She had me fooled...

Just when you think you know a girl, that she's finally quit giving you the cold shoulder and warmed up to you, she gives you this...

Oh, Moscow. I've been feeling like I'm back in Texas with the sporadic downpours...except that it's not really just sporadic. I'm pretty sure it's been raining for the entire week. While this makes adventuring in the form of sightseeing around Moscow a bit difficult, it has made for some new adventures: how to best make it to the metro in ballet flats. I think I secretly hoped if I didn't give in to my rain boots that nature would declare me victor. I lost. But in sacrificing my ballet slippers, I was able to offer a colleague a piggy back to save her from the lake near our home. She was shocked. Coming from a family of 10+ I didn't find anything out of the ordinary about it.  I was gifted an apple approximately the size of my head in reward for my heroic attempts (which really only resulted in a passing van stopping to drive us across the lake...I was spared more than about 10 seconds of piggy back).

A picture like this doesn't occur often, so it had to be documented. The abnormality: Where are the people?

Yesterday while the rain took a brief pause, I made it to the Bulgakov museum to learn a bit more about the author of Master and Margarita. I love books and had to document these shelves which I would love to transport to my home. I didn't think I could fit it into my bag however.

The museum had some interesting tidbits and if you're a die-hard Bulgakov fan, then absolutely go! Entrance to the apartment was free, although we were kicked out early due to a scheduled tour. It's alright--it gave us just enough time to make a pass by Patriarch Ponds before the rain started falling again. Was I once again in ballet flats? Absolutely.

While there's not much sunshine predicted in the immediate forecast, I'll be doing my best to fit in a few more museums before starting June's European Extravaganza! Thursday it's off to London where I'll be joined by my parents and sister on Sunday. Then it's stops in Paris, Florence, Rome, and Switzerland, with a return to Russia---sister in tow! I have a suspicion that I might need a post-vacation vacation, but I'm excited for the food and fun ahead!

In the meantime, working on staying dry! It's back to the rain boots. 

Smoothies, Sunshine, and Stalin

When it's sunny out and you find yourself with a long lunch break, the Moscow exploration opportunities are endless. But when I found myself in said situation today, I knew exactly where I wanted to go. So I grabbed a smoothie (and maybe a delicious raspberry tart to go with it!) and headed to the Park Kultury metro.

Fallen Monument Park

When the Soviet Union collapsed, many of the statues of Soviet leaders and symbols were torn down and dumped in this park. Someone put them upright (for the most part) and many others have been added so that there's quite an expansive collection. So what about this park screams Moscow?

It's HISTORIC...

 ...ECLECTIC...

 ...displays RUSSIAN WOMEN in HEELS...

...offers BREATHTAKING VIEWS (especially if you look the right direction)... 

 ...occasionally FEARSOME...

 ...somehow MOVES at its OWN PACE (scrunchies, anyone?!)...

 Nope. No words for this one. But it had to be included. Let me know if you've got something...

Finally, it's filled with PLEASANT SURPRISES where you LEAST EXPECT them!

Lilacs are my favorite flower. Expect for the days when I like roses better. But somehow I had missed seeing any in Moscow...until today! We had a lilac tree in my childhood home that I would play under, making "perfume" out of its flowers and day-dreaming away. Today I found them at the AND was greeting by a babushka holding one single bouquet of lilacs coming out of my metro. It was clearly fate and I bought them without thinking twice!

If you jump on a travel site, this park might not make it near the top of the list. But if you've covered the main sights and are looking for some true Moscow character, this is not to be missed. Especially if there's an available swing and some sunshine to be had!

Skipping Seasons: We're all about the Weather

Remember that time I survived an eternal Russian winter and vowed I would never complain about warm weather? 

I'm rethinking that statement.

You see, somehow Moscow seemed to almost instantaneously transform from this...

...to this...

Now, I am not complaining about warmth and greenery. But I was somewhat baffled as to the skipping of Spring. No delicate blossoms, no chilly but softly warm weather. Granted, there was the period of the Great Flood in which heavy rain turned snow into lakes. Maybe that was Spring? All I know is that this week we're sitting at an average temperature of 28 C/ 80 F. What I love? Warmth! Sunshine! Greenery! Evening walks! Sitting in the hammock!

These pics were taken on a said evening walk exploring my neighborhood yesterday. General Karbyshev, pictured below, has long caught my interest but I had yet to deduce who he was until I ventured closer yesterday. A Soviet War leader and hero, he actually passed through several Nazi concentration camps and eventually made it to Mathausen where he died under torture.  

 And this is my backyard, transformed. Remember how I live in the woods?

In contrast...

So...what I hate?! The lack of AIR CONDITIONING! Look, I realize that most of Europe believes AC is harmful to the health. And I'm not saying I want to be an AC Extremist like most of the businesses in Houston, TX. BUT, tonight I played a concert and halfway through all I could think about was the sweat that was beginning to roll down my forehead. While I'm rocking a formal and all makeup-ed out! That level of sweat should not be allowed on such an occasion.

My boss gave me the feedback that the performance seemed a bit low energy. He may have been right, given the fact that I was anxiously trying to wipe the sweat from my hands between numbers so as to remain a functional pianist. In the moment I didn't feel particularly low energy BUT I was seriously wishing I was old school and had brought a handkerchief with me...

And with this post, I think I may officially be considered Russian. Here, weather is our first and foremost topic of conversation (come on, it's Russia!) and it often concludes a fair amount of complaining. Which I have clearly done. Thank you for your patience...I'll reward you with some positivity and some upbeat restaurant reviews in the future.  

Hoping your temperatures are lovely and perhaps accompanied with some mild AC. Sending summer love from Moscow!
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