Russian food is not only delicious – it’s beautiful. We all know about the benefits of a lovely presentation, but who goes to the trouble? They do! The eyes get a feast before the mouth gets a taste, which makes the experience all the more delightful. Here are some pics of some of my recent adventures in eating: Now you know why I come home looking fat and sassy. Every day here is an adventure in eating. And I am not complaining!
I tried skiing (“tried” being the definitive word)
So, I have a short list of activities or experiences I hoped to have on my Russian Winter adventure. One of these was to try cross-country skiing. Mind you, the last time I was on a pair of skiis was when I was about 22 years old. The skiis were for downhill and the venue was Mammoth Mountain in May. So in reality I approached the cross-country even as a raw beginner, and much older. My friend Marina invited me to go with her and her older son, Slava (who is now almost 14). She had all the equipment, including…
Pondering and plodding
Ventures outdoors leave me breathless and speechless. The stark black-and-white beauty of the snow blanketing the streets. The razor-sharp frigidity of the air in my throat and slapping my uncovered cheek bones. The oh-so-careful attention I must pay to EVERY step I take on the pathways and sidewalks to avoid slipping on the patches of ice lying in wait. A trek from here to there is a moment-by-moment pondering of my plodding boots. An incessant examination of my feet and where they will land next. But the effort is so worth it. Because I find myself here: (please click to…
An illuminated beginning to 2014
On New Years Day, after a rather short night’s sleep at Ira Klimchuck’s place and a breakfast of the previous evening’s feast’s leftovers, I walked a few blocks to the home of Natasha and Volodya–a familiar place for me as they hosted my stay for several years in a row. After a “snack” there, we took a walk downtown, heading for Leningradskii (the walking/shopping street). But Volodya had a different plan – which turned out to be a wonderful idea with perfect timing. He decided I needed to see the newish bronze statues that have been placed on the city…
HAPPY NEW YEAR Samara style!
Another adventure in the books! Celebrating the New Year in Russia included all the experiences I had imagined, and more. A little background: New Year’s Eve is the most anticipated and exciting holiday of all here in Russia. Imagine combining what we call the “secular” part of our Christmas with the festivities of ringing in the new year. Home are decorated with garlands, yolkas (New Year’s trees), and lights. Tables are set with the best linens and china. Traditional food abounds (even more than usual), and friends and relatives gather together for games, gift exchanges, and greeting neighbors. Sometime during…
