Russia in Photos

Originally posted by live_imho at Россия в фотографиях

Фотографии-победители конкурса The Best Of Russia (Лучшие фотографии России) 2008-2011 г.

It's a new me!

Sincerely yours, Curly Olga -)

Running City Moscow-2012

April 21, residents seemingly unremarkable neighborhoods of Moscow, saw the crowds of strange people
hurrying somewhere and looking for something, crawled in hidden areas, counted the windows and the balconies,
and the streets resounded with shouts of joy, when somebody found hidden sign around the corner.
Who are these people, why are they here and what are they doing?
This is Running City!
Running City is an urban orienteering event focused on making regional ethnography more informative and competitive.
Event participants are to find specified objects in the City as fast as possible.
Competitors can use different modes of transportation to move around the City: public or private means of transportation, bicycles, inline skates - or just walk.
Modes of transportation and course time depend on the category chosen by the team.
Since 2oo0, Running City events are held every year in Saint-Petersburg, Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Kiev. Up to 5,500 people take part in the competition!
We chose running category "Griffin", but really we just walked -)

This is our track
Distance:    38,1 kilometers
Elapsed Time: 8:18:27

Have you ever played in urban orienteering games?

You can view some photos from the event  below

Spring came in Moscow!!!

Spring came late this year in Moscow, but the main thing, that it really happened!

This is what was outside our window just one week ago!

Spring is my favorite season, because spring weather makes me happy. It's never too hot or too cold. It always is just right. I can open all the windows in my apartments and smell the freshness.
I can jogging in the park and walk long time on the streets with my hubby!
I can get rid of heavy clothes, and I can wear trendy springtime outfits.
Spring is also the time of clean the house. For me its also a time to clear the thought in my head and think about the new things I'd like to do and explore.
I love Spring because it is time of new beginnings and  opportunity.

What is Spring for you?

❤ My lovely princess Cat ❤

This is a post about my cat named Cat -)
The history of her occurrence in our house is amusing. When we got married, I moved to husband's apartments. After that I began to dream about a little kitten -)
My husband was strongly disagreed because we both work and he was afraid that no one of us will care for the little kitten.
But the fate brought her to us!
One day my husband went to the grocery store, and when he returned home, he found next to the door the little kitty! It is not clear how she got to our apartment, because we live on the fourth floor! The little kitten was meowing without stopping.
We spared cute kitty and decided to give to her some milk. And then it was a pity to leave she on the street and she stayed with us for the night. On the next morning my husband decided to send a cat away, but as soon he put her down on the grass and walked away as she ran after him and climbed on his foot and sat on his shoulder.
My husband's heart was melted and the little robber stayed to live with us.
So, here is our princess -)
In the childhood

See more photos of my princess below :-)

Easter in Russia! Christ is risen!

For Russians Easter (Paskha) is even more important than Christmas.
Every family including atheist celebrate Easter with an Easter cakes (Kulich) and dyed boiled eggs (predominant color is terracotta) today! The kulich and dyed eggs are blessed by the church before being eaten.
In Russia on Easter day people greet each other with the words "Christ is risen!", the congregation replies with "He is truly risen!" After that people kiss each other on the cheeks three times even if they are total strangers.
There is no such thing in Russia as the Easter bunny and an eggs hunt. But we have other games, i.e. children roll their Easter eggs down a hill and try to crack another player's egg.
Today we are going to visit my parents and Alex's mom, and we will relax and eat tons of Easter eggs -))
Christ is risen!

3-day Isle of Skye tour review. Day one.

My heart's in the Highlands, my heart is not here,
My heart's in the Highlands a-chasing the deer -
A-chasing the wild deer, and following the roe;
My heart's in the Highlands, wherever I go.

 At 8:30 am my husband and I were standing next to the travel agency on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, where we became acquainted with our fellow travelers. We will spend the next three days in the journey with the travelers from China, Ireland, Spain, US and all of them are really nice people!
And of course, I'd like to share my impressions with you )

How I Play Skyrim: Saturday Fun!

Спасибо, Юра!

 

1-day trip to Minsk, Belarus.

Last summer my husband and I had a business trip in Minsk, Belarus and we had some free time to explore the city. While I am working on the review of the 3-days tour to the island of Skye, I'd be glad to tell you about 1-day trip to Minsk.
Minsk was founded in 1067, but this city looks quite new. This is not surprising, because most of Minsk was destroyed during World War II, and within the city almost no historical buildings, excepting a tiny area in the center of the city.
People nostalgic for Soviet times love Minsk, because that city has retained all the best traditions of USSR of the 1980s. I like Minsk, because the streets are wide and clean, air is fresh, and there is no traffic jams. It's the real island of Soviet life, that's surprising for Muscovites.
Well, let's take a walk  )

Teddy Bears in Edinburgh

I fell in love with Teddy bears many years ago. I buy my new friends in each trip, so you understand why "Canongate Crafts" is my one and only hidden treasure in Edinburgh.  They sell absolutely adorable hand made teddy bears.
On this photo you may see my traveling teddy bear Puzyrek ('Phial', hi is second from the left) with his new friend Angus (second from the right) and Angus's friends.

Where to eat and drink in Edinburgh

Edinburgh has many very good restaurants and other eating places. We were pleasantly surprised by the food because we had no problem finding what we wanted to eat. From fish & chips to haggis, even the fried foods were good and didn't give us any problems, even though we don't eat much fried food at home. 

The list of my favorite places to eat and drink in Edinburgh is below

3 days in Edinburgh. Day 3. Arthur's Seat

On third day we decided to walk up Arthur's Seat following this route.
Arthur's Seat is one of the must-do's in the Edinburgh. There are numerous different options for hikes and walks and several different ways to reach the peak, all of varying degrees of difficulty.
There are two parts to Arthurs Seat, The Crags and Arthurs Seat. The easiest and simplest ascent is from the East, where a grassy slope rises above Dunsapie Loch, a small artificial loch located between Dunsapie Hill and Arthur's Seat.

Reach for the star

It's Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building in Moscow [Stalin's skyscraper]

This star is very interesting due to that fact, that only birds and builders sat on it. And one man - roofer  Artem Pirniyazov.

He says: 'This is the most dangerous thing I've ever MADE in my life, please don't repeat under any circumstances!'

  

3 days in Edinburgh. Day 2. Calton Hill and Britannia

Today we go for a walk on the Calton Hill, after that we will take a bus tour to Leith for the Royal Yacht Britannia.

3 days in Edinburgh. Day 1. Royal Mile

At first a few details about Edinburgh. The central area of the city isn't very big, and if you walk fast, you can get from one end to the other in a couple hours. The city is split into 2 parallel areas, the Old Town, which was the central part of the city for centuries, and the New Town which was started in the 1700's to alleviate overcrowding in the Old Town. The center of the Old Town is called the Royal Mile, and stretches from Edinburgh castle to Holyrood Palace, home to the British Monarch on her visits to Edinburgh. The Royal Mile is full of interesting places, stores, museums, restaurants, etc. The New Town and the Old Town are separated by the The Mound (once upon a time it was the city's garbage heap) and connected by the Waverly Station, the main train station. Also in between the two parts are the beautiful Princes Gardens, and the National Gallery, the main city museum.

Useful links for visiting Scotland

Undiscovered Scotland - my favorite site for planning trip to Scotland.

The Internet Guide to Scotland - another excellent site for planning

Highlights of Scotland  - thematic self-guided tours to Scotland

Highland experience tours - guided tours in Scotland

Taste of Scotland - cuisine and restaurants in Scotland

Walk Highlands - guide to walks and hiking in Scotland

Walking Scotland - another site with walking routes in Scotland

Edinburgh - things to see and do in Edinburg

Scottish tourist maps - amazing illustrated maps of various areas around the west of Scotland and Edinburgh’s Royal Mile. Every map is masterpiece!

You can read more about trip to Edinburgh here:
Men's day trip to Edinburgh (Only photos)
First time to Scotland. Trip details
3 days in Edinburgh. Day 1. Royal Mile
3 days in Edinburgh. Day 2. Calton Hill and Britannia
3 days in Edinburgh. Day 3. Arthur's Seat

Stay tuned!

A Cat in a Bath.

This is my cat. Her name is Cat.  She hates baths, and I hate giving them to her. When she gets the bath, she has this look full of panic in her eyes.

First time to Scotland. Trip details.

We had this trip to Scotland  in June 2010. 

I think it will be very useful to share technical details of this trip for first-timers .

Heartbreaking movies

I was sick on the past week end, so I spent time watching a great tearjerker movies and I'd like to share the list of these movies with you -)

Under the Hawthorn Tree (Shan zha shu zhi lian)
Tender, pure and sad love story of a young woman and a young man from different economic backgrounds during China's Cultural Revolution.
I think communism is a modern form of Satanism. But the promises of the party are more modest.
Their feelings and emotions  are under lock. They are steeped in fear. The fear devouring they from the inside out.
The impossibility of relations between that girl and boy makes them so pure and sublime. He was willing to wait for her whole life, but fate decided otherwise.
"I can’t wait for you one year and a month; I can’t wait for you until you are 25 years old; but I’ll wait for you my entire life."
Brilliant movie.

Three meters above the sky (Tres metros sobre el cielo)
Story of first love between two young people who belong to different worlds.
Very sentimental, colorful version of the book "Tres metros sobre el cielo" by Federico Moccia.
The beautiful sceneries, crazy moto street racings, romantic love scenes, sweet music and dramatic finale.
Nice, but I don't like the main female character (Babi).
She doesn't really know exactly what she wants. If you love someone, you should to solve the problem. If not why you brew it? As you brew, so must you drink.

Charlie St. Cloud
Unusual love story, life between worlds, a romantic hero, brave act for love, and happy end. Boring at all.

For me the saddest movies are Life Is Beautiful (La vita è bella) by Roberto Benigni and The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by Mark Herman.
And I totally cry at the end of Toy Story 3. No matter how many times I watch this movie.

What is the greatest heartbreaking movie you've ever seen?

Giant matryoshkas

These 10m high matryoshkas you may see on the top floor in Afimall shopping center above the Vystavochnaya metro station.
Each doll was made in one of styles of Russian folk art: Khokhloma's painting; the art of lacquer painting from Fedoskino and Palekh, Zhostovo's ornamental painting  and Vologda's lace.
These matryoshka dolls were made by hand, more than 15 artists worked on each installation.

Men's day trip to Edinburgh (23 February)

Snow in spring, Moscow.

While the calendar may have you thinking it's spring, here's what parts of Moscow looked like earlier today.
When will Spring come? 

March, 8

Hi, dears
Sorry about the lack of posts about trip to Edinburgh this week.
I have been really, really ill these past few days. I had middle ear infection with high temperatures, and it caused temporary hearing problems.
Today I returned back to the office after sick leave, and I was very surprised and delighted to find some gifts on my table.
Tomorrow is 8 March - Women's Day in Russia. Russian women will be queens for this day. We don't care that this first spring holiday is a day for revolutionary women and celebrating women's economic, political and social achievements. Nowadays it is the holiday of spring, love and beauty, so women of all ages will receive flowers especially tulips, candies, perfumes, jewelry and other gifts from their husbands, children, male colleagues.
For me each day is like March 8. My husband doesn't really need a special day on the calendar to appreciate me. But it's so nice to get a flowers and greetings from colleagues and friends!
That means spring is knocking on my door! -)

I'm going on holidays to...

25 слов, которых, к сожалению, нет в русском языке (журнал Exciter)

В русском языке, согласно статистике, более полумиллиона слов, однако в обычной жизни обычный человек пользуется от силы 2000-4000 тысячами. Так что, можно со всей ответственностью утверждать, что мы, несмотря на развитие технологий, все же очень зависимы от произносимого вслух. Но подчас, при всем богатстве "великого и могучего", его не хватает, чтобы одним словом выразить le mot juste (точное определение - фр.). Поэтому, иногда, вместо того, чтобы пускаться в пространные определения, было бы здорово ограничиться всего одним - ну, максимум, двумя - словами.

Valentine’s Day Post: I Love My Job

With this happy heart that I’d like to take this chance to wish each and everyone one of you, a very HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! 
And a special THANK YOU to all of you who have given me the great honor to work with you.

Bahamas cruise, day 4 - Coco Cay island

On the last day of the cruise we went to Coco Cay.
There's just one way to get Coco Cay island - aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. Royal Caribbean owns this island - every square inch of it. Now you probably won't see the name CocoCay on a map, but it's there. Coco Cay is one of the Berry Islands, it used to be called Little Stirrup Cay, and if you find it on a map, it will be under that name.
I absolutely love this island. The water is just gorgeous, turquoise and crystal clear! Lots to do, or you can just relax!
The day was warm and sunny, and the water temperature was warm. We snorkeled and we saw lots of exotic fish!  Later we went to the BBQ that was provided on the island, and we finished this day on one of RC excursions.
It was absolutely excellent ending of cruise! An unforgettable experience!

Meet Baguette Bardot: like Edward Scissorhands, but with french bread

Baguette Bardot proves that you can lead a perfectly normal, love-filled life even if you have baguettes for hands.

Macarons!

Enjoy the photo, I'm going to go enjoy the cookies now

I'm going to save the world today, no thanks necessary

Since purchasing Oblivion I have not played any other game except TES, nor do I have any desire to.
To everyone who hasn't yet played it, I describe it like this: TESIV: Oblivion was my favorite game of all time. Skyrim improves on Oblivion in ways I never could have imagined.

Queen vs Snow White

В этом году нас ждет противостояние Королев и Белоснежек
Посмотрим на Битву?

Генсбур и Галль: история одной шутки

Вот Серж Генсбур (он же Гинзбург) - человек и пароход, столп французcкого шансона, актер и режиссер, а также мастер троллинга:

А вот Франс Галль - блондинка, инженю, французская эстрадная певица, начинавшая карьеру в 60х:

А ниже история о том, как пользоваться наивными блондинками

Его Котейшество

Fuck makeup ... use PHOTOSHOP

Just me

Bahamas cruise, day three - Nassau

Новое утро - новый порт.
Сегодня прибыли в Нассау. Первым делом прямо с корабля попадаем в центр информации для туристов, получаем карту местных достопримечательностей и идем исследовать остров.

Tonight

For the long winter evenings

Winter has arrived, and it is a perfect opportunity for indoor escapes. One of my favorite ways to relax and recharge is to cuddle up on the couch in my cozy pajamas, a hot beverage in one hand and the TV remote in the other.
Now  I'm in love with American Horror Story and Psych.
American Horror Story have some elements of horror, yes. But in my humble opinion it's have a great story line. It's well thought out and keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next episode. It's intriguing, it's sexy, it's has superb acting, great characters, and I could go on forever. I love American Horror Story!
Psych it's a different story. It's a great, very fun and clever detective show, with constant laugh out loud moments and amusing and likable characters. I have watched it since the first season, and it bring a smile ever. I love the fun, the sun, and Shawn.
Finally, I'm planning to watch another drama this winter - House M.D. I hope to watch it avidly, before the winter is over.

Drink of the day

Bahamas cruise, day two - Key West

Bahamas cruise, day one - Miami and welcome aboard

Ok, it was my first cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas  and I’m pleased to share the details and the photos with you. Majesty is not the biggest or equipped with most bells and whistles, but for me she is a wonderful ship. Majesty’s 4-night itinerary is a great way to try out cruising and try a new destination.

Birthday Celebration!

Apologize for the silly photos of us, but I love them!

Happy birthday, dear mom!

Today is one of my favorite people in this entire world's birthday. Today is my mom's birthday! My mom is the greatest mother the world has ever seen.

She's the kind of mom that when she hears you don't have socks, comes home with a bag load of new ones for you. Oh, you like yogurt? I'll just stock your fridge for you! You fell running up the stairs and now have a lump the size of an egg on your shin? Let me nurse that back to health. Oh, you're low on Vitamin C? Oh, just take mine. Your heart is aching? Let me hold you until the pain eases. Your spirit is low? I'm already praying for it. You live far away? You're always in my heart, no matter the distance.

My mom has been my best friend as far back as I can remember. She has been my teacher, my friend, a major source of wisdom and strength here on this earth and the greatest mother I could have ever asked God for. She may not have been the best Barbie doll player, but she always tried!

I'm sitting here like a big baby all teary-eyed because I'm all grown up now and am missing out on the chance to run up to her and tell her these things in person. But the thing is, she already knows them. She knows how much I love her.

Mom, no one loves you like I do! :)

If we sleep together...

 

Today when I woke up, I put on this song and it brought me back to a lazy winter I spent on Hawaii with my husband. Listening to this song today brought back some beautiful memories, and also made me feel so happy with where I am now and how far I’ve come since that time.

Я помню

Помню, лет в семь-восемь залезла с компанией на второй этаж и оттуда прыгала вниз, в сугробы.  Было мягко, снежно и весело. Маме я рассказала об этом, когда мне было уже за 20.

Помню, как мама отстояла несколько часов в огромной очереди  и купила польский крем для лица «Пани Валевска». Я была влюблена эту в банку из темно-синего  стекла. Однажды не выдержала, и вымазала весь крем на ковер. Синяя банка досталась мне со слезами мамы.

Качественная литература по будням

Есть отличный способ познакомиться с новыми авторами, не испытывая муки выбора - сервис http://smartfiction.ru
По ссылке "доставка рассказов на электронную почту" можно подписаться на рассылку-подарок :-)
Каждые будни по почте приходит новый рассказ
Вот сегодня, например, Цвейг - "Открытие Эльдорадо",
Вчера "Смерть героя" Лагерквиста, позавчера "Без пяти минут миллионер" Вудхауза

Если любите чтение - не пройдите мимо!

PS Так же работает подписка по RSS

Bye Bye Holidays!

First Day of the Year

Hello dears!

Hope the first few days of 2012 have been treating you well.

I decided to start the new year with a walk on Appia Antika.

It’s hard to get up out after a night of partying, but we woke up early and started our trip at 9AM!

Mystic forest (Parco dell'Appia Antica)

This year I will

Today's homemade pizza

Today is our Second year wedding anniversary

My loving husband,
I wish that these happy moments with you will never end.
Thank you for loving me & taking care of me.
I feel so lucky having you my life. You and me forever!

LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

New Year vacation in Rome

Hello dears!

The time for our annual new years vacation and the time for drinking and eating in Rome is ended!
This was my 5 time in Rome, and for me it was the best trip to Rome.

First, we had no agenda other than to eat great food, drink great wine and take photos. We have been to all the usual sites, so we only reserved a local restaurant for New Year's Eve.

Second, weather was awesome, sunny and warm

Thirdly, we hadn't great plans for shopping,  so we not spent our time in lines to shops. However, we bought something interesting -)

If you interesting, I can recommend some restaurants and give you some tips how you can spend your time in Rome.

Violet Fiat