Frozen Laundry

Yeah, it's happened again!

New Year's Run

This year, Dan and I took part in our team's tradition of running the Garden Ring around Moscow's center the morning of the 1st.  It's one of the only times a year this run is possible - due to lessened air pollution, little traffic, and few pedestrians out on the streets.  It was entertaining to see so many Moscovites just concluding their New Year's Eve celebrations as we were just beginning our morning run - we were certainly a shock for many!  For those of you who'd like a closer look, here's a link to our run on mapmyrun.com:  http://www.mapmyride.com/view_route?r=294126251184364644

Now, for your viewing pleasure, some footage from the run.  This was just as we popped out of the metro to begin.  It was still fairly dark - the sun wouldn't really rise until closer to our ending time, but we were excited none the less!

Our team consisted of two parts, the half-ringers and the full-ringers.  The half-ringers, already in full stride, Liz and Lola, show their enthusiasm for the day's adventure.  

The full-ringers, obviously unaware of what lay ahead, smiled for the camera... smiles we would not see again until 10+ miles later!  Okay... maybe once or twice...

We were close to approaching Red Square and on our way to the finish line.  Here's a shot of us crossing Крымский Мост.

Just another quick bridge, and we were almost there.  What a magnificent sunrise.  It's amazing to imagine just what this location would have been like hours before, teeming with people celebrating the new year with friends and family from all over Russia!  But at 8 in the morning, it was fairly easy to grab a picture at this usually crowded vista.

Finally, the Starlight Diner, our finish line and makers of a fantastic breakfast for all hungry runners!  A little more worn, a little less energetic, but quite satisfied.  Guess it's time to retire the running shoes...

Or maybe not!  (This means you too, Dan!)

 

Christmas in Moscow

This year Dan and I celebrated Christmas for the first time by ourselves in Moscow.  We had a great holiday, a lot of presents, a lot of friends, and a lot of fun.  Here are a few highlights of the season.

Our team hosted "An American Christmas" English club for over 30 students!  We had so much fun decorating cookies, singing Christmas carols, sharing Christmas memories, and creating some new ones!  We are so thankful for these new friends here in Moscow and for their joy in celebrating the holidays with us!

We ventured to Red Square for a morning ice skating session.  You've already seen the evidence, but we're looking forward to trying this again, what great fun!

We gathered as a team on Christmas Eve for carols and a Secret Santa gift exchange.  We had a lot of fun together.  

Then it was off to downtown Moscow for a Christmas Eve service at the Anglican church and some Starbucks to warm us up afterwards.  I've decided it's officially better to visit Starbucks during Christmas than work there during Christmas.

The next morning we sat down to a delicious Christmas brunch.  It was our first Christmas morning just the two of us.  The food was great, and we enjoyed our morning, but still missed our families back in the States.  Merry Christmas to you all at home!  We miss you!

Then it was off to some sledding with our friends Jessica and Dave.  We had a lot of fun (despite the terrified expressions.)

Jessica and Dave then invited us over for cider and hot chocolate to warm up after the sledding adventure.  We gladly accepted and ended up there the whole evening!  Now they know not to make such generous invitations to the Culbies!  We had a great time with games, cider, and delicious appetizers.  Thanks Jess and Dave!

And there you have our first Christmas in Moscow.  We hope and pray all of you are enjoying the holiday season as well.  Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.

-rkc

Merry Christmas!

To those of you who thought our Christmas picture background a little "too good to be true," here's further proof of ice skating on Red Square.  This video is particularly dedicated to members of CU Intramural Hockey Team "Eh."  Miss you all, eh... please come visit and we'll shoot some more footage, eh!

-rkc

Apartment Tour!

Welcome to our new home!  Here's a short tour to show you where we live in Moscow.  Hope you enjoy it.

Sunday Tea!

My favorite meal of the week is Sunday tea.  A hangover from my family's England days.  I always enjoyed having tea, crisps, cheese, fresh bread, egg salad, and sausage rolls.  As Rachel and I make our new home in Moscow we've decided to make Sunday tea one of those traditions that we hope our children can enjoy when they're grown up.

Although the food (and tea!) itself is essential, what makes it even more fun is praying a vespers service from the book of common prayer, reading some scripture, and then talking about God.

The next time you are in Moscow swing by on a Sunday night and break some (freshly baked) bread with us!

-Dan 

Using One's Noggin'

Translation:  V. P. Nogin

-rkc