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Published: August 20th 2007
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Tour Guide Dasha
Dasha took us on a tour of Obninsk. This picture was taken at the Obninsk Museum. I am going to head to bed, I think posting four in one night is plenty, but I thought I would get this started so hopefully make it easier to go at it. Last weekend Jetta, Paige, and Liam came to visit. I was so excited about the visit to show them what I have been experiencing for the past year. I kept us busy, but not too busy, I hope. I know I had a great time and I am really glad they came. Thank you!
We started off with Denis and Misha meeting them at the airport and then bringing them to the plant. I know a lot of people were excited to meet them and the kids walked away with a bag full of Russian candies. I ended up having to play volleyball with the Company team so took them along for what ended up being a forfiet because the other team did not show. For dinner, I am sure you can guess where I took them, yes, the world famous Horseshoe Cafe. We visited there for awhile and then went grocery shopping at Dom dyla Doma.
In the morning I tried to make everyone Russian
Horseshoe Cafe
A trip to Obninsk in the summer would not be complete without a trip to the Horseshoe Cafe. pancakes, but they turned like American pancakes. We also tried Russian bacon for my first time and it was not bad. As standby, I also bought some American style bacon that was pretty salty, but good as well. After we got dressed we headed to the Obninsk "mall" where we shopped and waited for Dasha, who was our tour guide for the day.
Dasha was all nervous, but did a great job touring us around the city. We did some on the buses, but mostly walked. We were all tired by the afternoon so took a rest before meeting everyone for pizza. I think we had 14 or 15 people and it was so nice, everyone brought them gifts. When people asked, I told them not to worry about it, it was just a fun causal meet and greet over dinner, but everyone said it was Russian tradition to bring a gift when invited to something like this.
On Saturday we got up and Misha took us to the hotel while we did some photo stops. I really feel in love with Victory Park. Even though I could not read the signs, I just liked the layout and
how it was maintained. The kids really liked the tanks and I wish the tank museum would have been opened so Liam could have seen all of those tanks up close. Instead we looked at them through the fence. There were several Russian tanks out front by the park so the kids got to climb on them, while Jetta and I had to dodge all of the inline roller skiiers "flying" through the park.
The hotel was very nice, even though one night I had a very beautiful women wave at me when I came in after Jetta and the kids. I am pretty sure she was looking for some money for her services because I did not kno this lady. I was sort of surprised they left her sit in the lobby, but I guess she was not causing any problems and probably just told the staff she was waiting on someone.
We went to a Russian ballet. I can now say I am not found of the ballet, but really glad I went. I even got to use two of the few Russian words I know when I took us in the back entrance to the
Meet and Greet
I invited most of my English speaking friends from work and Obninsk to join us for pizza and to meet Jetta and the kids. theater. I was all impressed I found it, but the guy at the door told me down past the metro then left, but that was all in Russian. After he repeated it one more time, I finally understood and we made it there just fine. I did not like the theatre, it is an old Russian theatre that was hot and the chairs very uncomfortable, but we did have great seats. The kids seemed to enjoy it and were much better bahavied than most of the other kids (and some adults) there. I was proud of them.
On Sunday we went to the Market, which is a must for anyone visiting. We had a lot of fun and always remember 50% the asking price is your goal. We may have taken a few extra steps in and around the metro, but I never got us lost and never went the wrong direction. I was actually pretty proud of myself. When it is just me, I can laugh and get on the next one, but when you have two young ones and your sister with you, that put a little more pressure on me...lol
On Monday, the family had
a tour of the Kremlin. They seemed to enjoy it and I know Paige fell in love with the colors of St. Basil's Cathredal so there are a lot of pictures of it. For some reason, there is something about the Kremlin bell tower that I like so Paige and I could just sit together looking in the same directions, just slightly left and right of each other and enjoy the landscape.
The Russian National Dance at the Cosmos Hotel was more "las vegas" style, but I really liked it and stayed entertained. We were not suppose to take pictures, but I was able to get a few, but that was well worth the time and money to go see. We tried to see the Circus on Tuesday night, but it was dark on Tuesday, which made us mad because we inquired about tickets and they never said it was closed on Sunday.
All and all, it was a great visit and I am really glad they came to visit - Thank you!
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Jetta
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Great tour guide!
Thanks for the great visit, Vince! It was great seeing you and meeting your friends. Anyone reading this blog thinking of visiting Moscow, go now, while you have tour guide Kramer at your service:-)