S MASOLEUM, THE WRITING ABOVE THE DOOR SAYS "LENIN"

WE PULLED THIS OFF THE INTERNET, BUT YOU GET THE IDEA (CREEPY RIGHT???)

Once we exited we saw the graves (not the actual bodies) of Stalin, Chernonkov, Brezhnev, and many other Soviet political leaders which was also really cool too. Stalin was visible with Lenin from 1956-61 but then some lady claimed that Lenin came to her in a dream and said that he was disgraced by having to share a tomb with Joseph Stalin. I guess people will buy anything. I would have liked to have seen Stalin too but Lenin was good enough.


After our encounter with the dead. Wendy and I decided to go to the Moscow Zoo. It was a really good idea because zoo's in different countries have much different rules than in America, which was fun for us to observe. For instance, there is no rules on feeding the animals (any of the animals) so what you get are a bunch of begging, show-off creatures that will do tricks to try to grab your attention and hopefully throw half of your hot dog to them for their efforts. We watched one kid jump a fence and hand a giraffe not one, not two, but six carrots!!!

WE WANTED TO DO THIS TOO BUT WE COULDN'T FIND ONE GOOD SPOT IN THE WHOLE CITY.

THIS IS CALLED A INDIAN SLOTH-BEAR, WHOEVER DECIDED TO BREED A SLOTH AND A BEAR SHOULD BE SCOLDED CAUSE THIS IS ONE WEIRD LOOKING CRITTER.

WE THINK THEIR NAMES WERE BORIS AND SERGEI. THEY WANTED HOT DOGS!!!!

AFTER THE GIRAFFE ATE 6 CARROTS HE CAME TO US LOOKING FOR MORE... GLUTTONY.

Back to Snegiri

We made it back to our good old town of Snegiri. We traveled by train from Lugovsky Voksal(St.Petersburg) to Leningradsky Voksal(Moscow) on a 9 hour train trip. We had a lot of fun on this ride and it was much different than the ride going up. We had a really nice wagon that wasn't crowded at all and the seats were very comfortable. At first it was very cold and Wendy used my extra shirt as a blanket... and then all of a sudden the heaters kicked on and it was like 85 degrees inside the wagon and it was like a mild banya.

WE HAD A REQUEST FOR A PICTURE OF WHAT THE TRAINS LOOK LIKE... SO HERE IT IS

SEE HOW COMFY THE SEATS LOOK. IT"S LIKE AN AIRPLANE, ONLY MUCH BETTER AND THE SEATS RECLINED WAY FARTHER THAN IN AN AIRPLANE. AND MORE LEG ROOM.

Wendy was so worried because we were supposed to get in at 11:00 pm and we would have only one chance to catch the electrichka home. She prayed that our train would get in early so we could get home at a reasonable time. It was like 8 pm and I saw a train station that is a suburb of Moscow called Химки and I said " Wendy we are here, how did we get in 3 hours early?" and she looked at our tickets again and said "Whoops I read the ticket wrong we get in at 9 and not 11." I laughed at her because nurses are supposed to know military time and she made a funny boo boo.

WENDY TOOK A PICTURE OF THE RUSSIAN LANDSCAPE. GREEN, LOTS OF TREES... FLAT.

We got to Moscow and hopped on the metro and when we got off I saw a few people running and I thought to myself  "They know something that we don't" Sure enough we missed the electrichka by 5 minutes and had to wait an hour for another. Everything was fine in the end and we are safe and sound.

WOULD YOU BE BUMMED OUT ABOUT HAVING TO WAIT IN A METRO LIKE THIS? IT KINDA KNOCKS THE SOCKS OFF ANY AMERICAN METRO.