Blogs from Obninsk, Centre, Russia, Europe

Day 15 This morning’s tour was of the Armoury Chamber and the Kremlin. We went to an alternative entrance because the line was too long at the first entrance, but we still had to wait 30 minutes to get in. Since our guide hadn’t planned on this we speed toured the Armoury. The Museum contains artifacts from the Tsars going back to Peter the Great. Peter was 6’7” which made him a giant for his time, but according to our guide who was about my size, his feet were only 2 sizes larger than her feet. They had carriages from Elisabeth who nearly bankrupted the government with her profligate spending. We still appreciate the buildings in St Petersburg she funded, but have a hard time understanding why one person needed 300 carriages and 15,000 dresses. It ... read more

I told you it would be a little while before I did any traveling. That does not mean I am sitting at home bored to death, but I just have not been "hopping" around the world here lately. Last weekend Freddie hosted a house warming party at his new flat. He has been working on it for some time, but finally had it finished enough to invite everyone over for his first official party. I think I have posted a few of the gathers, but they were not official parties. I do not remember how many people were there on Friday, but I would get guess 8-10. It was the usual Obninsk Gang(sters) and then some other friends and coworkers of Freddie's. Somehow they all decided to go to the local dance club at 2 AM ... read more

I thought I would go ahead and start this posting while I had some time this morning. It was so nice to sleep in and that was after going to bed at 5 PM! I originally was just going to lay down for a nap, but when the alarm went off at 6 PM, I just turned if off and went back to sleep. I did get up for a few hours around 9 PM, but then was back to sleep around 11 PM and slept all night, which I needed. I do not know what it is but I am pretty sure I came down with some food poisoning this week. It started Wednesday day and then all night through Thursday. I went to see our company doctor who gave me something to control the ... read more

I know it has been awhile since I posted anything, but not too much exciting going on here. It is finally spring and like most of you, we go from snow, to rain, to fog and everything in between; but I must say, the past week or so, it has been very nice with sunshine and temperatures reaching the lower 50's. We also had time change last weekend so Moscow is back to being 8 hours ahead of Eastern time zone. With the nicer weather, Leo asked me if I wanted to get a bike so I could tour around the city with the gang. I was originally opposed to it, thinking why should I spend the money on something I will hardly use and most likely not even keep when I go back to the ... read more

I know I have been offline, but I am here (snow covered) and doing well. I have three blogs started with activities but no time to finish them and load the pictures. I did get moved, but no internet access yet at my new place; hopefully this week. If I actually stay around this weekend, I will try to get the blogs updated along with the pictures of the new flat. I hope all is well with everyone. I will be home in the States for Christmas if anyone is around. I will spend a few days in Gainesville before Christmas then to Mom and Dad's in Ohio for actually Christmas. ... read more