My Latest Adventures

I can't believe how fast my time in Russia is coming to a close. Only 9 days and 11.5 hours left. I've been working hard to finish my bucket list. Here's my latest adventures!

Shwarma:

There's a little Turkish food vendor right next to the Kindergarten. Turns out they speak English, and they sell amazing Shwarma. I will take advantage of this until I come home next week.

I always forget to take a picture until after the first bite...

Cathedral of Christ our Savior:
If you remember, I tried visiting this before but was not allowed inside because of ripped jeans (and Jess was wearing leggings). Logan joined us for round 2, which was successful! The cathedral was absolutely gorgeous.

Folk Performance:

Gulya took us to a performance celebrating Russian Unity day. Here's a couple videos! 

These Belarussian ladies were my favorite. 

Yes, Russians actually do this.

Izmailovo Market:

AKA souvenir shopping! This place is so rad (and cheap). But it's also frigid every time I go, so I spend as little time as possible here. Over the course of my stay, I've accumulated matroshka dolls, key chains, a fur hat, a snow globe, music boxes, ornaments, a mug, and a few other nick knacks. :)

Continuous Metro Exploration:

Today's gem: Novoslobodskaya

Russian Orthodox Mass:

This one was actually an accident. Logan and I stumbled upon this church today. We walked inside, and they were having mass! The echoing hymns provided a pretty surreal experience. 

Tsaritsyno Park:

Home to Catherine the Great's palace. *brace yourself for a lot of pictures*

Entrance

Calvary Building

They even had a couple Christmas lights!

View from one of the pavilions

Pavilion Ceiling

Pavilion all lit up!

You bet I climbed that tower.

Selfie

Teaching my kids about traffic lights:

Adventure? Accomplishment? A complete waste of time?

I think they enjoyed it. I know I posted this on Facebook, but I wanted to include it in this blog post since it was recent. :) 

Let the final countdown begin! See you all soon. :)

-Paul