Saturday:
Gulya took me to go get a haircut. I usually get a haircut every 6 weeks or so. The last time I got a haircut was in August... so it was long overdue. Which is ironic because I ended up with the shortest haircut I've received in long time. There literally is not a single curl on my head. But hey, at least I have time to grow it out before I come home!
After the haircut, Jessica and I went to Kropotkinskaya to check out Christ Our Savior Cathedral. Due to the fact that I was wearing ripped jeans and Jess was in leggings, they wouldn't let us in... talk about awkward. Haha but at least we got a picture outside?
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| Christ Our Savior |
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| Tsar Alexander II |
At 4:15pm our group met up at Park Kultury to go to the CIRCUS. That's right. The CIRCUS. Photography was technically not allowed so I only have this picture....
However, Madison was awesome and got some pictures on her phone. She sent them to me to include on this blog post! :)
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| Bear hula hooping! |
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| Camels |
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| One of my two favorites parts! |
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| My other favorite part! |
My favorite part.
Bear hula hooping!
A bear dancing!
It was quite a spectacular show. As you can see, they had all sorts of acrobatics and performances. Other routines had dogs, cats, birds, monkeys, horses, and cougars. I thought it was great :)
Also, shout out to my older brother, Andrew - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Sunday:
Our group gathered together at Lydia and Colby's apartment for Thanksgiving. It turned out as quite the success! We all brought a different part of a Thanksgiving dinner. I personally chipped in salsa & Doritos (that was a lame pun). Not very Thanksgiving-ish, but everything else was taken! We also did a white elephant gift exchange.
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| Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours :) |
Following dinner, we took a walk (to give us some time before dessert). There was this awesome overlook.
We then ventured further into the park to the "Blood River." Which is actually just a shine with blessed water. Some people brought cups and we all tried some. I can now check "drink holy water" off my bucket list!
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| It's the best picture I could get in the dark... |
We came back and ate desserts. Once again, our group nailed it. Two kinds of pie with ice cream. It was a great night. We did Thanksgiving early because this Friday we leave on another vacation to Suzdal and Vladimir (part of the "Golden Ring" of Russia).
Last but not least, I want to say a few things I'm thankful for.
-My family, all their support and love
-My AMAZING group who is my family here in Russia
-The opportunity to be here in Russia. I've learned and grown so much
-My kids. They make each day better and I love being their teacher
-Gulya, our awesome coordinator. She's so dedicated to us
-A working and able body/mind. And that I am literate!
-My membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My testimony and knowledge of Jesus Christ gives me so much happiness and hope every day
-That I am an American. Living in Russia has shown me how blessed I am to live in a free country
-I'll be home for Christmas. Utah, 23 days until I see your snow-capped peaks again :)
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving from Moscow,
Teacher Paul
Happy Thanksgiving, Paul! My God bless you on the rest of your stay in Russia, and bring you safely home to your loved ones! Love you!
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