About this Blog
Rogosstrakh (RGS) insurance company is Russia's largest P&C insurer. I took on a project in Moscow from June 2007. This PhotoBlog chronicles my travels. Stay in the loop! Subscribe to this blog's feed Talk to CHall:
Drop me e-mail or read one of my blogs
• Russia blog
• Personal blog
• Europe 2004 blog
Found out about a secret bunker recently that one can tour. I caught a glimpse of what secret military life was like for about 2000 people during the 40's and 50's.
One last hurrah. Several friends of mine and I went paintballing today. This was my final outing in Moscow - a great way to end a great year in Moscow - with great friends!
The Anglo-American school runs a baseball program. Today I went and umpired 4 games - 1 field "job" and 3 plate "jobs." Lots of fun umpiring internationally! The league was more for recreation than talent improvement. But, with that said, there were some good ballplayers! I'll definitely go back and work more when time permits.
I've found the one word that describes Russia: uncertainty.
I heard a friend use this term the other night and, oh, it fits! There is an expression state-side that only death and taxes are certain. Well, in the Russian Federation I can't say either of those are ever certain. Nothing is certain. Today at RGS we had a tester just up and leave. She is going to live in the states and today is her last day. Hold on, she just walked out the door at 11am. Guess she is gone now.
Some days you show up to the metro and the doors are locked. They are repairing the elevator, no notice, just it isn't working today. "не работы" or "no work" is a common phrase. People come and go without explanation. That's normal. Policies and procedures can be (ok, are) changed overnight. No pre-notice. It is way of life here. One day something works and the next it does not. No explanation. And don't try getting one! Landlord's do as they desire irrespective of lease agreements. We have lost two apartments simply because the landlady's wanted us gone. Yes, we had a "binding" lease agreement in both cases.
Today's paper has another example. (Stockmann is a large department store: think Sears.) Stockmann's flagship Moscow location is closed until further notice because the landlord unexpectedly cut electricity. They are in the middle of a lease dispute and the landlord did not like the court's order. So they just turned off power. No notice. No respect for a court's decision.
The Russians have come to accept these changes as part of their society. I got good advice from a colleague before I came to Russia. He told me to come and just accept things as they are. That has been priceless advice. And uncertainty is just something we accept.
Read on for the full story about Stockmann's: Without Lights, Stockmann Closes Its Doors.
After the victory day parade, we traveled to Dubna by car and spent the weekend at Anna and Nick's dacha. As always they were gracious hosts. Saturday we went boating; the rest of the time we relaxed and ate, and ate!
Russian Military Parade - 9 May Celebration - Victory Day
Victory Day, 9 May, marks the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945. Today that victory was celebrated with a stellar display of Russia's military might. Russian tanks and intercontinental missile launchers were paraded through Moscow for the first time since the collapse of the USSR.
"If anyone was having trouble grasping the fact that Russia has an image problem, the sight of intercontinental ballistic missiles rolling across Red Square on Victory Day should have cleared matters up."
"Russia showcased its military might and youthful new president to the world Friday, as heavy tanks and missile launchers rumbled across Red Square in a Victory Day parade."
Today's my birthday. It was distinctive from many angles -- first, I was celebrating in Moscow, Russia; second, I was totally blown away by the kindness of the client - my friends at RGS; third, I was celebrating the big 30.
7 May 2008 was an excellent birthday. Moscow's a unique city to live/work in, personally, I love it. Moreover I enjoy the people here. They are extremely kind and hospitable. This year the team got together and gifted me with skaladrome (climbing) equipment.
ICF works with an orphanage south of Moscow in the Razan region. Today I traveled with the group to Zarechny orphanage. We left early and arrived back to Moscow late. Trip takes 4 hours by car each way. One generous ICF member buys birthday gifts for the kids. It was good to spend time with the kids - to play futball and watch/help them do their crafts and projects.
Today, Stas, Natasha and I were heading to get food when Stas was T-boned by a Volvo XC-90. The Volvo clearly ran the red light; Stas was in the first row of cars going through on a green light.
One hour later the DPS (traffic police) arrived. Mr. DPS measured all the distances - between vehicles, from stop lines to accident scene, etc, etc. Mr. DPS questioned both drivers who both stated they were traveling on a green light. Sure. Mr. DPS laughed when both stated they went through a green light. (It was the only time he showed an emotion.) When there is no clear quilt both parties have to goto the traffic court.
The damage was very minor:
UPDATE: Stas and the other driver went twice to the traffic court. Stas won out, in the end. The other driver will be responsible for damages.
"International Women's Day (IWD) is marked on 8 March every year. It is a major day of global celebration for the economic, political and social achievements of women." The guys at RGS did up a photo puzzle for our ladies - along with flowers and lots of food and champagne.
Bill's Farewell at Klub Ten with the band Ljapis Trubezkoj
Tonight was Bill's farewell party at Klub Ten in Moscow. Band and music provided by Ljapis Trubezkoj. Check out the music video presentation which includes all the evening's photos!
Denis and I went skiing/snowboarding at Volen today. Volen is best likened to Ski Roundtop in PA. (Ski Roundtop is a smaller, northeastern USA ski area near where I grew up. The hills are about the same length and elevation; the types of skiers/boarders were about the same.)
It was Denis's first time on a board. He learned the art real quick!
Our team of three is down to just 1 flat. We've been rotating through hotel in Moscow. The Le Royal Meridan hotel is right across the street from the Kremlin and we were able to get a great deal. Take a look at some room shots...
One of our UK team members traveled back home and wrote regarding his experience with the London Underground... "I have just got off the underground and it felt as if it was all in slow motion compared to the metro. Everything the trains came into the station at a very sedate pace not the warp 5 of the metro speed between stations is designed not to offend unlike the nose bleed producing metro. The escalator for the first time I have caught myself saying can't this thing go faster, I thought it might be broken but no the speed was probably calculated by a highly trained PC team unlike Moscow who seem to have the attitude of lets see what this baby can do."
To which our trainer - having just arrived back in the US - responds... "That's really funny - I've been having trouble re-adapting as well. I keep pushing and shoving people to get on to the escalators here and they just look at me like I'm being rude, can you imagine that?"
Guidewire sent a ClaimCenter trainer to Moscow. Nick spent 8 days training RGS's employees. He left today... and left with this short email upon arrival back in San Fran...
"Vladimir picked me up and we got to the airport in about 20 minutes. I have to say I was glad to get off from the Moscow airport - this was the ultimate in Soviet style mindless bureaucratic inefficiency. I couldn't believe the number of pointless queues and security stops just to get checked in. And oh boy - that "classic airport lounge" - what a treat that was at 6am . . . bitter coffee, warm juice and a breakfast roll with an unidentifiable filling - the only eating experience in Russia that wasn't stellar."
Well said, Nick :) That is why we love this place.
Christmas Day (American) is just hours away. New Years is approaching in a week. Christmas Day, 7 Jan, (Russian) is around the corner.
As the holiday's approach please reflect back on your 2007. How have you impacted the world? What improvements to other's lives have you brought? Have you improved yourself and those around you?
Make 2008 a great year. And until then, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!
Yesterday I went to Polyanka and bought a tree. Went to MEGA and bought decorations, lights, etc. The tree looks pretty decent, I think :)
Went out this morning and bought at tree near the Polyanka metro. Trees are less expensive than I figured... ours was only about 800 rub. (~5 ft) It's a little scrawny but looks fine.
Got my hair cut...
Traveled to MEGA for decorations and lights. Met up with Stas/Natasha and had a Starbucks. Back at the flat, Natasha helped me trim the tree.
Snow is falling in Moscow tonight. We're getting, finally, real snow. Each morning we awak to a dusting. Tonight it is snowing and laying. Probably 3 or 4 cm has fallen. Quite nice! Enjoy your Florida heat - we've got snow :)
The first Starbucks in Moscow has opened up at the MEGA mall. Stas and I trekked out there to have a brew. Let me say, it tastes just the same, just much more expensive. A venti mocha will set you back 220 rub. Ouch. $9 USD.
Take a look inside this entry for a Russian Starbucks slogan!
I watched my first football match, actually, make that matches today. Russia was holding a mini-tournament / pre-season warm-up in Moscow. Game 1 saw "European champions Milan fought back from two goals down against Lokomotiv Moscow to draw 3-3 and eventually win the game on penalties." In game 2, the tournament finale, PSV Eindhoven won the Russian Railways Cup beating Real Madrid 2-1. Some Lokomotiv stadium photographs and game photos are included. The extended entry has news snippets for both matches.
Lokomotiv Stadium to see Milan, PSV, Real Madrid, and Moscow Lokomotiv
