Blogs from Russia, Europe - page 286

I don't want to be mean, I really don't. And I know I'm really lucky because not a lot of people get the chance to do trips like this but I've got a funny feeling that you may think the following blog was written by Victor Meldrew. For starts there was Michelle. Did you ever get the feeling after meeting someone that it's only gonna be a matter of time before they tell you about their years of clinical depression and how they were beaten up as a child? For me one of the tell-tale signs is a demeanour of permanent cheer. Another is laughing at everything anyone says even when they're blatantly not joking. Such people come across in this uber-nice fashion, wanting to share their goodies, be your friend and you start to question ... read more

So, I started Vlad on the correct foot, had fun getting here, but the concert and the fireworks were all fun. Monday morning came and my contact came and picked me up from the hotel and dropped me off at my homestay. It was with an older lady, think widow here, and it was your classic soviet style building. No hot water and the elvator was one of those lifts that has the outside door, and sliding doors on the inside, so a lot of fun for me when I was getting in and out. We made plans to meet a few days later when it was decided what I would do for train stops and airfare to leave the country. Later in the afternoon, I met up wiith a friend from the fireworks that offered ... read more

It's time for some pictures! Yesterday was a whirlwind day of sightseeing - we pretty much covered all of the touristy places in one day. The gold domes of the cathedrals in the Kremlin were beautiful, and I think St. Basil's is what Jack & Jill's gingerbread house must have looked like. I've also learned most of the Cyrillic alphabet - perhaps Russian is my true calling in life?? Some highlights from the last few days... - the most delicious hot chocolate EVER for breakfast. (Ann, this was even better than churros con chocolate in Madrid...didn't think that was possible, did ya??) - man dressed up as matryoshka (Russian nesting doll) and waddling around in front of souvenir shop - choir singing in the Archangel Cathedral in the Kremlin - meeting 2 hot Aussie guys who ... read more

As promised, my very own travel blog. No pics yet, but stay tuned. =) Some highlights of the trip so far: Frankfurt Passport Control Guy: So you want to go to Moscow? Lauren: Yes. FPCG: And you want to go now? Lauren: Yes, I'd love to. FPCG: Ah, then we have a problem. Behind me is Frankfurt, Germany. Lauren: Oh. Uh, is there a way to get to Moscow without going through you? FPCG: Unfortunately, yes. Go to the gate that is printed on your ticket. ...getting incredibly lost on the Moscow Metro - ah, gotta love the Cyrillic alphabet where C=S, H=N, and P=R...free Smirnoff Ice on Thursdays and some pretty amazing Russian MTV dance moves from the hookers at the bar we went to with our British hostel roomies...mystery food that turned out to ... read more

talked to Zaur for like the third time. With one of the Liverpool Staff this time for about an hour. He is convinced that we are a crazy sect probably of the orthodox russian mother church. So if you could pray for him because i will be seeing him tommorow night here at 7.....thats 11 am in est. So if you could pray that would be great. Lets see. Lots of fun stuff going on....funny stuff, but i guess that tends to happen often around a bunch of college aged kids. Lots of funny pictures too. Unfortunately i dont have the ability to put more photos on the list probably for the rest of the trip... but oh well Also pray for spiritual protection because a lot of crazy stuff has been happening to my team ... read more