So this is what winter feels like!

Hello all!

While descending down into Domodedovo airport on a Tuesday morning early in November, I couldn't help but think about how on earth the sun was ever going to penetrate through the kilometres of thick cloud hanging above Moscow. I concluded that if I see the sun in the next three months it has got to be close to a miracle! However after my first month back, I have come to realise that seeing the sun actually isn't as nice as I thought. Once the clouds go the warmth that they had been keeping in goes to, so on sunny days it is horrendously cold. A fine example of that is today, from inside it looks like a beautiful sunny day to go out and play in the snow... but no, it's -22˚ out!

My mental preparations while back home had worked very well. I was coping with the cold exceedingly well. That of course was while the temperature was hovering above zero, which was very bearable. Now I am very much not coping. It's hard to breath when it's this cold. Going outside takes a lot of motivation. I was waiting at the bus stop and there was five minutes to go before the bus arrived, it felt like it was about an hour wait. My nose and checks where stinging from the cold, and my fingers where frozen.

I had forgotten how short the days get in winter, and with most daylight hours being very overcast it's hard to determine the time of day, it all just seems like night a lot of the time.

Once I got back to Russia, for my birthday Nelli, her sister and their boys took me to the Russian circus. It was a Wednesday night and completely sold out. It was very good, but I don't really like the animal acts. They had horses, chetahs, panthers, tigers and bears. Oh and six little sausage dogs, they were adorable. The clowns were very good, and the acrobats where amazing. Moscow has two permanent circus's, I think we went to the better of the two. I'll have to find the name, I've forgotten it at the moment.

Russian circus and Russian ballet done. I'll have to think of some other things to put on my to do list. I would really like to go to Saint Petersburg one weekend, I think I'll wait until there is a little bit more snow.

Moscow has turned into a white christmas wonderland. All the shops are decorated and there are christmas trees sprouting up everywhere. Not far from where I live there is an actual place to go and buy a real tree. It is so pretty, there must be hundreds of trees in there and they are all covered in snow. We haven't put up our christmas things just yet, hopefully soon though. Even though it's freezing, it still feels like christmas (thank goodness).

There is no Santa Claus in Russia, they have a guy called Ded Moroz, he brings presents on new years eve, then Christmas is celebrated on the 6th and 7th of January. I plan to have a little mini christmas on the 25th as well.

Well besides the temperature, I really don't have much to report. Life in Russia is just cruising along like always. My Russian family is well, and are looking after me like always. The kids both have birthdays coming up soon which will be great to be here for.

I hope everyone is well (and warm) back home in Australia.

Missing everyone, as I always am!

Dasvidanya!

Sara

Home again

Hello!

I haven't posted much about Russia lately, it all just feels like routine now.

As I'm flying back to Australia tonight though I thought I should sum up my Russian autumn and start afresh when I return to Moscow.

For some odd reason I didn't think it would be all that cold here in autumn, I haven't a clue why I thought this. It certainly isn't just a bit chilly, like at home. We haven't had a day above 10 degrees in weeks!

I wasn't mentally prepared for the cold, so this month has been hard to cope with. I went for a walk this morning and it was 1 degree, I did get some good photo's for my effort though.

I'm struggling with the fact that it's going to drop at least another 30degrees.

On the 19th of last month, Nelli, her mum and I went to the ballet. It was simply magnificent. So very Russian. I loved it. The orchestra, the stage and costumes where amazing. The dancing really goes without saying, incredible! We watched the show at the Kremlin palace and where pretty much in the best seats. I felt very spoilt and can't wait to go again.

I still have to go to the circus and then I think I will have done everything on my Russian to do list.

I was hoping to write more, but I'm a little pressed for time so hopefully I can add more later.

Grace is currently unpacking my suitcase, suppose I won't have to worry about that extra baggage anymore.

Hope everyone is well, and hopefully I will have time to catch up with everybody this time.

Dasvidanya.

Contiki

Hello Everyone,

I finally found some time to do an update. I have been a busy little bumble bee!

This post is going to be a long one, so grab a cuppa and settle down and get cosy.

On the 18th of August I flew to London to meet up with some girls I went to school with. Hannah, Tiff and Hayley, who were already in England. We stayed at the generator hostel, which was nice. I had chicken schnitzel and chips for tea, I was in heaven! The best thing about not being in Russia is the food is so much better everywhere else.

I didn't have much time to explore London, I didn't really see anything besides the hostel and Heathrow.

The next morning we jumped on the bus and started our tour. We drove down to Dover to catch the ferry to France. I didn't even come close to finding my sea legs, I sat down most of the time. Once we got to France we drove straight to Paris. Basically day one was spent on the bus. We got to our cabins and then had a bit of a scenic bus ride around the city. We then went to have some French champagne and try out some Escargot, in other words, snails. They weren't as bad as I thought, mainly because they were smothered in garlic butter, and its hard for anything to taste bad in garlic butter. I couldn't get my snail out of the shell so they bought me a new one, which was steamy fresh. All I can say is, I tasted it, I won't ever feel the need to do it again. After that we went and got our first look at the Eiffel Tower.

Day two was a free day around Paris. First thing that morning the girls and I went to the Louvre to check out the Mona Lisa and the Venus De Milo (The lady with no arms). From the Louvre we slowly wondered through the city to the Eiffel tower picking up supplies for a picnic on the way. We grabbed a great spot under some shady trees, with a magnificent view. Not only of the Eiffel tower, the people watching was fantastic. In all the touristy areas there are loads of Gypsies trying to sell stuff, or just asking for money. Selling things without a permit is illegal so whenever the police rode around on their bikes it was like watching sheep getting herded. They came out of no where and there was loads of them running away. It was hilarious. A few people got their mini Eiffel towers confiscated, but that was about it.

That night we got all dressed up for a night on the town. Our group went out to a nice little restaurant before going to a cabaret show, across from the Moulin Rouge. We got back to the cabins and continued partying, it was a great night.

Day three started off rather slowly. I was very, very hungover. Kids, don't mix your drinks!

Luckily though it was another day mainly on the bus, so I didn't really have to function.

We headed down the south of France and spent the night in a gorgeous 16th century chateau, surrounded by vineyards. The rest of the group went and did some wine tasting, but I thought it best if I sat that one out.

That night there was another party, in the cellar. I went for a little bit, but put myself to bed early. Good decision, as the next day everyone else was hung over, but I was fine!

Day four was more driving. We stopped of in the walled city of Avignon where the Pope hung out in a palace their back in the 14th century (I think it was then, a long time ago anyway).

We continued on and stopped of again at a very smelly perfume factory.

Than finally made it to the French Riviera. We were in cabins again, just a short walk away from the beach. The girls and about half of our tour group headed down to the beach. It was gorgeous, the Mediterranean sea, with a full moon, and a Ferris wheel off to the side. In the distance we could see the lights of Nice. We sat down on the pebbles and watched the boys try and hit a buoy out in the ocean with stones.

Day five. I was finally starting to remember every ones names. Our bus was completely full, and its quite hard to remember 51 names. We were so lucky, everyone on our tour was great, I really don't think there could have been a better bunch of people to tour around Europe with.

Today was another free day, I accidentally slept in, then headed into Nice to meet up with the girls. Nice was lovely, we got scooters and roller blades and cruised along the beach for a while.

Later that evening we got all dolled up and headed to Monaco. We had some champagne and then tried our luck at the casino. I was down twenty euros and decided to stop. Some boys on our tour however were up 800 euros (that also may not be exact, it was a lot anyway). They shouted the whole group a drink at the bar!

Day six, we left France and headed into Italy! I love Italy, I won't ever be able to live there because I would get too fat to be able to fly out of the country. Italian food is divine. The pizza, pasta and gelato, oh it is oh so good! The people are so lovely, and Italy is gorgeous.

Our first stop was Pisa, which is an incredibly boring place. Besides a building that is slowly falling over, there isn't much else to see or do. Except eat of course.

After taking our photo's of either holding the tower up or pushing it over, we drove to Florence. A city of beautiful churches and is rich in history. I really liked Florence. We had yet another big partying night, which involved huge jugs of cocktails, karaoke and I had a minor wardrobe malfunction. Yet another fabulous evening with my new contiki friends.

Day seven, half way through the tour. It started going very fast from here.

Today was our free day in Rome. It was really hot in Rome, without much shade around the city. First up we went to the Trevi fountain, which is gorgeous. We all through our coin in over our shoulder. We will all now supposedly return to Rome, I certainly hope so!

From there we walked to the Spanish steps which are apparently famous but to be honest until I was there I was slightly unaware of them. The rest of the group went off on a walking tour and the girls and I went off on our own. It was way too hot to be following a guide around the city.

We headed to the Colosseum, which was really cool. I loved seeing all these places, I got to cross lots of things off on my "to-do list". We didn't go inside, but I was super impressed with the outside anyway. We grabbed a very expensive bite to eat and waited for the rest of the group. We all then headed to the Vatican. Michelangelo's work is simply incredible, everyone should definitely go and see it for themselves.

More partying that night at the club where our cabins where, loads of fun!

Day eight. I woke up covered head to toe in bed bug and mosquito bites. To say I wanted to claw my skin off is an understatement. It was really painful and extremely itchy. A friend gave me some antihistamines but that's all I could get at the time, there wasn't a chemist near by.

We headed down to Venice, before we got to the camp site our tour manager Daz, said to watch out, because there are loads of mosquito's at this camp. I nearly cried when he said that. I ran to the shop and covered myself in mozzie spray!

We caught the boat over to Venice, were unfortunately all I was thinking about was finding a pharmacy, even so, it is pretty impossible not to take in the beauty of the city. There are no cars anywhere in Venice, so everyone pushes there little carts around, it's very cute. Kind of like stepping back in time. We grabbed a bottle of Italian bubbly and had a gondola ride through the canals. It was very relaxing.

We grabbed some dinner in Venice, then headed back to the mainland, where I could continue fixing my bites!

Day nine we were off to Germany!

After complaining about the heat for a week, Munich was freezing. Stepping off the bus my first thought was "please don't let Moscow be this cold yet", it's not as cold as Munich was, it's much colder!

I didn't think I would like Germany, but I really enjoyed it. I meet a few Germans who weren't very nice, but I don't want to judge everyone on them. I'll definitely be going back for another visit.

We went to the main square and watched the glockenspiel, a giant cuckoo clock. Then off to the hostel to get ready for our night at the beer hall. We learnt a German beer song and set off to consume copious amounts of beer steins. I don't usually drink beer, but German beer wasn't too shabby.

Day ten we left Munich and headed up to the Rhine Valley and stayed in a little German village called ST Goar. On the drive up we stopped at Dachau concentration camp, which was incredibly sad. I'm glad we went, but I struggle to understand and cope with the amount of evil that happened in world war two.

It was a very beautiful drive, Europe is the kind of green you just don't see at home.

More wine tasting today and I bought my first investment. A rare bottle of wine, which is called ice wine, it's a very sweet dessert wine.

Day eleven, The Netherlands. I love Holland, everyone cruises along on their bikes and it is just so picture perfect. I didn't know the country was so low and flat, they have so much water there. Before going to Amsterdam we went to a little village to see what the real Holland was like. As everyone says, Amsterdam is not a reflection on the rest of the country. We went for a bike ride around Edam. It was lovely, even though it rained and was cold.

After that we went to a clog factory and then tasted some Dutch Cheese, which was really yummy.

Then came the "Amsterdamage"!

What can I say??

What happens in Amsterdam, stays in Amsterdam!

It is one crazy place, with all sorts of crazy people.

Day thirteen. Another friend from school, Monique came to party with us, which was brilliant!

It was our last night on tour, and we all went a bit wild in the red light district, but it was certainly a great way to end our tour, and a night to remember.

Day Fourteen. The long, hungover trip back to London.

We had arranged amongst ourselves to meet up one last time at an Aussie bar, so we could say one last farewell to everyone. We certainly have all made some great friends from all over the world. I even have a friend coming to visit me here in Russia next year, I'm super excited about that.

The next day I flew back to Moscow. It was so great to have a holiday, I was feeling really homesick, so it was the perfect fix!

It's Autumn here now, and all the leaves are changing. Apparently we aren't going to ease into winter here in Russia, it literally went from heat wave to ten degrees in the two weeks I was away! I keep thinking about how warm it is at home, oh well, I don't think I'll experience another Russian winter after this one, so I'll just suck it up. Please remind me of this in December.

Other than my contiki news, I don't have anything else to report on. My Russian family are all fine, and I'm still loving Moscow.

So that's all for now, I hope you enjoyed!

Dasvidanya, au revoir, ciao, Auf Wiedersehen, vaarwel!

Fire.

Hello everyone!

Apparently our problems in Russia have made it to the news in Australia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jIdtuuqFpc&feature=fvhl

Summed up, it's bloody hot, the forests are burning and the smoke is unbearable.

There are almost 1000 fires burning. As far as I know 48 lives have been claimed.

The government is reporting that they have moved all rockets and Nuclear materials to a safer location... I dread to think about it. Words like "radiation," "explosion" and "nuclear security" all in the same sentence sends a shiver down my spine.

There is no sign that the fires are going to be ending anytime soon, so everyone here is hoping for summer to end and the snow to arrive. It's not looking good at the moment.

Some of the airports have had to ground flights temporarily, which is a concern as I'm meant to fly out in 10 days. Which I'm absolutely thrilled about. I'm heading to London to see Hannah, Hayley and Tiff. We are doing a two week Contiki tour, which will be fabulous!

I don't have a lot to report on, we have all been stuck inside due to the carbon monoxide poisoning our atmosphere. I have been helping Luida cook, and teaching her some more English. I am still unable to create dishes from home even semi successfully here. I can never find the right ingredients, and nothing ever works out. Thankfully Russians are use to eating bad food, and think everything I make is delicious. If they only knew!

Billy is on holidays still, so he is often in and out of my room looking for things to do. I have a treasure box that's full of all sort of goodies the kids like to play with and they love my ipod and my phone. Grace often picks up random objects, puts them to her ear and shouts "Ello!" then falls about laughing.

I'm not sure if I've already mentioned this or not but Grace doesn't call me Sara. Most of my babies I've looked after struggle with saying Sara, I've been called mum, mummy Sara and sair. But Grace flat out refuses to say my name. I ask her to and she says "ssssss Nanya!" Then cracks up laughing. All up she has said Sara twice, she can say it, she just won't. She says nanya with the biggest cheekiest grin, it's wildly frustrating but a delightful game we have now as well.

Nanya means nanny in Russian.

We have all been cooped up inside, thank goodness our house is so big. However yesterday I had to go into town, for a rather urgent matter, once I got home though I found out I never had to leave in the first place.

As soon as I stepped outside, I wanted to go back in. Visibility is shocking, and I had to walk to the bus stop. My eyes were stinging and my lungs were burning. It was awful, I would hate to be anywhere close to the flames.

I managed to stay inside most of the time, but I did have to walk around a fair bit. Plus the smoke has now entered all the shopping centres, down in the Metro is really bad you feel like you could suffocate.

At the grocery shop they were handing out surgical masks at the check outs. About a third of Moscow is wearing masks of some description.

Outside I had just finished telling an elderly man that I think what he was looking for was around the corner and apologising for my terrible Russian, when some one else started talking to me... honestly all I say when I'm out is "извините, я не говорю по-русский" (sorry, I don't speak Russian).

His name is Boraya, he is such a sweetie. He doesn't speak a word of English, I handed him my phrase book when I realised I couldn't just excuse myself out of talking to him. Russian's can be very determined. We had possibly the slowest conversation in history, while he was trying to help me out with finding the shop I needed. Mildly long story short, he is a total gentleman and gave me a rose. Making breathing in the toxic fumes and what turned out to be an unnecessary trip a rather nice experience.

I am undecided if being able to speak the same language with some one is totally necessary to be friends with them... basically I want some one to carry my shopping and give me flowers.

Oh well something to think about while I'm still stuck in the house.

That's all my news really.

I hope everyone is well at home, I'm missing everyone lots.

until next time,

Dasvidanya!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie!

Hello everyone!

I thought I would deliver another update before I started getting fresh demands!

We are back into our same old routine, and fully recovered from our holiday. It's incredible how exhausting holidays can be.

Billy is on summer school holidays, so both kids at home all day everyday is creating a very noisy household. The average temperature here during the day at the moment is in the high 30's usually around 36 though. It's very warm! It's strange to think of Russia as being hot. I always associated it with snow, and minus 30 temps, without much thought to summer.

It has been a bit of a slow week really. Although Saturday night's adventure was quite exciting and loads of fun!

I was going to go to the circus, but thought dressing up and dancing the night away would be much more fun (and cheaper). I arranged to meet a few new Russian people at a club called "Club Che" which is yet another salsa club. I exchanged numbers with a few people and jumped on the bus to head to the train station.

Whilst sitting on the bus I realised my phone was not working, I'd forgotten to look at the map to see exactly where the club was (I knew which Metro station, but that was all) and in an effort to get my phone working again I turned my phone off. I of course forgot that I need a pin to turn my phone back on. A pin I don't know.

So in a moment of brilliance I thought "Oh well, instead of going home I'll just buy a new Sim card." After purchasing the new Sim card, in very bad Russian and very bad reciprocated English, it was only then that I realised I don't have access to anyone else's numbers, and no one knows my new number.

Sometimes I am truly concerned about the lack of thought that goes into some of the things I do.

I set off into the city anyway, not too disheartened by the events that had already unfolded.

I made it to Lubyanka metro station and was heading out of the exit when I heard some girls knocking on the glass booth of the sleeping security guard saying "umm excuse me, do you speak English......?" I turned around and exclaimed "I speak English!" And that is how I met my first Australians in Russia.

I was so excited, if we weren't on an unstable escalator I would have hugged them! The girls, Angela and Ashley (Such normal names!) where heading to a club called Propaganda. I showed them the way and discovered that they were on a tour, with more Australians. Everyone on the tour said that they were a bit over meeting Australians everywhere they go, but I was by far the most enthusiastic one they had met thus far. It was fabulous, I hang out with them for a few hours, but they all eventually dwindled away because of their busy tour scheduled the next day.

I did try to get into club Che to meet up with my Russian friends, but wasn't allowed in (face control can be nasty!)

I decided my night was not over yet, there was bound to be more alcohol waiting in a bar for me somewhere. I walked to Karma bar, but didn't quite make it to the door, when I was stopped. A group of guys were walking out and told me that it wasn't worth going to, but they knew of another really good place. They didn't seem like serial killers so I tagged along with them for the walk to "Papa's". They turned out to be a great bunch of people, they even introduced me to another Aussie, who works at the embassy. We got to Papa's to find a Christmas in July party, complete with fake snow all through the club. It was brilliant fun. When I finally thought it must be getting late and time for me to head home, I stepped outside to be greeted by blazing sunshine, and rouble hungry taxi drivers.

Definitely one of the best Saturday nights I've had in Moscow!

Meeting so many genuinely lovely people last night and making some new friends has certainly lifted my cloud of homesickness that I seem to be under a lot lately.

So another week begins, my goodness where did July go?

I hope all is well at home,

I'm missing everyone lots!

I'm off to continue watching the large fireworks display that is quite literally, next door. Grace has slept through so far, although how exactly I'm not sure.

However until I have more to report on, this is all for now.

Dasvidanya!

Two weeks in Malta

Hello all!

We flew back into Moscow at 4:30am this morning. Not such a fabulous time for a flight with two children aged three and under!

Considering how tired they were though, they did pretty well. However I'm jumping ahead!

Friday the 2nd, the kids and I were getting ready for a walk to the park before having dinner when Baba Sveta comes flying down the stairs with a piece of paper and speaking to me very quickly in Russian. I looked at Billy for a translation but he looked more confused then I did. Upon inspection of the piece of paper it turned out we were flying to Malta Friday night not Saturday night.

I would like to think it was a controlled chaos that broke out in our household after that, but others may use different words. We fed the kids, packed their suitcases, packed our own and headed to the airport. The next morning we were eating breakfast in Malta.

The island of Malta is smaller then the city of Moscow, it is tiny! Despite it's small size, I loved it! It was so normal.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Moscow isn't normal... it's just not my kind of normal.

In Malta they drive on the left hand side, and they don't drive like maniacs.

They all speak English! It was fabulous.

I also found Vegemite and Tim Tams, really, what more needs to be said?

The other fantastic thing was the heat. While the rest of the tourists seemed to be melting, Billy and I were loving it.

The kids and I went swimming nearly everyday and our resort had a fantastic kids club. We hung out there for a few hours most days. Grace was more then happy reclining on a deck chair next to me, with her sun glasses on. Admittedly her sunnies occasionally ended up being chewed on as she is teething, but generally she looked the part of a glamorous girl.

Malta doesn't have sandy beaches, just big rocks. Not like pebbles, actual huge rocks. I'll post pictures on facebook tonight and put the link up.

We did the touristy things, like harbour tours. I found myself with Baba sveta and billy on a Russian tour through Mdina... I found an English tour going in the opposite direction and was tempted to tag along with them but it was more fun oohing and ahhing with the Russian's, and pretending I knew what was going on.

The first week went by and week two began with a house call from a doctor for Billy who had a temperature of 40 and a stomach bug. He was sick for two days and despite my best efforts Grace got sick for two days as well. And what kind of nanny would I be if I didn't get it too?

So for the last two days in Malta I was either in bed or hugging the toilet bowl.

Despite our tummy bug, we had a great time.

The best night was the night of the world cup final. All of Malta was cheering for Spain. After dinner Billy and I headed out onto the streets to join the crowd. We wandered through the packed streets found a spot to see the big screen and cheered along with everyone else. For a three year old, that boy knows how to party! He clapped and yelled "Go Spain GO!" for a good hour.

As we all know though, all good things must come to an end. We headed to the airport with our sleepy, cranky baby and hyper billy. I decided to take Billy for a walk through the airport to use up some of his energy. We ended up playing "security guards" in a book store, using books as phones. Unfortunately the book shelves where only chest height, so everyone could see me talking into my "phone" and no one could see Billy!

As we were taking off, out of our window we could see a huge fireworks display which made for quite a send off. We finally settled down and were almost asleep just to be woken up again and given the most dreadful aeroplane food ever. If you ever fly Air Malta, take your own food!

So now we are home again, and will be back to our normal routine tomorrow.

I was excited to be coming back to Moscow, but was disappointed not to have that "yay I'm home" feeling. I guess I will only feel that when I land in Australia again.

I really loved Malta, but there was one thing not quite right with it, it wasn't quite paradise. It was bugging me that I couldn't figure out what it was that was letting Malta down. Once we got back here I realised straight away. Malta isn't green enough. There aren't enough trees! That is the sole thing I can fault Malta for.

Well I have washing and unpacking to do, and I must search for that packet of Tim Tams that I bought....

So until next time,

Dasvidanya!

Summer in Moscow.

Hello all!

Sorry for the delay in updating my blog. I have been super busy! However due to popular demand and some pushy emails I have found some time to fill you in.

I will leave out my whirl wind experience of coming home and my visa problems and just get straight back to Moscow.

I flew with Thai airways this time and their chairs are a bit more comfortable than emirates, which was nice but I still didn't sleep. I was a delirious mess when I got back. I finally made it through passport control, found my bags and was greeted by Urha, one of our security guards. It took an hour in the car to get home. Moscow seems to be in a constant state of peak hour traffic with all sorts of crazy drivers.

It was a miserable cloudy day, like the very first day I flew into Moscow. The only difference was that everything is so super green. It is amazing how green it is! Russians really know how to make the most of summer too. There are flowers absolutely everywhere it is just beautiful. All the cafes have set up tables outside, on every corner there are people selling flowers and fruit, I even saw someone selling little turtles. I was so very tempted to buy one!

The kids where so excited to see me, which was great. It would have been dreadful if I'd flown all that way to be greeted with shyness or worse, tears! Billy ran and jumped into a big bear like hug and Grace was quick to follow. They filled me in on all their news, we read some books and by then I was just about exhausted. I fell into bed, just to have to get up again to put a blanket over the curtains because it wasn't dark yet, at 10:30pm.

It was great to see Luidmiela again, oh how I missed her Kasha while I was away! The security guards seemed happy to see me too. Although it's a little difficult to pick up on their emotions. Except for Ivan, he smiles and is far to happy for someone who has a gun.

For those of you who are lucky enough to not have had to endure jet lag yet, it is substantially easier travelling back in time, as opposed to gaining time. I recovered almost the day after I was back in Moscow!

The second (or maybe it was the third) night I was back, I headed out to watch the socceroos in the world cup and made some new friends. I'm finding it so much easier to make friends now, I know where to find people who speak English, and I'm really learning my way around now. I haven't been geographically confused once since I have been back!

I headed into the city to see the fountains now that they have been turned on, it's very pretty, I really do enjoy walking around red square and the Kremlin. Absolutely fantastic people watching! I will post some photo's soon.

My social life has pretty much picked up where it left off, which is lovely. Although I am missing one good friend, who had to go back to Belgium. Last Saturday I went out with Anna and one of her friends, she couldn't speak English so poor Anna had to translate for us. We had dinner then went out salsa dancing! I really like salsa, but when I go to Spain, I'm just going to be reminded of Russia, which is a bit backwards, but anyway. We went to a new place called Pancho Villa, it was fabulous, cheap yummy margaritas, great live music and English menus. At one stage there was even a salsa conga line!

I am also pleased that the bus drivers remember me, and the taxi drivers! It is very strange that I am comforted by the fact these middle aged overweight men remember me and like talking to me. I think it's just nice to have people in the area I live in to say hello to, and it's nice to know the taxi drivers are always around the metro if I ever need help. None of them speak any English, yet I know all there names, and I know about there wives and children and they don't over charge me anymore!

Yesterday I went to the movies and watched the documentary "Babies". Please don't make fun of me for that, I am more then aware of how overly maternal I am. The movie lived up to all my expectations, it was really good. I recommend it to everyone. It follows the first year of four babies lives. One baby from America, one in Peru, one in Japan and the other is from Africa. It is fascinating.

After that I did a much more age appropriate activity and went out for dinner and had drinks at an Irish pub.

Next Saturday, I will be boarding a plane to Malta (a tiny island in the Mediterranean). The kids have never been to the beach before, so we are spending two weeks there. I am so unbelievably excited!!

So my next blog update will be after our trip, unless I can pull myself away from the deck chairs to fill you in on my hectic working day.

I hope everyone is fine at home, there are so many people I didn't get to see. I think I will be home again in September, which is really just around the corner. So I'm sure I will get time to catch up with everyone then!

Until next time,

Dasvidanya!

To market, to market to buy a.....matryoshka doll?

Time for another update folks!

Firstly it's been great catching up with a few different people this week, I'm glad everyone is enjoying my blog!

I was standing in the kitchen yesterday, trying to understand what Ludmiulla was telling me and I just sort of nodded and said "da" (which is "yes" for those of you who don't know), which made me laugh. I remember writing here a few weeks ago that Billy just says "yes" to whatever I say to him when he doesn't understand me. I have the same coping mechanisms as a three year old!

While we are on the topic of language I would like to point out, that Russian is a very difficult language to learn! My goal of being able to have a conversation with a Russian, in Russian seems to get harder to achieve every day. Oh well practice, practice, practice!

On the weekend I decided I would go to the Izmailovskiy markets that some one had recommended to me. Well worth the two hours it took for me to find the place! You have to pay a small fee to get in, then it is stall after stall of Russian souvenirs. However the second stall on your left when you walk in, is a lovely man, who can speak English, selling DVDs that all play in English and are all brand new releases! I bought "The Blindside" which is a fantastic movie! I will definitely be heading back there before I come home.

I strolled around for hours, eaves dropping on the few English conversations I heard (which is a first!) and of course haggling with the locals. Most Russian people have been just so lovely towards me, I am in there country, my Russian is atrocious, and they just smile and laugh along with me at the difficulty of trying to communicate with each other. Not just at the markets but just about everywhere, people are so willing to help me. I know that this isn't always the case for foreigners in Australia. The opinion of "go home, come back when you can speak English" is rather common. So from my perspective, as a person in Russia who can't speak Russian, the people here are welcoming and accepting, the few people that haven't been, are very few, maybe three?

As this was my first time haggling, I was super excited, and definitely paid more then what I could have, but I really don't mind. It was just such a great experience! I'm so glad I know my numbers!

I was wondering around in search of the loo's following Russian signs which I think some kids had played with and made the arrows point in the wrong direction. I eventually found the lady you have to pay to use the toilet, said thank you and headed in when she stopped me and pointed to the roll of toilet paper on her desk. I have never felt more self conscious in my life, all I was thinking was "how much toilet paper do I take, are there customs in Russia, why is she starring at me!? What if this is too much, or not enough!" I know this may seem trivial to you, but when you come to Russia and have an angry looking Russian lady staring you down while you take some toilet paper of her desk, tell me how you feel then.

After the bathroom experience, I found myself in a new section of the markets. The buildings were amazing, and such typical Russian design, just stunning. I was taking some happy snaps, when a security/military looking man came over to me and told me I couldn't take photo's, I was apologising and saying I didn't know when I suddenly realised the 100 no photography signs stuck up everywhere.... Oops!

The colours, sites and sounds of the markets are fantastic, you really feel like you aren't at home and that this is what travelling is all about.

The rest of my week has been lovely, it was Ludmiulla's birthday on Monday, yummy cake! Then Tuesday was Nelli's dad's birthday. We had a huge family dinner, with loads of yummy food and red wine. Plus some not so yummy cake. I also had my first taste of caviar. Now as most of you know, I am a very fussy eater, I knew the chances of me liking fish eggs was slim but I was slightly optimistic. I told myself that even if it wasn't nice to just politely say something like "oh, that's different!" instead what did I graciously say while all eyes were on me... "OH, oh that is awful!" I would have loved to have seen my face!

Well it's a rainy night here in Moscow and I'm ready for bed.

I hope you enjoyed!

Until next week

Dasvidanya!

Photos

Easter Morning, yummy food, compote and to the left we have my favourite Russian lady Lidmeala!

Like I said, I have no idea what this protest or parade thing is about?!?

This is my little piece of Russia, I love it.

Paskha

Hello everyone!

Happy Easter!

Before I write about Easter I wanted to mention the terrorist attacks.

I'm sure everyone knows most the facts. Two suicide bombers attacked the Metro during peak hour on Monday morning (29/3/10) killing 40 people and injuring dozens. Most people are saying these attacks are from people retaliating whats going on in the Caucasus, which I think is true. It's hard to know 100% facts as every news story is slightly different, with different statistics and different reports. There have been another two bombings since then. Not in Moscow though. One was to the south of Russia and yesterday a Cargo train was bombed in the North of Russia. People are warning that there will be more attacks in Moscow, so everyone is worried, but really, what can you do?

The Metro is the main form of transport, at any given time there are at least two million people below ground using the Metro system. They have increased security at all the stations. However I feel this is a complete waste of time, as all they do is stand around smoking. They don't stop anyone, check bags or ask people questions...they are just there.

Russia seems to be coping ok, although when I watch the news, I see women crying for there families and people leaving flowers at the train stations. It's very sad.

But I am being extra careful and won't use the Metro during peak hour.

On Saturday I headed into the city, and every single church was absolutely spilling over with people. I walked around for a while, I didn't really have a plan for where I wanted to go. I just get of the train at a different station each week, and walk until I find something.

I found a nice little church, that wasn't to crowded and thought I would have a look. The pictures on the walls where absolutely beautiful. Everyone was lighting candles and saying Russian prayers. Some people where crying, some where eating things from the little Easter stall they had set up inside and others where like me, and just having a bit of a sticky beak.

After the church I wondered into a little art gallery. It was only small so it wasn't long until I was back out wondering through the Moscow streets. I stopped of at my favourite cafe, and could almost order what I wanted with out any problems.

Flipping through my "Moscow Lonely Planet" book I stumbled across a small sentence recommending an Irish pub. Being suddenly overcome with the need to speak English fluently with someone I decided to head out in search of "Silvers".

I could see the top of the Kremlin, as always, and again headed in the direction of red square. I soon felt like I was walking in circles and decided to ask some one for help. When I bumped into two girls dressed as.... something, they looked ridiculous and were handing out pamphlets, they told me to follow them as they were going to red square. We managed a little conversation as they could speak some English. Soon they pointed me in the right direction.

Not long after leaving them my Dad rang me, so I was wondering around on the phone with my map trying to find where I was and where the Irish pub was. Dad was super impressed with my Russian skills, however if Dad could speak Russian I'm sure he would be shocked at just how badly I speak it!

After about two hours of walking and searching I finally found the Irish pub (and it turns out I had been past the street it is in several times.) I was so excited! I had something to eat, chips, tomato sauce and a toasted chicken thing, my idea of normal food! Then started speaking English, to the "locals". I found out lots of handy tips and also discovered that I am one of only 57 registered Aussie's in Russia. Probably not going to find anyone from home here!

I decided I would stay out and do a bit of socialising, but was a bit nervous about the taxi situation, as they have a very bad reputation and even the Russians are wary of them.

I caught the Metro back and once at Altofvero found the taxi rank. All the drivers where out of their cars chatting away when I walked up to them. Now I thought I could say my address perfectly, but apparently I can't. I ended up calling my security guards so the taxi driver could ask them where I live. I'm still not 100% sure what I said wrong. I think it was a mix up between Vershky Village or Vershky City.

After Saturdays adventure I was ready for bed! I was up early Sunday morning to skype my family, it was so great to see them all! Missing home a bit around Easter time!

After that I went out to have a huge breakfast with my Russian family. We had traditional Easter cakes, a special cheese/Kurds thing, compote (which is a drink we always have anyway) Baklava, even though its Turkish and not Russian and some little pastry things.

Oh and of course we had an abundance of painted eggs! In Russia you have to hold your egg and hit it against some one else's to see who has the strongest egg. It is apparently just a thing the kids usually do, but the adults were pretty excited, especially me, as I won!

Lunch is a bit of a non event as the food is out all day and you just help yourself when ever. Dinner was lovely with a few extra dishes, I didn't eat them though. They had red meat. However I did enjoy my glass, or four, of white wine. It was a very expensive bottle from France, and it was so good!

So despite the bombs and home sickness, another amazing week in Russia. The kids are doing so well. Billy is so funny, he often is on the other side of my bedroom door poking his fingers through the crack at the bottom until I notice. As soon as I touch his fingers he squeals, runs around in a circle opens my door and shouts "It was me!" Grace is really starting to talk now, she says more English words then Russian, but she understands more Russian then English.

So that's most of my news for this week!

I hope you enjoyed!

Until next time,

Dasvidanya!

solo explorations!

Hi everyone!

Today was the second time I have gone out completely by myself, and what an adventure it was!

Got lost or as I like to call it "Geographically confused", only fell over once, spoke in Russian and was understood, cried once and was flirted with on the train... it was going well until he spoke to me.

The first time I went out on my own was last week, I had to catch two buses to get to the RIO shopping centre. Minimal dramas+new friend + new shoes + confidence to do it again!

I would have to say the only part of going to RIO that was bad, was when I was at the second bus stop. It is super busy, buses just pull up anywhere and there are about twenty of them in a 200m stretch of street. I was told that there is a free bus from the metro to the shopping centre. I tried to ask a few people which bus it was (as they all said РИО, mostly advertising) and people just turned away like I wasn't there. It was the most bizarre feeling. People couldn't understand me so they just looked away.... However I now know the word for "where" and "bus" and I also now know which bus to take, no thanks to anyone at the bus stop!

Today's trip was so much more exciting. I just had a great day exploring the city. I didn't set off as early as I had hoped but that was ok, I was talking with Lidmeela our cook. She is the most lovely person I have meet here. She is my very own adopted Babushka! I have asked her to teach me to cook some Russian foods.

I walked down to the bus stop and headed to the Metro. The Metro system is a little challenging, but I only got geographically confused six times, which I think is a brilliant first attempt. I didn't have a plan of where I wanted to go, I just wanted to go! I got of the train near Red square, I could have easily walked to the Kremlin from the station, but decided to head in the opposite direction. I didn't find anything particularly amazing to tell you about. I find the whole city amazing. Tunnels under the road for pedestrians have little shops, buskers and beggars in most of them. All the building's have intricate details on them, colours everywhere. Music plays in most streets in the city. I was listening to nice Russian music, then all of a sudden Brittany Spears did it again!

After some lunch in a really nice little cafe, that had pictures on the menu to assist in the decision making process, for those of us who don't know what all the words say, I had "открытый пирог курица".

I continued my walk and bumped into a marching band that was the head of some sort of parade/protest. I have no idea what it was about but it involved a lot of people dressed up in some very odd costumes. Don't worry I'll be posting photo's!

I noticed that I was sort of walking alongside red square, but quite far away. So I took some back streets and headed in the general direction of the palace. Once I had eventually emerged I found myself at the zoo! I found the tunnel to cross the road, bought my ticket (speaking only in Russian!) and headed in.

I tried to go in with an open mind, reminding myself that Australian zoo standards are different to Russia, it's a different country and they don't view animals like we do.

This was all fine, until enclosure number one.

Four lamas, enclosure about the size of a standard Aussie backyard, and dirty snow all through it. They are starting to shed there winter coats so most of the animals looked pretty shabby. After seeing the monkeys, racoons and hundreds of ducks sitting on a frozen pond I got to the Polar bear. My very first polar bear... it was here that I burst into tears! It truly is the saddest thing I have ever seen. He was so bored! The poor thing just walked backwards and forwards, the exact same path, he has worn down the ice. He took 14 steps, turned around walked back to the dirty water, put his paws on the edge, turned around again.

I was slightly aware of the crowds of people admiring the polar bear noticing the crazy Australian woman crying about the polar bear, so pulled myself together and walked away. I'm sad to say that the enclosures didn't get any better. The Baboon looked like it would kill someone if it was on the other side of the glass... I'm pretty sure the Orangutang's where crying and the Deer kept head butting the fence.

I whirled through that zoo faster then anyone who has ever been to a zoo, it was just too sad. Oddly a lot of the enclosures are designed to allow people to touch the animals, I was sitting on a bench when suddenly a horse was nibbling on my coat, further away people where patting a camel. Also people throw there food into the enclosures. So the animals are fat, eating food they shouldn't with no where to exercise. Although I would have to say the elephants where having fun. When I was there two female elephants and a baby elephant where playing under I giant shower, it was adorable. The male elephant was locked away and his mate would walk over and spray water on him. They are so lovely.

The zoo was certainly an experience I won't be forgetting anytime soon.

From there I went back to the Metro, eventually found my way back to the station I started at and caught the bus to RIO. Shopped for a bit then decided to catch the two buses home again.

I strolled home in the dark, feeling oddly safe in my now familiar new home. Gorgeous street lamps, stunning homes, security guards never far away, less ice to slip on now...

I was feeling home sick this week, but after today it has seemed to subside a little. I know I mainly talked about the zoo, which would probably make you think "so why isn't she home sick anymore?" But it was everything else. I'm speaking to people a bit easier, don't get me wrong most of my day is still spent playing charades, but not for things like buying tickets, greeting people and asking there name. I bought a phone today and didn't need my phrase book at all! Feeling more confident to get around and not get completely lost, I always have a bit of an idea of where I am. Reading signs and almost pronouncing words correctly is very satisfying! Just getting to know Russia a bit more is making life so much easier.

Well next weekend is Easter or paskha as it is said here, so I hope you all have a nice holiday with your families. This is my first Holiday without mine... I'm also missing out on chocolate eggs over here too, I had no idea some countries actually decorate real eggs for Easter, and that's it. Where are the chocolate bunnies people!?

I will post more photo's after my Russian Easter!

I miss you all, and I hope everyone is well.

Dasvidanya : )

Red Square

Hello all!

Last Saturday I was taken to Red Square for the first time, and all I can say is, Amazing!!
It was a gorgeous spring day, blue skies, 3degrees and I was just so excited.
We found a parking spot (you don't have to pay for parking in Moscow), and the first thing I saw was stray dogs. They are literally everywhere, and they can be quite dangerous. In the distance I could see the Kremlin wall and the top of Saint Basil's cathedral.
I was given my guided tour and charades styled history lesson. Luckily I had read up on most the buildings and could guess what was being pointed out to me. Although watching Svetlana acting out Mavzoley Lenina dying and being mummified in the museum is a sight I will never forget! So funny!

I uploaded photo's onto my facebook so feel free to have a sticky beak if you haven't already:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=590468080&aid=160799&s=0&hash=b4c54d480f9a6edd55ec2cfd532fdc2a
I had a fantastic time, and saw so much! I was lucky enough to watch the changing of the guards at the world war two memorial (which for the life of me I can not remember it's Russian name!), the buildings are all magnificent, and I got to speak English to some tourists. We had pizza for lunch, and had a look inside GUM (Gosudarstvenny Universalny Magazin, which translates to State department store). It was built in the 19th century and wasn't always the amazing place it is now. In soviet times it would have been full of long queues and empty shelves. However now its been transformed and is full of cafes and boutiques like Louis Vuitton.

It is very easy to get lost in Moscow, think about a shopping centre as big as most the westfield shopping centres in Brisbane then times that size by about three and that's what its like above ground. But then to cross the road you go underground through another shopping centre that is about twice as big as Chermside, maybe bigger! There's loads of people, and since I keep saying "Izvenitchi" (excuse me/sorry) to everyone I bump into I tend to get moved along with the crowd... in the wrong direction. Next time I will try to be more Russian and just push people out of the way and not say anything. Ok, that's probably not going to happen.
I could go on and on about how amazing and different the city is, but I won't you will just have to come see for yourself! It is well worth it!
Although I should mention that while I am having a fantastic time, and loving every minute of Russia. I am certainly very aware that I am living the wealthy life here. It is impossible to escape the poverty in this city. The apartment buildings that most people live in are atrocious, they are dirty, and look cold and very unwelcoming. There is a huge line between rich and poor, very few in between. People simply ignore beggar's and homeless people like they aren't even there. We walked past three homeless women in red square, and I was shocked at peoples reactions to them, or should I say lack there off! It was shockingly sad. These women where in there 60's kneeling on the freezing cold ground quietly crying and praying. One lady had a piece of rubbish in front of her for money donations. Other people try to sell flowers (amongst other things) to cars waiting at traffic lights, and again everyone in their cars just looked straight ahead like there was no one there. At least in Australia people would shake there heads and say "no, thanks" I think that would be better then acting like the person didn't exist.
On Sunday we did our normal grocery shopping, which I love doing! I get to practice my Russian, because absolutely no one speaks English there, not that I have found anyway. My Russian is still very bad, but I'm getting a bigger vocabulary, so that's something.
Then on Monday, Nelli came with me to the hair dresses, getting your standard cut and colour can be difficult when you don't know how to say it. Admittedly I was a little nervous when I saw my hair dresser, she was gorgeous but had her hair up in a scrunchy, which was a concern! However she did a fantastic job and I now have a favourite Russian hair dresser! Her name is Navatolie.... or something like that. She could speak a little English, and helped me with my flash cards and phrase book.
Nelli and I had a bit of time before Billy finished school so we went shopping! It was fabulous.
Oh I forgot to mention that Monday was -18degrees! Compared to our lovely spring day on Saturday, I absolutely froze! It is really strange weather, one minute it is blue skies, the next it is snowing heavier then I have ever seen, then its just cloudy and freezing with a bit of blue sky before sunset. It's crazy!

Overal I would have to say I have had a fantastic week. The kids are great, we are all getting along really well now. I can make Grace smile all the time (which I love!) she is so cheeky as well, and always doing mischievous things, oddly enough her first english word was "no". Billy is always full of beans, and if I ever say something he is unsure of, he just answers yes, for example:

S: How was school today, what did you do?

B: We went on TWO walks!! (he tells me this everyday, just as excited as the first time he told me)

S: TWO walks! thats great, what else did you do?

B: Yes!

S: Billy, did you read some books, or paint a picture, what did you do with Miss Dasha?

B: Yes! And I have two biscuits! (we have this conversation while eating afternoon tea.)

This is our standard conversation in the afternoon.... I'm working on him understanding more, but its hard to ask him if he understands because he answers yes to everything anyway. However at the moment talking with billy is very entertaining. He is just so sweet. Nelli said that he told her, in Russian, that he is glad I wait for him to come home from school, and he asks about me in the car everyday. It really nice, it's certainly making me feel a part of the family.

Tomorrow is my day off again but I'm not sure what I will be doing, another Moscow adventure I'm sure!
Sorry if this blog entry doesn't flow very well, I have been writing it over two days adding more whenever I had a spare few minutes.
So until next week,
baka!

The hazards of spring!

Hello all,

I'm hoping no one is still having trouble opening my blog, let me know if you are.

Well March has brought spring to Russia, and it's a dangerous season! Not only will the bears be waking up soon, the snow is turning to slush, there are random avalanches of snow from roof tops and other buildings and don't forget the rather pointy icicles that crash to the ground. The icicles that don't fall off, melt onto the footpath, making yet another hazard. Slipping onto concrete covered in dirty snow!
Despite all of this, it still doesn't take away from the sheer beauty of this country, its simply breath taking.
Even though the sun is out more and more during the day, its still below zero most days and it still snows a fair bit.

Last Saturday Nelli, her mum, Billy and I headed out for the day. It was mine and Billy's first time on the Metro, which was very loud and crowded. It felt like the trains here go a bit faster then the ones back home, and the doors don't wait for anyone, if they start to close do not try to get through, they wont re-open, they will just cause serious damage!
We were heading out to go to the Picasso exhibition which has opened at the Pushkin state museum, however the line up was literally around the block so we settled for the Glazunov art gallery across the road. (http://www.glazunov.ru/EN/Ilustracii_gl.htm)
I had a look at the website and it doesn't show my favourite paintings, which is a shame. Most of his paintings are very political, and show Russia's history. There are a few religious paintings as well. On the third floor of the gallery we had a look in a section where the artist is unknown, it had thousand year old furniture and some lovely statues. Plus I figured out why the artist remained unknown. Absolutely brilliant paintings but very controversial!

We had a bite to eat, Nelli pointed out some near by cathedrals and we headed back down to the metro to be met on the train by at least 200 young police men. The train was extremely crowded, however I didn't mind as I got to check out cute Russian guys in uniform!

Monday the 8th was "women's day" which was fabulous! I got chocolates and flowers, just for being a woman. Our household is mainly women so we where truly in the spirit of things. Lots of food, Vodka (and Tequila!), visitors, more flowers and even more food. It was a really great day, and I'm so glad I was here for it.

Tuesday was Billy's first day back at school, it has been school holidays since I arrived. So he was super excited, and his English is really, very good.

I'm certainly very settled in now, and am feeling a part of the family.... but I'm a family member who doesn't know what anyone is saying, which is hard.

I'm missing home, especially Gordon Manor and my boys!
But almost a month in Russia, and it has flown by so fast! May will be here in no time!
I hope everyone is well in Australia, and my thoughts are with all my friends who have lost some one close to them recently.

Until next time, Dasvidanya.

Problems?

Hi everyone,

Two people have told me they are having issues when they try to open my blog, has this happened to any one else?
Just let me know and i'll try to fix it.... well I'll get the Blog people to fix it!

I will update again soon, I have a few adventures to share!

Oh the joys of being a nanny!

I had the most fantastic day!
I'm so glad I came to Russia!

I absolutely adore grace and Billy, despite them being rather difficult at first, Grace didn't stop smiling at me all day! She has little dimples on her cheeks, it the cutest thing!
And Billy, hugs me all the time and has a big smile on his face and says "c'mon lets go play!"
There just adorable!

I also have made a new friend! We are meeting up on Saturday to do girly things, like shop and speak english!

It turns out the cleaner is trying to learn english, she said "good morning Sara, how are you?" to me this morning and I was a bit surprised at first, and then started rambling on that I didn't know she could speak english blah blah blah, but as I kept talking she just looked more and more confused. So I assume that's the only phrase she has learnt so far. Later this afternoon she called Grace a goat.... not sure what that was about.

Today's menu was also really nice, I had this omelette type thing for lunch and chicken soup.
Instead of using Tomatoes here they use red capsicum a lot, which is such a better alternative! I found out its because the tomatoes in Russia stay green, they don't turn red.

While I know not everyone is interested, the following is an important issue affecting my life. I would like to highly rate Huggies! They are, in my professional opinion the best nappies in the world! Admittedly I haven't completed my travels yet, but they are the best in Australia and sooo much better then "pampers" which is the leading nappy brand in Russia, they suck. After the messes I've had to clean up I feel like I should complain to the company, or that there should be a section in your resume to rate how great you are at changing nappies.

Well I am off to continue my studies of the Russian language. I keep getting the words "delicious" and "cat" mixed up, so I still have some work to do!

I hope everyone is fine at home, I'm missing you all lots!

P.S Once I get over my technological disabilities I will post photos up of the house and show you all where I am living.

Pro's and Con's

Allo!

As I had a fantastic day with the kids today, I thought I might make I quick pro's and con's list, for me to refer to when I have a bad day. Also, I'm anticipating home sickness to hit me some time this month, so a List of Pro's will never go astray...

Pro's:
~I'm seeing the world, a new culture and sort of learning a new language.
~The people I am living with have been nothing but kind and generous to me.
~When would I ever get to live in the snow if I wasn't here?
~Billy is good fun, and is like having my own pet parrot.
~Grace is certainly one of a kind, I will never meet another human being under the age of seven that can consume as much as she can!
~Every day is a challenge, I'm learning so much about myself.... like I'm pretty good at acting out "where is the cheese?".
~I love my job, and this is why!

Con's
~Grace never smiles, and its very depressing.
~Billy hits when he gets excited.
~While I know having new food is all part of the new country experience, I would just love to find a food I really like.
~It's freezing and there is no sun.
~I can't have a conversation with anyone, which is really difficult because as you all know, I really love to talk.

The pro's list definitely wins. I did have a really big list written out, but just picked a few points for my blog, I tend to drag these things on a bit!

Well I will be photographer Sara tomorrow and will update pics as soon as I can, fingers crossed the sun will be out tomorrow!
Today was by far the coldest day I have endured, the wind felt like it was from a glacier!

Before I go, I do have a funny story from today. We headed out to get groceries and I went to the chemist to try and get something for my cold. I was hoping that the pharmacist would be able to speak english, but she didn't. So I was acting out my symptoms, such as sneezing, pretending to blow my nose, coughing ect pointing at drugs behind the counter. Meanwhile about five or six other people had lined up behind me and everyone was watching the crazy lady who can't speak russian.
I ended up walking out with nasal spray, which I already had at home. However I did get a few smiles from my spectators : )

Another day in Russia!