And a Happy New Year

We finally got to experience our first Russian new year celebration. We weren't really sure what to expect. Some people had given Wendy (not me) some really bad news that Russians like to stay up ALL NIGHT and eat and party until the early morning (like 7 a.m.). We went over to our good friend Olga's house for the actual up to new year celebration. We ate a lot of food, but we had to take it slow in order to have some room for the next house we were going to visit. 

Top Left going Clockwise: Tomatoes with Shredded Cheese, Salmon Slices, ???, Fruit, Fudge, Fruit (again), Greek Salad, Bread and Cheese, Potato Salad, Fish Eggs on Bread Slices. 

 Going down to the Kremlin at 3:00 a.m. One would think that by this time everything would be just about wrapping up and people would be heading for home.

However, the Russians were just getting started by 3:00 a.m. The Kremlin is on the right and main square straight ahead. 

 Many many random colors. That is one way to explain how people decorate for the new year. If it's loud, it can be used. This was close to the main square. We weren't really sure if it had a purpose or if it was just beautiful.

There were government funded fireworks, but after those were all done, the Russians took it upon themselves to continue the show. 

Also this type of floating lantern was very very popular. There is a little lantern and the heat from the lantern causes the whole thing to float and it goes so far that the light begins to disappear.