minats_zone

Ex-Husband Vladimir

2012-02-04T20:07:00.000+04:00

Oh dear, sad news is here;On a very frosty Sunday morning, Jan 29 Marina, after visiting us on Saturday, called and said that her father (my ex husband Vladimir Kashin) was found dead in his apartment in Dzershinsk by Marina and Kostya when they came to see him in the morning. But he was already dead. She called Ambulance and police and they confirmed that this happened in the early morning on that day. He had been immobile for almost three months and had had many diseases related to liver problem and his drinking all life. So sad...:(( It seems he'd lost interest in life and killed himself intentionally as he did not do anything to be cured. Marina helped him to undertake surgery on his eyes in the summer and he started watching TV. At least, this had been his only entertainment lately. Today I visited his grave (all funeral arrengenments were made by Marina and Kostya)and took some pics which are now the only reminders of him...

Really frosty weather in end Jan

2012-01-28T21:11:00.000+04:00

Hey there,
Here we are in Moscow for almost 2 weeks already after the USA. First week was awful, almost sleepless, but now it's OK and we feel fine. The only problem is the frosty, freezing cold weather which set in Moscow. It's really cool at dacha (9-12C) so we use electric heaters to warm up. Today Stepka and the family have visited us. Stepka is not speaking yet and makes few sounds. He undestands everything but his silance does concern us:(.
We're doing well and sending you as usual hugs and kisses

Got back to SF

2012-01-10T10:34:00.012+04:00

Hi there,
The week of the most fantastic vocation has come to an end and we got back to SF. It was so wonderful there! The Mexican Pacific holiday (Cabo San Lucas) is very different from any other beach holiday as you can feel the power of water and the depths of the endless ocean. Another thing I liked there was pelicans, they are flying in skools just above the water or sit on the rocks. So everything was amazing, especially the sunsets and the horses walking along the shore with Mexicans riding them in big sombreros etc... Have a look at some pics following the links as I'm posting from my iPad.
Love and hugs..

Amazing Mexico

2012-01-04T03:07:00.000+04:00

Hey there, here we stay in Los Cabos Mexico. It's amazing here. Pasific Ocean is just in front of us. We're staying in a three- story condo on the third floor and have 2 bedrooms so it's very comfortable. The ocean is warm enough for swimming, but the waves are pretty high and they are rotating you with sand from the beach. I only swim near the shore as there are no lifeguards or any security. The pools are good but incomparable with the ocean. Olia and Andy are on the beach all day long but we stay till 1pm. There are horses ridden by people enjoying beautiful sunsets.
We want to rent a car for 2 days to drive around the whole area.
Love and hugs from all of us. I also added some pics. From New Year at Olia's restaurant Skool.
http://db.tt/cd7kpkiw
http://db.tt/jiMFzpBZ
http://db.tt/jfOvjYC9
http://db.tt/q0yL7nFN
http://db.tt/8eGz4pyt
http://db.tt/pzknVywH
http://db.tt/aoxhgGWo

minats's Fotobabble

2011-12-30T08:03:00.000+04:00

minats's Fotobabble

This is my post

Xmas and more in SF

2011-12-29T22:55:00.004+04:00

Hey there,
Here we are in SF CA. Everything is fine and we've spent Xmas with Andy's family and had a good time altogether. John called me with Xmas greetings and it was really nice to here it. They are in San Diego now. I'll call him back with NY greetings.
We took a drive to the Mount Daieblo National Park near Wallnut Creek, where Olia lived when she moved to CA US. We picked up huge pinecones there and want to take them back to Moscow. New Year is coming so we're looking forward to it and the flight to Mexico.

Heavy Snow in Moscow Before Flight to LA

2011-12-22T22:19:00.006+04:00

Hey there. Tomorrow we're flying to LA and then to SF. Long,long journey but it's OK as it's a long awaited one. After all the fuss and busy days at work by the end of the year 2011, it'll be a very nice change. Posting a photo of myself next to Gogol'at the theatre where we were three days ago. It's a really good one and the actors are young and smart.
I'll keep you informed about how things are in US (SF). I hope to send a parcel to Nun Anna with Chrismas gifts and do some good shopping in SF before their Christmas (25 December). Today it's actually the first day of very heavy snowfall and Moscow is covered in white blanket everywhere. It's nice and beautiful but fog is very thick and this concerns me.
Love and hugs to all of you...

David Attenborough - Wonderful World - BBC

2011-12-10T21:21:00.000+04:00

This is my post

Shortly after State Duma Elections

2011-12-10T18:18:00.008+04:00

Hi there,
Sitting at dacha, watching TV and reflecting on what is going on around. After elections (Dec 4) we've had few meetings and some unrest in society and on the Russian Internet. Many people are not happy with the results as many of them voted for Kommunist Party. Marina was in charge of elections at her school and she noticed this tendency. But still, we have what we have...I personally voted for 'Yabloko' (Yavlinsky), but he is not among the four major leaders.
Well, we've had Stepka and Marina with Kostya visiting us today. Stepka started saying 'Yes, no' or some other simple words. I hope he'll start speaking soon, He's very cute.
We're flying to LA on Dec 23. Miss all of you and want to see you...
Dima, can you be in California after Dec 24??? Would be really great!!!
Love and hugs.

On the Eve of Thanksgiving in Moscow

2011-11-25T00:53:00.004+04:00

Dear all,
It's late November and the Eve of Thanksgicing. Do you think people in Russia don't know about it? You are very wrong! At least, my students in school 1359 are even going to celebrate it. They made some funny figures at school and you can see them on the photo. Russian people respect American holidays, at least, teachers and students...
Well, the Vergin Mary's Holy Belt from Afon is now in Moscow, in Christ the Savor's Catherdral, and thousands of people from all over Russia are queuing for long hours to give it their love and respect. I wish I could go there, but it's not realistic as on November 27 it's going back to Greece.
We go to theaters quite regularly, which makes our life more interesting. Stanislav got his American visa so our trip to the US seems to be quite real. Love and care to all of you...

First snow in Moscow!

2011-11-10T11:50:00.003+04:00

Hey there,
It's long time since I last posted, but nothing special happened in my life. Marina, Kostya and Stepka a week ago moved to the rented flat in Dzerzhinsk, outside Moscow but close to Marina's school in Mar'ino. There are 2 rooms in the flat so, hopefully, they'll feel comfortable. But God knows how they are going to pay as Kostya doesn't have a permanent job. So it was the right time for them to move as is's now snowing in Moscow and the temperature is below zero. So living at dacha would be impossible as we don't have heating system in the old dacha-house.
I'm fine and looking forward to going to the USA for Christmas. I already got a visa, but Slava is still waiting...
Hugs and love to all of you

Fcebook updates make me happy!

2011-10-26T22:31:00.002+04:00

Hi there,
I decided to post this blog as I feel really happy looking at Olia's Facebook updates. They were uploaded from her mobile phone and taken at their restaurant in San Francisco. Dima was visiting SF on those days and they met with Olia to see each other. It's a great present to me as I haven't heard from Dima for a long time. He looks good and happy, so now I know he's doing really well.
God, bless our family in America...

Some news...

2011-10-14T17:59:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
Here I am at dacha all alone as Slava is in Vietnam. He's coming on Saturday as there were no tickets for Saturday. He's doing well there with his business associate from Amsterdam, who is first time in Vietnam and wants to set up relations. Marina and Kostya are still at dacha as they have no money to rent a flat in Moscow for winter. Good news is that they have just bought a new car Ford Focus. My old car (Colt) went to Lipetsk, they sold it. Autumn is becoming brighter and colder, but still there is no snow.
Yesterday Andy had the second surgery on his leg, God bless him as he really deserves it...Olia supports him and runs the business on her own. She is strong and must be strong in this situation. Anyway, my favourite tripical flower started blooming just 2 days ago and it's a Good Sign!!!
Love and hugs to all my nearest and dearest:))

Beautiful October...

2011-10-03T00:32:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
Here we are, at dacha altogether. Marina and Kostya've come back from Astrakhan where they spent one week. They brought fish and lamb so now we have sth new to sample. The weather there was windy but they look fresh and Stepka is happy as he was sitting around with his Granny Masha. It's so beautiful in autumn here that I took some pics to show you the touch of slow and lonely but somewhat romantic days in mid Russia. Stanislaw is flying to Hanoi on Saturday so he's packed his suitcase already...
Love...

Hey from us...

2011-09-24T23:15:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
It's long time since I last posted. We're OK and the autumn this year is really good and sunny. Now we are alone at dacha since Marina and Kostya have gone to Astrakhan for an unexpected week vocation. Kostya is doing a kind of business there and Marina had taken some days off for joining him for swimming and fishing on the Volga river. So Stepka is staying with Granny and us (when we are at dacha). Granny is rather old but she allowed them to go as she always wants to please Kostya and Marina. She really has a heart of Gold!!!
So have a look at some pics I made these days...
Love and hugs to all of you

About to cry...Olia is leaving...

2011-09-10T00:16:00.011+04:00

Hey there,
It has been an unforgettable and warm 14 days - Olia and us altogether. Though she came on a really sad occasion - Oleg's death (40 days turned yesterday, on September 8), she and all Oleg's friends realized that they lost him from this life but not from their souls and memories. They are going to raise signatures of as many people as possible to allow to set a bench on the place where the boat crashed and Oleg drowned. We've been to many places and at the theater altogether and I do hope this will also help Olla to recover after lots of stress she experienced lately. Many hugs and kisses to all of you...

Olia's visiting us!!!

2011-08-31T23:33:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
We are very happy these days as Olia's been visiting us since August 26. She's living in her own room and probably feels a bit nostalgic about her room, which' frankly speaking, hasn't dramatically changed. The weather is really very good and we've already been to dacha and other places in Moscow. I'll try to post more photos about her stay later on. Now I'm posting only some shots of Olia and Dad made with my iPhone in Moscow street cafe and Musical Theater where we really enjoyed the 'Flying Bat' by Shtraus. Love and hugs from all of us...

Nessebar, Sozopol and Stara Zagora

2011-08-20T22:34:00.010+04:00

Now we are back from Bulgaria. It was a really amazing holiday there. We had been in three cities - Nessebar, Sozopol and Stara Zagora. Nessebar and Sozopol are on the Black Sea shore, whereas Stara Zagora is just on the Hot Mineral Springs in the mountains. There we stayed at the hotel having a Spa with mineral water in the swimming pool. We were guided by Stanislaw's colleagues - Tencho and Incha Androv. They are very kind and warm family with two boys. Generally, Bulgaria gave the impression of a very welcoming Slavic country, which managed to keep it for its citizens and other friendly to Bulgaria Slavic people. It's really noticeable in Bulgaria, unlike Moscow, where we sometimes feel as if we were in Caucuses or Tajikistan. Many Russians buy apartments on the seashore in Bulgaria and I think it makes good sense.
Moscow met us with rain and grey weather but 'there is no place like home' and we are happy to be back...Very good news is that Olia is coming for 12 days on August 25th
Hugs and love to all of you...

Our Stay in Bulgaria near Nessebar

2011-08-11T13:55:00.007+04:00

Hey there,
Here we are in Nesebar, Bulgaria. Hotel's name is Sol Hotels Mare. We first satyed at Elenia 20km from here but we managed only 2 days there as it was overcrowded and full of noise and fuss. Thanks God, Tencho, Stanislaw's friend, helped us to move to this hotel, which is much, much better and the place is very nice, near the old city of Nesebar. It is the oldest Christian settlement in Bulgaria full of churches and twisted, narrow streets with tiny shops and restaurants. Today (it's the fifth day of our stay in Bulgaria) is very cold - 18C only and we are inside the hotel without much to do. They ptomise better weather tomorrow so we must be patient...Have a look at some pics we made there. Love and hugs from us to all of you...

Trip to Yaroslavl

2011-08-02T11:48:00.001+04:00

Hey there,
Yesterday we went to Yaroslavl and back within one day. It was not an easy drive as the road (highway) is still at times only one lane of bumpy drive but Thanks God not all the way through. Kostya was driving and Marina and me - passengers. We did all the business about money at the Sberbank, they looked at the 'Doverennost' issued on my name in NY city at Russian Council and wanted to check its legitimacy but then decided to trust it. Not easy...Marina and I were happy as otherwise we had to come again later. Kaleria Ivanovna did not answer the phone. Hopefully she is at her dacha.
These days we had Olia's birhday on July 31, but it was an awful news on that day on all Russian news channels that a jet boat with 17 people overturned on the Moscow river just at 1am on July 31st and 7 people drowned. The boat got shipwrecked and sunk. Among those who drowned there was Olia's best friend Oleg who was going to SF this year to celebrate his 40th anniversary. He worked at channel 1 on TV. It's horrible as accidents are so likely in Russia because of carelessness and corruption. He was the dearest and kindest man in Olia's life... So Sorry...:((

Olia's American Citizenship

2011-07-27T16:58:00.004+04:00

Hey there,
After some troubles and problems, Olia eventually got her American Citizenship. All of us are Happy!!! Congratulations, Olia!!! Great step in your life. We are together with you in all your deeds. You are a brave and loving daughter...Have a look at some pics I stole from her facebook album...

My 1st AudioBoo

2011-07-25T00:01:00.002+04:00

This is my 1st AudioBoo post 4 my dear Nana, Sopo and Salo in Tbilisi. I got some troubling news from them and here is my response:

Tanushka (mp3)

Love and hugs to u...

5-Day Holiday in Tbilisi

2011-07-14T22:50:00.016+04:00

Hey there,
Here I am, in Tbilisi, Georgia, to see my sister, nieces and places of my childhood. I'm flying back tomorrow so I must say the trip is a success. For three full days I visited so many places that are very dear to me and I saw so many good things. The city, in general, has become much more civilized and very clean as well as safe.A lot of historic buildings (e.g. the house where my Grand great parents lived - the former House of the Dam) are being renovated. There are a lot of Police cars all over the city and people behave in a more European way, I mean clothing, behavior, smiles etc. I'm very happy for these chnges. However, there are still many very poor people and beggars along every street, which makes overall impression not so favorable. But, perhaps, this road to success will take muh more time. Have a look at some pics I made there.
Love and hugs to all...

Big and Small and the Dog

2011-07-01T23:44:00.006+04:00

Hey there,
Here I am at dacha, Friday 1'7'11.
The weather is very hot and dacha is the only way to escape from Moscow and huge traffic jams there. Academic year is over and I'm looking forward to flying to Tbilisi, to go to my Mom's grave and to see my sister and nieces as well as some school friends. I already bought tickets and are to fly on July 11 andbe back 15. Actually,it is a flying trip, but it's enough, I think. Slavs is going to be in China on businesstrip over this period of time, so we'll meet on July 15.
Well, Stasik and Stephan met each other at dacha and I made some funny photos of them and the tiny dog which belongs to the girl from next dacha...

Saying Goodbye to HSE Ss...

2011-06-24T00:01:00.005+04:00

Today I've been at a farewell party of my ex-Ss who I thought for 2 years. They (Yana Naumova) invited me to the HSE concert Hall where they were given their diplomas and congratulations from teachers and admins. It was really moving as all of them have become mature and rather serious. Many will go on studying here in HSE, but many are going to continue studies in Holland , Germany, USA (SF) etc. It's a happy and sad moment as I don't think many will stay in Russia. Anyway, good luck to all of them...

Dacha's New Pool and Stepka

2011-06-11T22:11:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
It's really nice weather in Moscow these days. We're at dacha looking at our new pool and funny Stepka who's going to be 2 years old on June 15. Marina and Kostya bought him a toy house and he's busy settling in it. It looks like a house and is big enough for Stepka to get in and out. The pool is now a blue plastic tub 70 cm in depth and 3m in length. We've put 20 fish in it so now it's funny to see them swimming there.
This summer we have lots of moscitos, unlike previous years. They are biting all of us and Stepka. But he doesn't seem to notice it...
Love and hugs to you...
Take care.

Summer Exams in Progress

2011-06-05T22:47:00.004+04:00

Hey, there,
I have examined for 3 days: Fraday (Moscow) Saturday (Saratov) and Sunday in Moscow again. This busy schedule I had to do as one of the examiners fell ill and I had to cover for her. So 2 nights on trains were not so easy and now I'm exhausted. Anyway, I saw nice kids and met my old friends in Saratov, so I don't want to complain. I had my photo made near Russian novelist Gogol' so you can see that I'm smiling and happy. Nothing to complain about, it's not like me.Our little Stepochka is very funny too and he makes me smile when I look at him...
Take care and remember us...
Love

Week After Coming Back

2011-05-22T22:09:00.006+04:00

This week has been really very busy as a lot of things have accumulated after coming back from Vietnam. Classes, exams (almost every day) even the trip to Orel on Friday-Saturday. I examined there the whole day and was very impressed by the town and how peaceful and quiet it is compared to Moscow. The town is green and cosy. Kids are clever and nice, but some of them were wearing pioneer ties as Orel is a 'Red Communist Area' of Russia.
I did not manage to see my dear Michael (Dima's dad) at Orel as I had only limited time there and got back as soon as I finished examining.
Well, we saw a very good performance ('Poverty is not a Sin') by N. Ostrivsky at Maly Theater on Tuesday and enjoyed it very much.So it was a nice change during an extremely busy week. Love and hugs to all of you...

Trip to fishing village on Cham island

2011-05-10T19:01:00.010+04:00

Hey there,
Our stay in Golden Sand, Hoi An is coming to an end. Tomorrow we're flying to Hanoi. Yesterday we went for snorkeling on Cham island and went up to the jungle to the fishing village. I took some amazing pics there of old people and their pets. People there seem to be happy, though they lead very simple and hardworking life. There were 2 Americans in our boat. One woman was from SF! She was very loud and annoyed us. Everything else was OK.
Hugs and love to you...

http://youtu.be/IBUwI7VTPLQ

http://youtu.be/Zz0iP1IgI5U

Splendid fish

2011-05-06T21:54:00.000+04:00

May Days in Hoi An

2011-05-06T19:31:00.009+04:00

Hey,
Here we are in Hoi An, Vietnam again!!! We arrived on April 30 to Danang and then to Hoi An There we stayed in Palm Garden Hotel for 2 days then moved to Golden Sand Hotel where we've already been. It's top hotel here in Hoi An area so we decided to go there one more time. It's really splendid with the longest in Vietnam swimming pool and very clear sea, unlike Ha Long and other places. We're having a really good time here as on May 10 we're leaving for Hanoi for Stanislaw's business. On May 9 we're going for snorkelling on Cham island near here with some corals under the water.Will take some pics there. Have a look at some pics of Hoi An and the place where we're staying.
Hugs and love to all of you...

Happy Easter!!!

2011-04-23T22:39:00.000+04:00

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Days Before Great Easter

2011-04-18T22:29:00.005+04:00

Hey there, it's still cold and grey in Moscow, but Easter is coming!!! I examined near Saint Tatiana's Church on Bolshaya Nikitskaya and took a photo of it. It's a great place full of ex-MSU graduates even among prists and church goers.Tatyana is the Saint patron of students. It's a real pity I live quite far from the place, which is just in the heart of Moscow.
Well, Stepan with his Granny and Marina and Kostya visited us on Sunday. They are moving to their old wooden house next to our dacha in early May when we'll be staying in Vietnam till May 14.
Looking forward to the sun and warmth of the country...Love and hugs to all of you.

Scam attack is over

2011-04-10T14:53:00.003+04:00

Dear all,
It's been a long way to fix the problem with hacker's attack and break-in my hotmail.com box. But now it's, hopefully, over thanks to Olia and some other knowledgeable people who supported me and helped me with advice. Now my hotmail has been reset with a new password. However, a few of my contacts, who are Real Friends, responded to the 'False Emergency' emails spread around by hackers as I was unable to use my hotmail over this period of time. They made my old password unrecognizable and corresponded with my contacts asking for money. Now that everything is over, I do apologize for all the trouble caused and hope to stay in touch with you. Change your passwords every 3-6 months as it's really very important for safety.
Well, it's still windy and snowy in Moscow, spring doesn't seem to be coming. Our small pieces of forest around dacha look miserable after all those mishaps we'd had during this winter. Love and hugs to all of you.

False emergency...

2011-03-31T23:18:00.002+04:00

Hi,
Today I got tons of telephone calls from my friends and relatives from all over the world with one question: "Are you OK?". The thing is that scammers spoiled or broke into my hotmail box and sent to all my contacts info that I got in emergency situation in London and need money (1.300&) urgently. Sure, many people immediately responded trying to check if I really need help by telephoning me. Shame...I'm sorry for that and do keep in touch with me via my gmail.com, yandex.ru, Facebook or this Blog. Hope to stay in touch with all those who remember me:))

PS. My Hotmail box is not for correspondence any longer.

Salvador Dali - Ark of a Precept Video

2011-03-29T00:17:00.000+04:00

This is my post

Saratov & Salvador Dali

2011-03-27T22:00:00.012+04:00

Hey there, I've just got back from Saratov. Usual things - examining on March 26, from YLE to PET. However, it was so exciting to visit the exhibition of Salvador Dali's lithography on Biblic themes at Radischev's museum. It was so unusual. I knew that Dali was an extraordinary man, but his vision of Biblic scenes is really outstanding. I was highly impressed. Now I'll start to read and find out more about this period of his life. It was in the mid 60s. P.S. Cold and snow both in Moscow and Sartow, very long and freezing winter this year all over Russia.Love and hugs to all of you...

Hi from here..

2011-03-21T12:33:00.006+03:00

Dear all,
It's spring already but warm days don't seem to be coming. Still it's snow everywhere and night Ts are below zero. All those events in Japan and Libya made me feel depressed but Olia sent me a few funny pics which really entertained me. They are of our staying at NYC and Michael's (Olia's bro) staying in SF these days. I'm really happy they keep good relationships and hope it will help and support them throughout their lives. Love and huds to all of you...Take care

Stephka...

2011-03-13T18:08:00.005+03:00

Hey, there,
Today was the first very sunny spring day with temperature +4C and sun shining so bright that I had to wear sunglasses. We walked around for a while then we had Marina, Kostya and Stephka visiting till 5 pm. Stephka is very funny but a bit wild as he wants to kiss you but then hit your nose...Probably it's because he's always with another Granny and doesn't see many people around. Anyway, good news is that Stas is on cloud nine after getting his gift- iPAD, which we brought from America. Tha's what I wanted him to feel...
Love and hugs to all of you...

The Big Day Tomorrow

2011-03-10T23:10:00.004+03:00

Hey there,
Today I've had my last class with school children who're sitting FCE tomorrow and day after - March 11/12. They are very nervous as well as I'm a bit dizzy and sleeppy after just getting back from America. Anyway, we had a long session and I said I'd keep my fingers crossed for them. I love this class as they are funny. Promise to publish some American pics soon. Now - no time.
Love and hugs..

Leaving NY...

2011-03-06T22:22:00.003+03:00

Time flies...
It is really so and here I'm sitting at the Affinia lobby waiting for taxi to JK airport and fly to Moscow. We spent really good time here with Olia and Nun Anna, Lots of fabulous pics are here to keep the memory right.I'll post them later as now don't know how to post from my iPad. It's a great pity:))
Love and hugs to all of you...

Birthday on Manchatten NYC

2011-03-01T07:49:00.005+03:00

Hey there,
I'm here in Affinia hotel on the corner of 3d Avenue and 50th street, just 5 min walk from UN complex at east midtown Manchatten. The view from the window is amazing. We live on 18th floor so much can be seen around. Olia is with us and Nun Anna (my aunt) is coming tomorrow. We'll pick her up from Novo Diveevo convent in New Jersey tomorrow, I'll try to post some pics later on as I've got my netbook with limited functionality, so posting pics is more complicated that usual. Love and hugs to all of you who remembered my birthday.

Week after a blaze

2011-02-20T23:28:00.007+03:00

Well, it's been a week since the terrible blaze next door to dacha. We spent there weekend and got back to Moscow on Sunday. The house is a big ruin and only Rokki, the dog, is barking, hiding himself in a garage, which didn't suffer. The family are living in a small flat in Bukovo but it has been uninhabited for 10 years(the owners live in Moscow)and now poor people need to pay money to repairmen for putting running water, gas etc....It's really very cold these days in Moscow and we decided not to stay at dacha till Monday. The good news is that we saw Marina, Stephan and Stasik in Dzerzhinsky (where they rent a flat) on our way home. Have a look at some pics.Stephan is always very serious boy...

Fire next door to our dacha...

2011-02-14T13:18:00.004+03:00

It happened yesterday at 6pm. I noticed some clouds in the sky but thought that might be blizzard, as it's been pretty cold in Moscow recently. But then Stanislaw cried "Irina's house in on fire!!!' We rushed to collect our documents and valuables as her house is just next to ours. Thanks God Fire Bruigade arrived and managed to put it down in 2,5 hours, It's in ruins now. We allowed poor people stay at our dacha until they find the way to live somewhere. God blessed us...

Love and take care

Violets of Montmartre and Thuja.

2011-02-11T15:06:00.006+03:00

Hi there,

It's been long since I last posted sth but there was nothing special happening in my life. The most enjoyable experience was our visit to the musical 'Violets of Montmartre' at Hermitage Garden. It was so good that I fell in love with all those young actors and actresses performing in it. They are really great and I'm happy we still have such talents in Russia.

It's been very snowy and cold in Moscow recently and the snow and ice made some of my favourite trees unrecognizable. I hope they will not die out by spring. Well, soon flying to NY to see Olia and Nun Anna. Really looking forward to it...Love and hugs...

Saint Tatyana'd Day and Weekend

2011-01-30T15:55:00.007+03:00

Hey there

My Name's Day was on January 25 and it was so nice to hear from some of my close friends and relations. The weekend is also somewhat special as we've had Marina, Kostya and little Stephan visiting us at dacha. Stephan is a cute and amuzing boy. We enjoyed him playing around and smiling. Yet he doesn't smile very often, he's rather serious. Have a look at some shots.

Another good news is our going to New York on February 26 till March 6 to see Olia and Nun Anna, my aunt staying at Novo Diveevo Convent near New York. If it's possible to see my other nearest and dearest at NY at this time, let me know, I'll be looking forward to hearing from you...Love...

Real Russian Winter in Moscow and Region

2011-01-23T16:49:00.008+03:00

Hey there,

It's almost three weeks already since the disastrous icy rain fell down on Moscow and region but it's still here and the winter is in its prime. Many trees died, some are about to die...We've never had such awful weather conditions...The snow keeps coming down covering everything with thick white blanket. It's beautiful but a bit scary...Have a look at some pics I made around my dacha...

Vahtangova Theatre & Old New Year

2011-01-13T12:31:00.004+03:00

Hi there,

Our trip back to Moscow was much better than we expected. To tell the truth, we had no delays or any other problems except waiting for 1,5 hour for out Lugguage at Domodedovo. Now we're still adapting to a busy Moscow's life. Yesterday we enjoyed a superb performance of Vasily Lanovoi and other leading actors in a French play 'Frederick' at Vahtangov Theatre where the New Year Tree before Old New Year (January 13) is beautiful and the atmosphere is very special. Hopefully, this is a good start before a new module at HSE commencing on January 17. Love to all of you...

Last day fun at Vinpearl

2011-01-05T19:34:00.000+03:00

This is my post

Last days at 'Vinpearl'

2011-01-05T18:14:00.001+03:00

The weather is warm but foggy. I swim and we enjoy the surroundings and cable car trips to the mainland and back. Got some pics and video on the last day...Don't want to say 'Good bye 'to this welcoming place 'Vinpearl'

See and download the full gallery on posterous

More NY 2011 picks from Vinpearl Vietnam

2011-01-04T14:45:00.001+03:00

See and download the full gallery on posterous

More NY 2011 picks from Vinpearl Vietnam

2011-01-04T14:39:00.001+03:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0045.AVI (21646 KB)

We go on enjoying our stay in Vinpearl, Vietnam. The weather has become rather wet and foggy but we play tennis and go to the Mud Bath Hot Springs.The day after tomorrow heading for Hanoi city for a couple of dyas where Stanislaw does his business but I'll just spend some time around the town..

New Year 2011

2011-01-01T13:44:00.002+03:00

It was a huge New Year 2011 party at the Vinpearl hotel, The tables were placed around the huge swimming pools and a big stage was just in the center of that. We were sharing the table with two couples from Vladivostok with their kids. Spent a really good time there talking to people and watching the show,,,

Vietnam_Vinpearl_10'11_Video

2010-12-30T18:54:00.001+03:00

Download now or watch on posterous

CIMG0015.AVI (19500 KB)

This video was shot at Vinpearl amusement park.

Vietnam_Vinpearl_10'11

2010-12-30T18:39:00.001+03:00

These .are some shots made on the New Year Eve 2010'11 in Vietnam, Vinpearl, Nha Trang

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Awful Flight to Ho Shi Min City

2010-12-30T17:10:00.003+03:00

Hey there,
I was unable to post any earlier as we had such an awful flight from Moscow that it really took us quite a while to recover. The point is that we were supposed to take off on December 26 but appolling weather conditions prevented us from this. It was a kind of snowy rain or blizzard that resulted in devastating almost all our airports. Domodedovo airport was cut off electricity, Sheremetievo was stopped for the reasons of black ice on runways and the only airport that remained alive was Vnukovo. Our flight landed there, although it was supposed to do so at Domodedovo and this saved our New Year holiday. We were delayed by 15 hours but eventually took off from Vnukovo and 10 hours later arrived to Ho Shi Min city at 11:30pm. There we stayed at the hotel and at 7am left for Nha Trang by the local aircraft. You can imagine how tired we were at the end. But this is nothing compared with the situation in which thousands of Russian passangers got. I mean those who tried to fly to their destinations from Domodedovo and Sheremetievo. Many of them are still there with their lagguage lost or misdirected. So, our arrival here could have been much worse. Thanks God we managed to avoid such an ordeal.
Well, here in 'Vinpearl' everything is first class, as usual. We'll be celebrating the New Year tomorrow with other guests here. Most of them are Russians with kids. Our room is splendid as it overlooks the sea. I swim every day, though the sun is not shining. Vietnam in December is often like this. Sending you our love and hugs... Happy New Year 2011!!!
P.S. I've just posted some photos made here via posterous as I'm unable to reduce size on this computer.

Last days in showy Moscow

2010-12-24T21:41:00.002+03:00

Well, the year 2010 is coming to an end and I'd like to send all my nearest and dearest some warm words saying how much I love and remember you. Here is my 'Fotobabble' greetings to all of you

I hope to hear from you and receive some nice cards or photos.
Leaving for Vietnam (Ho Shi Min city) on Sunday...

'Usual Miracle' at 'Dubrovka' Concert Hall

2010-12-16T23:20:00.008+03:00

It was so nice to see 'Usual Miracle', a musical and beautiful love story at Dubrovka concert hall yesterday. It was on the day of massive public unrest in Moscow with nationalists and milicia conflicts all over the centre of Moscow, so we had to go there on metro. This is a notorious concert hall that was taken control of by Chechen terrorists in October 2004. There were 800 people there at that time and many of them died.The terrorists kept people as hostages for 2 days then a gas attack was undertaken by the army forces and many people were freed. Now there is a memorial for those who died there but the hall itself is still very popular. We were there for the first time and I took some photos of the place. Anyway, I felt a bit uneasy there, but the music and acting were perfect. Got back home only late at night as traffic jams were awful all day and night...
Bye for now...

Curious bear takes a step too far, quick question diffuses the situation. [VIDEO]

2010-12-13T12:41:00.000+03:00

Like this video clip. Sent to me by Dima
Curious bear takes a step too far, quick question diffuses the situation. [VIDEO]

This is my post

Saratov exams

2010-12-06T21:17:00.006+03:00

Hey there,
It was quite a while since I last was in Saratov, but this city is, probably, written on my life books. So I went there again examining from YLE to FCE. It was pretty cold there but when I was leaving (on December 4) it was raining! The train to and from Saratov is quite comfortable so I did sleep there but had no chance to go to the theatre in Saratov and it's a pity as it's supposed to be very good. We have many leading actors here in Moscow who came from Saratov. The exam girls took me to the exhibition of theatrical decorations and arts. There was an unexpectedly good and rich collection dating back to the late 19th, early 20th century. It came from S-Petersburg's private fund and the exhibits were a real surprise for me.
Well, Stanislaw was ill last week after China as he got back on the coldest day with -20C and waited for his chauffeur to pick him up from the airport. Today he has been to work but still weak and coughing.
Love to all of you my dearest...

Winter started

2010-11-22T12:09:00.006+03:00

Hi there,
This week was somewhat special. First, on November 17 the HSE BI faculty celebrated its 15 year birthday and I took part in this party at a very nice restaurant run by the son of our famous actor Oleg Tabakov. Food was really healthy and delicious there. Some of my Ss danced and played the violin there. It was really interesting to see them do that as I could never expect them to be so resourceful! And on November 20 the first heavy snowfall occured at night so now it's absolutely white here at dacha. In Moscow, I guess, it's not so nice, though. Have to finish now and say goodbye to all of you my dear people...

Back from Saratov

2010-11-13T20:26:00.005+03:00

Hi there,
I've just got back from Saratov where I was running seminars on ICT at Saratov IRBIS University on November 11 and 12. It was pretty hard as I was welcomed to take part in the series of seminars for the teachers of Saratov and the Saratov region by Vyacheslav Stepanovich Potapchouk (my ex-boss at CenterCom). However, when I arrived, I found myself all alone as all other lecturers had gone to Penza, Samara and Volgograd to keep lecturing. This was a big surprise for me as I expected to be speaking along with other lecturers, but it was not so. I had to give talks by myself. First day I was speaking from 10:30am to 5:00 pm. Second day it was from 9:00am to 12:30pm. But thanks God, the audience was very friendly and welcoming and it encouraged me to do my best. The feedback from teachers seemed to be positive and the last day proved this as many more people than on the first day arrived. I'm very grateful to the IRBIS girls - Anna, Elena and others who were very supportive and welcoming. I made some photos of us in different surroundings. It was pretty warm and sunny in Saratov on those days. I hope my talks were useful for the teachers as I gave them an overview of some really efficient means of ICT that I've been already using with my HSE Ss...
Love and hugs to all of you...

New Academic Year 10/11 started

2010-11-06T16:58:00.000+03:00

This week was short (three working days only) as we have a long period of public holidays now (from November 4 to November 7). This holiday replaced the day of Great October Revolution, which used to be on November 7 all over the USSR but now it's called differently, nobody knows the real name of it. Probably it's 'All Russia Unity Day' or sth else. We are staying at dacha and enjoying good films and programmes on TV.
My new 1st year groups at HSE I saw only once. They seem to be fine but too many Ss in each - 16/17. My previous 3d year groups were smaller and the Ss were more mature than these teens aged 16-17.
Well, I'll try to teach them IELTS but not sure the book HSE administrators chose (Foundation) is the right one for them as many of them have already passed FCE (it equals to IELTS 6-6,5). Remains to be seen...
Another bad news is that Goulia's (my close friend from Cypros) Mom died in her Moscow's apartment. She was with a helper around who did everything for her so Goulia had to aggange the burial in Dushanbe as she used to be the countrie's greatest opera singer.

This is my post

Olia&Andy's Wedding on October 17 in Russian Orthodox Crurch in SF CA

2010-10-25T00:03:00.011+04:00

I've just got back from SF CA and already posted to Facebook. Shortly, everything has been perfect including weather, arrangements, services, food etc. Andy was on his crutches but it was a kind of special thing on their Big Day. It was a pity Michael and others were unable to come. There were 18 of us at the church and slightly more at the 'Skool' restaurant. Choir was singing very beautifully and the Father Yaroslav Belikov who ran the service was really good and helpful. So have a look at some photos and get the impression...God bless the couple...

Hard drive to Napa Valley

2010-10-21T09:25:00.001+04:00

It was a risky and dangerous drive to Napa Valley affter Olia's wedding.day We went there on the following day. Just after the Bay Bridge on the freeway to Oakland our car Kia Rio started making a strange and loud noise and becam unmanageable. It was really scary as Olia as a driver was scared too and she could hardly stop the car which was moving 75m/h on the very left emergency spot. Thanks God, the Freeway Patrol arrived in 5 mins after we called 911 as we were unable to get out of the car and find out what happened. Eventually we wery slowly moved to the right side of the highway under patrol of the PoliceCar. It was a completely flat and blown up tire. We had to call the rental office and got a new CHEVI car at the Oakland airport. For this drive we used a small spare tire. After all this ordeal we arrived at Napa Valley at 4pm instead of 12pm. But the place itself turned out to be so gorgeous and welcoming. It's worth visiting not only because of the unique location but also because of the famous Californian vine and the service we received there.

See the full gallery on posterous

First days in SF

2010-10-17T07:47:00.001+04:00

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First days in SF CA before wedding

2010-10-14T04:32:00.002+04:00

Hi,
Several days have passed since our arrival, but we've just started recovering after the long and tiring flight to LA and the night spent at the hotel as our late (11pm)connection flight to SF was cancelled. So we arrived on the following day and spent the whole day either sleepping and doing nothing. LA airport is not the best one I experienced in America. So we probably will not use it again.
Well, Olia and Andy are looking forward to their Big Day and still making arrangements. Although there will be only family and close friends, it is going to be 18 people there. Olia's wedding dress looks gorgeous and Andy is on the crunches but still smiling and positive. We've been around the city and on the beach in the place called the 'Pacific', 22 miles south of SF. The weather is very hot and sunny - about 80F.So we really enjoy it. Brody the dog is in a Pet Camp as Dad suffers from astma so we went to see him there. Love and hugs to all of you...However, from this tiny laptop I'm unable to send photos as Piture Manager is not active on it, so I'll try to send pics via 'posterous' Anyway, I'll keep you informed.

Leaving4SF_CA tomorrow!!!

2010-10-08T19:52:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
Tomorrow we're flying to LA CA USA from Moscow Sheremetievo. Olia&Andy's wedding day is coming so we'll be staying there for 2 weeks around the Big Day. The only downside of the event is that Andy's just undertaken a serious medical surgery after the road accident he got in. God Bless him and all of us let's pray for his speedy recovery and the newlyweds.
Late autumn in Moscow is so sunny and gentle...Unlike an awful heatwave that set up for so long in the summer. Weather in SF is going to be good at this time of year.
Wish us a good flight to LA and SF, which will last for some 14 hours altogether...

Staphan&Stas

2010-09-28T21:20:00.001+04:00

2 Bros

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Staphan&Stas

2010-09-28T20:56:00.001+04:00

2 Bros

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Dima, Lena and us at Rublevo Uspenskoe

2010-09-21T21:53:00.009+04:00

Hey there,
Here I am feeling better and very happy to have a nice opportunity to see my dear cousin Dima and his wife Lena from Indianapolis (the USA) here in Moscow. He is giving talks on his medical practice in some public places in Moscow and then going to Yaroslavle to see his ex-medical school fellows. We all arranged to meet at Rublevo-Uspenskoe (Rublevka) where Slava's and Dima's business partner called Roman lives with his wife Asya and kids. The place and the house are really grand and beautiful. Everything is first class there. His family is very friendly and welcoming. We took some photos there so you can see how it's different from where ordinary Russians live.
In the meantime, I've enrolled for an appointment with another doctor who is said to be able to cure my leg and spine. It's going to be on Tuesday. Let's hope for the best then...

Achieve IELTS Higher

2010-09-12T19:53:00.000+04:00

This is my Google Search video on IELTS. Don't be critical.

This is my post

September 10 is my hospital day...

2010-09-11T02:19:00.003+04:00

Hey there.
I've just come back from a private clinic 'Soyuz', which is located very close to my house. It's just opposite the major Moscow jail 'Matrosskaya Tishina'. I had my 5th spine disc treated for pain and it lasted for 6 hours with 5,5 hours spent lying in bed after injection. Now I feel much better but unable to sleep, so sitting and writing this post. Next session is likely to be on Tuesday so it's gonna be my 4th spine disc. Before the day I visited Pokrovsky monastery with Matrona Moskowskaya remains and preyed for the good luck...
The treatment was an expensive experience but it's worth it. People were nice and friendly. Keep wishing me good luck again...

New School Year and Something else.

2010-09-07T23:19:00.006+04:00

Hey there,
Back to school and hello autumn! But this year started not as usual, with some problems and the illness that is not over yet. I was said by the doctor that I'll have to take some serious medical treatments on my spine. Otherwise, I may keep staggering, which is not like me and is really painful. I hope that medical cure will help me and I get over all this. Let's keep your fingers crossed for me...
Love you all...

Misfortuned end of August

2010-08-28T21:18:00.007+04:00

Hi there,
It's been long since I posted. The reason is a long period of bad luck and misfortune after happy vocation in Croatia. First, I got seriously ill (kind of virus with temperature and persistent coughing) just after I'd experienced strong stress. The problem was that I got two new hot/cold water meteres put in our toilet shortly after vocation. They cracked when we were at dacha. We received a phone call from our neighbour who said that you'd already flooded all flats underneath. Can you imagine my state while drining a car back home???
Well, my illness started right on the following day doubled by strong pain in my spine.
However, the good news is that today (one week later), the repairing we launched at dacha before our vocation,with Marina and Kostya keeping eye on the repairmen, has been over and we had I new kitchen furniture put in it. Despite my illness, I cleaned up after all this and now we really enjoy bright orange colours of our newly looking kitchen at dacha. It's raining heavily outside but we're sitting in a warm kitchen and drinking hot tea.
Have a look at some piks...
Love and miss you...

Hi from tanya

2010-08-24T22:12:00.001+04:00

Sent from my iPhone

I'm ill and miserable

2010-08-24T22:10:00.003+04:00

Sent from my iPhone

Dáys of bad luck

2010-08-24T22:10:00.001+04:00

Sent from my iPhone

About Plitvitski Lakes trip in Croatia

2010-08-10T21:50:00.001+04:00

This place in Croatia is under UNESKO protection.. It's really unique and worth visiting. Several emerald lakes connected with rivers and waterfalls make it really unforgettable.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Our trip to Plitvitsky lakes in Croatia

2010-08-10T01:30:00.011+04:00

We really got tired after this trip but it's worth it. The lakes are connected with each other with rivers, streams and waterfalls. which makes the whole area absolutely unique and gorgeous. The water in lakes is cristall clear and full of big tame fish and ducks. The colour is emerald because of a strange combination of water moss and local soil. We took one boat trip and walked for 3 hours around the place.Have a look at some picks...

Vocation in Croatia

2010-08-03T17:04:00.012+04:00

Hi there,
Our vocation in Croatia seems to meet our expectations after so much heat in Moscow. Here the climate is very mild with day temperatures slightly over 30C and pretty cool and refreshing evenings and nights. More importantly, the sea is so welcoming and warm
(24-25C) that even Slava swims in it with flippers. It's really a welcome change after
so many days of non stop heatwave in Russia.
Our hotel is good and all inclusive, so we don't need to take care of food and other basic things. The only problem is the internet connection, which is charged and is available only at the hotel lobby. Croatia is quite an expensive country, which is going to join EU in a few years. We've been to one trip already to the Krk island and the town of Opatia where A. Chekhov and S. Esenin stayed in local hotels. It's really beautiful and welcoming. After that we visied a Frankestian
monastery with old manuscripts of Bible and ancient icons. Have a look at some piks...

Heatwave in Moscow is at its peak...

2010-07-30T23:19:00.002+04:00

Hi,
It's been unbearably hot (over 35-38C) for the whole July already. Many places in Russia are in flames. Some people died or lost their houses, e.g. in Nizhny Novgorod and Voronezh regions. Here in Moscow we have smog and haze all across the city and region as a rezult of forest fires in the south eastern parts of Moscow region. But more importantly, Russian people mostly don't have air conditioning (it's still regarded as a kind of luxury and not so essential in our climate) so you can imagine how many people suffer from heatwave these days. God help us as it's too much for our poor people.

We use fans which simply mix up hot air but don't really help whatsoever and we are really looking forward to going to Croatia on Saturday (tomorrow) for two weeks. It will be a survival as Slava can't stand heatwaves and all the pollution in the air. I'm slightly better as I originally come from Georgia and love warm (but not scorchig hot)weather. Have a look at the poor ducks in our dacha's pond, which is half of its original size these days...:((

Another day with Gulia...

2010-07-23T22:08:00.007+04:00

Hey there,
It was so nice to see a friend of mine Gulia living in Nicosia (Cypros) who is currently visiting Moscow to see her elderly Mom (Hanifa). Hanifa used to be a prominent all USSR opera singer from Tadzhikistan (Dushanbe)but now is comfined to her bed in her regular Moscow flat. She is being looked after by a helper (Tadzhik woman) but it's realy hard to compare her life now and what she used to have in the times of the USSR. It's a great pity as she is absolutely helpless and lonely now. Gulia and I also visited a Muslim cemetory in Mitino (a distant area of Moscow) where her Dad was buried in 1998. So the day passed slowly full of sad duties as I was obliged to help Gulia with all those sad things. But the good news is that Gulia's daughter Despina is going to have a baby in August. Hope this will comfort Gulia...

Flying trip to Yaroslavl.

2010-07-16T23:39:00.006+04:00

Hi there,
Today I've been to Yaroslavl for the whole day. We went there with Marina and Kostya by their car. We started at 7am and arrived there very quickly, by 11:30am. The tempetarures outside were extremely high (35-36C), same as in the rest of Russia these days. Thanks God, the conditioner was always on so it was not so bad. We settled our business with Sberbank, which moved to a new place on ul Svobody. The town of Yaroslavle was not only very hot and busy but under construction all over. I don't know why, but it took us 1,5 hours to find our way back to Moscow as all roads were blocked or unpassable.I'm not sure they will complete this huge construction by September when Dima is going to arrive...Have a look at some shots of the town, which is somewhat very special and dear to all of us...

My Voki

2010-07-11T01:16:00.001+04:00

Here you are:

What do I need it for? by minats

2010-07-10T20:52:00.000+04:00

What do I need it for? by minats
Hi from 'Wallwisher'
This is my post

Can you get my note? by minats

2010-07-10T00:59:00.000+04:00

Can you get my note? by minats

This is my post

Another Voice Thread - educational tool

2010-07-07T22:06:00.003+04:00

I really liked this PLN (Personal Learning Network) discussion and are trying to embed it on my blog.
You can see and hear it here
My image is 38th or 39th.
Hope you like it.

Hot summer days at dacha.

2010-07-05T23:48:00.004+04:00

Hey there,
This summer days are really dry in Moscow, even unbearably hot and scorching. It's over 30C and doesn't seem to get any cooler. But it's not so bad at our dacha which gives us a welcome shelter and fresh air. Today Marina has brought little Stepan to the dacha so our life here is going to be more vivid. Some of my flowers are blooming even though there has been no rain for many days...Have a look at some photos.
Love to all of you.

Vocaroo software...

2010-07-03T23:39:00.004+04:00

Hi there
Today I've tried a Vocaroo software for voice recording and found it useful. It is here to try so you can do it though it's not of good quality:

Alya , Irina and Kostya are visiting...

2010-06-28T23:17:00.007+04:00

Hi there,
Stas's only relations - sister Alya, niece Ira and her son Kostya have been staying with us for one week. Today they are leaving for Belgorod. Kostya is a nice boy who loved Stas instantly as he's missing a man around him since he grows without father. It's a pity:(. They enjoyed really hot weather in Moscow and our dacha surroindings with fresh air and greenery. Have a look at some pics

Facebook - Stepha's B-Day on Facebook

2010-06-19T23:49:00.001+04:00

Facebook

This is my post

It was nice to see Cindy...

2010-06-15T13:10:00.004+04:00

By the end of ESOL exam session (mid June) I got a pleasant surprise. Cindy Chen, a friend of mine and our former team leader, stayed in Moscow for a few days on her way to London. She is currently working for BC South Korea, Seoul. It was really nice to meet her in the center of Moscow, at Mayakovskaya metro station and have a chat over a cup of coffee on Tverskaya street. She is doing well as she's always been a highly responsible and honest woman who was able to manage all the oral examiners here in Moscow. Now she's timetabling staff in Korean BC office. It's a pity that she's no longer with us. Probably she's better off there...Good luck to Cindy and love to all of you...

June is full of events but school year is over...

2010-06-10T00:18:00.011+04:00

Some time has passed since Olia visited us in Moscow but it seems as if it was so long ago. I think this impression I got for some good reasons. These are a few of not so good things that happened to us lately - first we had some problems with health caused by early summer stuff, mostly those fluffy pollen and dust coming from trees and bushes, secondly it was my dear iPhone , which I had stolen from my handbag and thirdly, it was bad weather and even storms in Moscow that caused many trees to fall over and other problems. Now this situation, hopefully, comes to an end but we haven't completely recovered. The best news is that Slava bought another iPhone (3G-s), which is more updated than the previous. I like it so much. We've been to the theatre and I attended a conference at BC with this iPhone. Anyway, we both are looking forward to the seaside holiday in the late July in Croatia. Will keep you informed about our plans. Love you all...

Olia is gone to SF...What a pity...

2010-05-24T23:54:00.005+04:00

Olia's flying visit has come to an end. She stayed for 8 days and now she is on her way back home, to LA and then to SF. We managed to do many things together, even though time was very limited. But most importantly, we went to see little Stepka in Tuchkovo, where he lives with his Granny (not me, of course) and his relatives from Kostya's side. He is a cute and lovely boy who has taken a lot after his Dad but not Marina. However, Stas, her elder son, is also like his Dad. We travelled there for 3 hours by car, it's western direction of Moscow, 72km west along Minskoe highway. Have a look at some shots with Olia and Marina and the Granny. By the way, he has got a spot on his neck, is it a sign?

Ha long is weeping on our departure

2010-05-10T10:43:00.006+04:00

It has been raining heavily since yesterday so now we are sitting in and doing some computer stuff. Im trying to download some video from our trip to the Bay It was really good in all respects. Views, Grotto, Food from fish farms, Vietnamise crew guys, everything was first class. But more importantly, the weather was bright with good visibility. Have a look at some clips we made there.

Hi from Ha Long again,,,

2010-05-04T19:22:00.007+04:00

Here we are in Ha Long. It was a really hard and long journey here from Moscow. The plane was full of small children crying all the time and the weather in Hanoi and Ha long is rather dull and grey. But I'm glad I eventually got here with Slava who feels a bit unwell after several sessions of acupancture he has had in Hanoi. Now everything is over and we are trying to rest and sleep well here. I don't think the weather will be good for swimming as the forecast is not promising...But still I'm glad I'm here. Have a look at some shots I made here on the very first day.

Just got back from Saratov ans saying 'Good Bye to Dad'

2010-04-25T20:24:00.005+04:00

Hi there.
I'm staying in Moscow for this weekend as I just got back from Saratow where I examined YLE, KET, PET (23-25 April). It was not especially exciting but the weather there was much better than in Moscow - sunny, worm and pleasant. Really, it's so cold here in Moscow - 4-5 above zero and strong, harsh wind. Well, I really got tired and tomorrow is going to be the exam of my HSE Ss so I'd better have an early sleep today. Saratow was as usual nice and welcoming with all those nice girls there. Had an unforgettable time at their Radischev's Museum of Fine Art, which is, probably, one of the best among provincial Russian towns.
Well, Dad's in Vietnam already, I'm going to fly there on Saturday (May 1).
Love you all...

YLE in Zhukovka

2010-04-18T19:27:00.005+04:00

Hey there,
Yesterday I examined YLE in Zhukovka (Barvikha or Rublevka), the poshest area of Moscow. It is situated to the south west of Moscow on Rublevskaya Highway. There live the Russian tycoons. Their kids can be very special, too. Some of them are quite normal but some of them are probably not easy to deal with. One boy answered, when I asked him 'What did you do last weekend?' - I was in Las Vegas and stayed in a very big hotel. Great, let's keep our fingers crossed for them as they are supposed to be the future elite of Russia. Another surprise was to see their concert Hall where performances are given for one day only by top singers and actors from all over the world. They are invited specifically for this place. Tickets are very expensive and the place is beyond the easy reach.
Well, air flights stopped all over Europe because of volcano eruption and Slava's flight to Vietnam on April 23 is questionable. I'm flying there on May 1 as I'm busy till the end of May.

HSE conference and horrow at Katyin' coincided

2010-04-11T16:52:00.008+04:00

Hi everybody,
Another horrible thing occured at Katyin', at Smolensk airport where a huge aircraft collapsed with 96 top rank passangers including president of Poland and their bishop. They were flying to Katyin to commemorate those Polish people who were killed by Soviet secret services in 1939. I learned about that at the conference of ELT at HSE. The day was really bright and warm. Everything was fine when we got this news.It was really horrible and I'm very sorry for all those people and their relatives. Now they are coming to Moscow for a painful mission of recognizing the remains.Tomorrow is going to be a Day of Mourning in Russia....:((