My First Weekend in Moscow

July 23-24, 2016

My new boss, Nathalie lives in the same building as me so before I left Ottawa she had made arrangements to meet me at 10:00 am for a tour of the hood and shopping for essentials.

The local coffee shop wasn’t opening until 11:00 am (apparently, weekend mornings are a quiet time when folks are recovering from their revelries of the previous night!) so we opted to head to the Embassy so I could get my bearings and after we arrived Nathalie gave me a quick tour. I actually have an office with a door and a window rather than a cube so I’m thinking my office is posh as well.

Along the route, we visited the local corner store and a small grocery store (Magnolia) where I picked up a few groceries including a bottle of Russian vodka. On our way home, we stopped at the local café now open and had a hot drink. Once home, I had the chance to meet my neighbours Craig and Kerry and  requested their internet code until I can get mine installed in a few weeks so I could keep in touch with folks at home.

Nathalie’s posting is almost finished and she is heading back to Canada on Friday so there was a BBQ at one of our colleague’s family SQ in the Burbs. We arranged a time to grab a cab and I headed off to take a nap as I am still not in the zone! Our hosts (Rob and Alice and their children) and the many other colleagues and their families that I met that night were very warm and welcoming. Mike, another newbie who had arrived Friday night with his wife and four boys under eight (all suffering from jet lag) were also at the BBQ. The food was great, the drinks were flowing and the company was fantastic but soon enough it was time to bum a lift with Quyen, the Embassy's IT guru, who was giving my downstairs neighbours, Jack and Shirly, a drive home.  I didn’t think a late night of dancing and revelries was the way to go (yet!).

Sunday, the sun was up early (4:30^ish) but I didn’t get going until closer to 10:00.  I grabbed a quick breakfast and then headed to the beautiful gold-domed church that I can see out the window of my guest room; the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.  The Cathedral, located on the northern bank of the Moskva River a few blocks southwest of the Kremlin is the tallest Orthodox Christian Church at 103 metres (338 feet). I didn’t have a head covering so I didn’t go inside but as you can see even from my photographic efforts it is a beautiful, imposing structure. 

 

After wandering around the cathedral, it was time for the short walk to the Kremlin. There didn’t seem any “legal’ way to get across the many lanes of traffic so I waited for a break and made a dash. I found out Monday that a colleague had received a j-walking ticket for doing something similar (guess I was lucky) and that for crossing big intersections there are pedestrian underpasses (sometimes quite far from where you are going) that must be accessed. I’ll endeavour to do better in the future!

Anyway, I made it without incident and started wandering through Manezhnaya Square; oases of beauty and calmness in the midst of this beautiful, bustling city. Walking along the shores of the Neglinka River, I gaped at the beautiful fountains and whimsical statues from Russian fairy tales including the one of the golden talking fish who can grant your wishes. 

 

 

 
Apparently the glass domes, aka the roof of "Okhotny Ryad" at night, when they are illuminated display a map of the world. 

One of the “interesting” tourist activities is to have a photo taken with someone in costume ranging from ladies of the court, to Rasputin, army officers, etc. I did note that the folks that opted to pay for the privilege were typically being asked for more money so it seemed like a bit of a shake down, one that I won’t be indulging in …Eventually, I found myself in Alexander Square, a massive garden that was laid out to commemorate the victory over Napoleon (that French guy who thought Russians were easy!!) at the order of Tsar Alexander. 

Among the beautiful flowers and gardens, lies the Tomb of Unknown Soldier. Honor sentinels stand on guard there, right next to the eternal flame. The tomb, built in 1967, contains the remnants of a soldier who fell during WWII.

There is so much to see, I am sure that it will take many, many trips before I have even scratched the surface. Apparently, I didn’t even make it into the Kremlin proper before I hit the wall and headed for home.  

Again, no obvious way to get where I wanted so I braved the eight lanes of traffic without incident. On the way home, I picked up a roasted chicken and a few more groceries.  After lunch and a quick nap, it was off to Jack and Shirly’s to find out how the spa day for the ladies went. Everyone was pretty relaxed after their massages as they shared tales of the later night shenanigans shared. Then, it was off to Nathalie’s apartment to divvy up the supplies that she isn’t taking back to Canada at the end of the week. I left with a bag of groceries that will help me get my pantry stocked and a wheeled carryall for future shopping expeditions. Back home, I chatted with my folks on the phone, FaceTimed with Robyn and read the many birthday messages from friends. It was a great birthday my new home even without cracking open the bottle of champagne in the fridge. That will have to wait until I have a partner-in-crime as it’s no fun drinking alone.  Off to dreamland as tomorrow is my first day on the job!

In Transit!

July 21 - 22, 2016

Thursday morning, Nicole, Karen and I packed my bags and baggage into Karen’s van and headed to the airport. In the flurry of excitement, I forgot my jacket so we had to turn around and pick that up; luckily I am a freak about traveling so we had enough time to spare. At the airport, we wrestled my three large suitcases (aka steamer trunks!) and two carryons onto two carts. Soon enough, and, only $225 poorer, I hugged Nicole and Karen good-bye and headed through security to the Maple Leaf Lounge. 

Fully loaded (with baggage!)

Note the Heavy Baggage Stickers!

Flying longer distances with a couple connections is always an adventure and whenever possible, I try to book Business Class or as I call it Princess Class! You have a bit more space and for the long leg to Europe, there is the possibility of at least a few hours of sleep after a decent meal with good wine. 

The travel Gods often like to play with you so my 1:00 pm flight to Toronto had been cancelled on Tuesday giving me the choice between flights at noon or 2:00 pm. Wanting to build in a bit more flexibility, I chose the noon flight which meant more time in the International Lounge at Pearson but would serve me well in case there were any delays.

I was seated next to the deadheading pilot from my original flight on the Ottawa to Toronto leg of the flight. He was very nice and allowed me to talk his ear off on the short flight! We arrived in Toronto more or less on time and I followed the signs to get to the international departures without leaving the secure area. I really didn’t want to have to clear and try to repack the two laptop computers that I had managed to squeeze into my backpack!

During my three-hour sojourn in the lounge, I had a few glasses of wine while wrapping up my communications with Gavin and Ray who are helping me manage/wrap up unfinished business at home. Thanks very much guys, I know things are in good hands. Soon enough I was boarding the 777 for the hop across the pond. 

The newly updated pods were very comfortable and the entertainment system was top notch. After a meal with wine-pairing for each course, I decided it was time to “assume the position” and slept until it was time for breakfast and our imminent arrival in Frankfurt.

A room with a view

Because Russia is not in the EU, I didn’t have to clear Customs in Frankfurt and could stay within the secure area for the last leg of my trip on Lufthansa. Sadly, for some reason this flight was not in business class so I was seated in the back of the bus. Worse still, one of the ladies at the gate decided that I needed to gate check my carryon. This wouldn’t normally be a big deal but I had packed the bulk of my jewelry and other valuables in that bag so really didn’t want to lose sight of it. Nothing I said made any difference, so I abandoned my valuables and made my way to my seat somewhat dejectedly. The flight to Moscow was uneventful and we arrived more or less on time at about 1:00. I was being met by a colleague from the Trade Section at the Embassy, Corinne and an Embassy driver (Igor) whom I had warned that a large vehicle would be required to carry all of my stuff. I am pleased to report that all my luggage, including the carry-on bursting with my valuables, arrived at baggage pick-up!  

After clearing customs, we headed to the SUV to load up for the drive to my new digs. After wrestling the suitcases out of the SUV and into the elevator, we made our way to my 4^th floor apartment. Opening the front door was the first hurdle with me, then Corinne and finally Igor trying to figure out the lock mechanism. Third time lucky, Igor got the door open and we went into the foyer of my Staff Quarters (SQ). My SQ is a beauteous spacious apartment located in the Golden Mile (the residential area with the highest cost per square meter in Moscow!!) which will be perfect for the many folks that had indicated that they are coming for a visit. In addition to the double bed in the guest room, there is a pull out sofa in the study and I also purchased a blow-up bed that will be coming in my sea shipment. So there is lots of room for guests.  But I digress … 

Even though I had been invited to participate in a poker tournament being held at the Embassy’s Canada Club that night and a ride had been arranged, I decided it would be more prudent to stay home (see Mom, I am a grown up at least sometimes!!), unpack my luggage and get a good night’s sleep. I did unpack my luggage but sleep was elusive even after a bowl of Kraft Dinner so I also ran the dishes from my pack up kit (a very large box of essentials provided to me temporarily until my shipments arrive) through the dishwasher in three separate loads keeping myself busy when I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep.

Stuff, Stuff and More Stuff ...

July 18-20, 2016

The packers arrived on Monday, July 18 to prepare my stuff either for shipping to Moscow by Air or Sea or Long Term Storage (LTS). Given that my apartment in Moscow is furnished, the bulk of my furniture and irreplaceable items were destined for LTS while my dishes, art, clothes and many treasured tchotchkes (Russian word for useless objects) were being shipped to Moscow to liven up and provide the "Judy" touch for my new home. 

Justin and Ryan filled box after box with my treasures and made sure that I maxed out on the air shipment as that will likely arrive sometime in August while the sea shipment will likely not materialize until October. Decisions, decisions, decisions … what will I need/want sooner rather than later. It was a bit of a scramble as I had underestimated the possible size of the air shipment so I was pulling things out of suitcases, drawers and cupboards so who knows what is coming! 

 As luck would have it my favourite Vikings; Chantale, Jan, Samuel and Marcos were visiting from Denmark so I had invited them for a clean out the fridge supper. Joined by Lynn and Gavin, we dined among the boxes on honey bourbon back ribs, corn on the cob, salad and rice with strawberry shortcake for dessert washed down with some wine and beer. What a great evening reminding me that even though I was going to be far from home there would be some friends close by in Denmark. 

Justin and Ryan were back on Tuesday to complete the packing and benefited from leftover ribs and all the fixings including dessert at lunchtime so they were pretty happy too! 

Wednesday, the movers arrived and packed the truck with all and sundry.  The process of loading the truck was like putting together a jigsaw puzzle (unloading will be more like Jenga!) to make sure the sea shipment and LTS boxes were separated and that weight, etc. we take into consideration for packing. Several hours later it was just me and the dust bunnies left in the house. It was bittersweet to clean-up one last time. Gavin and I had a beer on the front steps and then I headed to Karen Wood’s for my last night in Ottawa; drinks and snacks by the pool with a few girlfriends.

The Long Good-Bye (aka To Russia with Love)

June 30 - July 17, 2016

My Feed Bag book with definitive evidence that I AM a Princess!!

The weeks leading up to my departure were a whirlwind of visiting, shopping and packing (and unpacking) my luggage to make sure I had all the things I would need until my shipments arrived. 

During all the craziness I was constantly reminded of how lucky I was to have such a great family, fantastic friends and supportive colleagues.  Somewhere along the way, I saw a posting on Facebook that resonated with me and that I wanted to share because, now as always, I am blessed with the people in my life and I want to thank you all for always being there no matter how my life unfolds.

Family isn't always blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones that accept you the way you are. The ones that would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.

My Farewell Tour officially started on the eve of Canada Day when my partner-in-crime, Gavin, hosted a dinner party for many of my closest friends. Next was a quick trip to Halifax to visit with my family where I had the opportunity to connect with old friends at the 40th Reunion for the Class of 1976 at Halifax West High School. 

Susan and I

Shelly, Wendy, Rita and I

Sheila, Maureen, Wendy, Heather and I

HWHS Reunion Crew at brunch the next day

Then it was back to Ottawa to complete my “Farewell Tour". My friends had organized a series of get-togethers, large and small, that reminded me of how great my life was in Ottawa. Many thanks to all that organized and/or attended these events at Milestones, with the Feed Bags, Happy Hour at the Manx and I even managed to squeeze another great day at HOPE into my schedule. 

John, Saskia and I @Milestones

Vance and I @Milestones

Some of the "Outside" crew @ Milestones

Megan describing the Friday night specials at The Manx

Mandy and Jen @ The Manx

Many of the Manx Girls!

A great day for great causes with the usual suspects!

I look forward to seeing as many of you as I can in December when I am hoping to head to Halifax to celebrate Christmas with my family.  If you want to attend my annual Xmas Bash, be in Moscow the second Saturday in December (that's December 10) as my Xmas stuff is coming and I'm sure there will be lots of food and drink!