Sokolniki Park

I took a short walk today to check out the area.  I discoverd a lot of stores, a mall and Sokolniki Park.  The only problem was, it was freezing out.  It is so warm inside that you go out thinking it's not that cold, big mistake.  It was about 10 degrees Farenheit when I went out, as I said it was a short walk because my legs were freezing.  Tomorrow's walk will include long johns!  Anyway, here's a few pictures that I took on the walk, there are only a couple from the park, it is huge so I'm sure I'll get more later this week. 

This is a church on the way to the park. 

 

These gates are at the entrance to the park. 

As you walk into the park, there is a row of ice statues, each one with different flowers frozen inside of it, makes you think of Spring.

I read somewhere that the turn the entire main walkway of the park into a skating rink.  These skaters were enjoying themselves, walking across the ice was a challenge!

Here is a link to more info on Sokolniki Park if you're interested:  http://www.moscow.info/parks/sokolniki-park.aspx

Posted at 7:04 PM

Moscow

I made it to Moscow, the flight was longer than planned, we boarded on time and then sat at the gate for two hours.  Once we took off, it was uneventful, a little bumpy but not bad.  The ride from the airport to the hotel took about an hour, lots of traffic.  My driver, Vitali, told me that there is always traffic and he said this traffic wasn't that bad because at least it was moving!  Yes Vitali speaks english very well, I like that, allows me to ask a lot of questions as we travel through Moscow and the surrounding areas.    

Unpacking now, then I'm going to take a walk.  I'm going to try to stay up for awhile so hopefully I'll get some sleep tonight.  Tomorrow morning I'll be picked up at 9 AM to get things rolling.  Tomorrow is a big day!

Posted at 4:33 PM.

Time To Fly

I'll be heading to the airport in a little while.  Looks like a beautiful day to fly.  I'll be arriving in Moscow at about 12:30 tomorrow afternoon.  I'll post again Monday afternoon, Moscow time. 

Thanks to everyone for your encouragement and support.  Chris

Getting Ready To Go

Today I had my travel call, everything is set for me to leave Sunday.  I'm pretty much ready to go, just a few more things to get together. 

A line from an old rock n' roll song keeps playing in my head, 'Catch your dreams before they slip away'. 

As I take the next steps on this long journey, I'm hoping to finally catch my dreams...  follow along!

Happy Birthday Julian!

The First Signs of Spring

Today, the NY Yankee pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.  To me this is one of the first signs of spring, it signals a new beginning of the baseball season and the warm weather to follow.  It is always one of my favorite days of the year.

I am very fortunate, my bedroom windows face east and I get to see the sunrise most days.  This morning the sunrise was amazing, another new beginning..... 

AARRGGHHH!!!!

I just found out that due to a flu epidemic in Moscow, my trip will be delayed until the end of the month.  Apparently they are closing all orphanages and child care facilities until March 1st. in an effort to minimize the spread of the flu.  I have to try to change my flights and determine what documents, exams etc. will be impacted.  I guess I don't have to worry about Saturday's upcoming snow storm now. 

Snow, Snow & More Snow.....

We are now in the middle of what the weather reporters are saying is our eighth snow storm this season, I don't know about the rest of you but I've had enough!  While I've been getting ready to leave, I can't help but watch the weather reports.  The next snow storm is scheduled for Saturday; I'm not surprised because it's the same day I'm leaving for Moscow.   Hopefully the weather reports are wrong, we'll see!