Since the middle of March a small 'flat' has been rented. After much cleaning, scraping and scrubbing with SOS, Comet, Steel Wool and a Sharp Knife, the little space is somewhat cleaner. If the carpet is as cleaned as the stove was a redo with super carpet cleaning machine will be required. 'The Flat' is in a Presbytirian senior apartment complex of 178 units. Residence range in age from 58 to infinity and come in a variety of skin shades that would challenge the rainbow. Many friendly people have introduced themselves and have been helpful in sharing knowledge about the routine and rules of the place. Located in Scarboro at Eglinton and Danforth Road it is just 4km directly south of the YMCA at Scarboro Centre.The bus stop is directly in front of the building and ... read more

Five Christmas Markets - Funf Weihnachtsmarkten ...part one It began in St. Petersburg. The trees were being erected ... artificial branches stuck into triangular shapes made of steel. In most squares and in front of churches and railroad stations men in cherry pickers could be seen creating these trees that would later be lit and decorated with cardboard cut-outs of holiday decorations. On Nevsky Prospekt, in the park where stands Catherine the Great, a small village of plywood huts covered in ice blue plasticized paper began to appear late in November. Also an ice block structure could be seen taking shape at a street corner near a delectable patisserie. In front of the Hermitage a two hundred year old tree, which had been cut down in the forest amids full television coverage, was attacked repeatedly for ... read more

Visited the Museum November 20th. There are a lot of pictures inthis blog ... see them in extra photos. The museum is dedicated to the peoples that inhabit the Russian Landt. Notes .... as written while walking thru the second floor: - entrance fee 350 rub.; little blue footsie slippers are required over outdoor shoes; people working are not wearing footsies. - finding the stairs to go up ... daunting; found service stairs; official stairway all in marble and slippery with the footsies. - Skylight above and exhibits all around second floor bulastrade - english explanations found .... Hoorah!! - sample room of a mountain dwelling outfitted with wooden ladles, tree branch hooks, and appliqued felt blanket - from Siberia ... teepee, skin drum, mukluks, papoose, birch bark utensils, suede, tools to soften skins, seal ... read more

St. Petersburg, Russia The Church of Spilled Blood is a Cathedral that stands just off Nevsky Prospect, the main drag in St.PB. It is built upon the spot where Alexander II was assinated. The Cathedral is built in the the Russian Revival style which is unusual in Baroque and Neo-classical St.Petersburg. ... read more

Arrived at the Viking Line Dock and with all the other passengers walked off and headed towards the tram. Luckily a woman who spoke english and was sitting close to where I was standing was also going to the train station. We walked together to a most impressive facade. The Staion inside is not overly large. The signs showing baggage storage are clear. Decide against giving it to the man and opt for a locker. That this was a wise choice will be understood later. Wandered down the main drag ...Mannerheiminte towards Pohjoisesplanadi. Turned left here and looked for the City Museum. Along the way walked past a lovely restaurant in a glass conservatory in the style of victorian times. Such a pleasant surprise and across the street, past the shut off fountain tables covered ... read more