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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:
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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!
Spent the last week in L'viv, Ukraine and Horodok, Ukraine, and the Carpathian Mountains, Ukraine. Photo set is included below (password required!). More writeup to come later.
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.
Figured I would show off some more dacha. Denis went to his parents Dacha for a few days and showed these pics. Enjoy. I'm not sure the exact city but it is about 600 km east of Moscow.
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.
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...
Our GW trainer is in Moscow this week. We took him - and Bill, Natasha, and Chris - to the Kremlin. Saw the Armory museum and then all the churches. The Kremlin in winter is quite different, yet equally beautiful, as the summer sites/sounds.
Traveled back to Moscow today. Endured a quick 4 hr layover in Frankfurt. That was plenty of time to grab a train to downtown (11 mins) and walk around Frankfurt! Saw several of the same sites that I had seen the last trip there. Take a look at the pics.
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 :)
Stas's mom is the adviser to minister of Ecology. Inna secured us a visit atop the Moscow State University Stalin tower! What a thrill beyond words that money couldn't buy!
It's snowing. Yep, this early in the season the snow is falling. We lounge around early then take a local train to the city. Local trains are SO different from the Express! First, it is great because we stop frequently and see the villages. Second, the seats are terrible compared to an Express. And the hawkers! People are hawking everything on the train! You need a kitchen sponge? Food/drink? Maybe office supplies? Bed sheets? A new towel? Ride the train and you could buy it!
Showering is the first thing I do when I reach Moscow.
I've had the urge to go kayaking. Friday Alexey showed me where he thought we might find kayak rentals. The city (well, small town) is north of Moscow on the M8. Stas, Poliena and I set out to find the river and rental shop. Without map, we talk to several residents and finally find the kayak shop. Today it turns out is a race day. No rentals are being allowed. There are about 40+ boats and people - some racing, some prepping to race. Ages range from young kids to middle age adults.
Back to the city and to Ord. park. This is out near VDNKh. You can see the Ostankino TV tower behind. This park has two lakes which you can rent boats on. The weather today is absolutely gorgeous and we all are anxious to get on the water. For a good hour+ we row around the lake.
Shopping is next on the agenda. I need to get some items to take back to the states. Poliena and Stas need some groceries.
Today was another full day experiencing Moscow parks and dining out. Stas and Natasha are great hosts!
Bill came along as we visited Gorky park. This park sits along the river and provides both scenic park beauty (not a lot of quiet) and amusement rides. We strolled around. We rode two or three rides. Each ride is ~250 rub.
Dinner was at a Japanese place. Desert was at a French place. Both - excellent!
Bill and Ivor have been taking RU language lessons. Today, before Ivor heads back to the UK one last time, he went to the tutor's hometown. I don't know much about the town or exactly what they saw. The pictures are included so you can see a true Russian city!
Party at Ivor's! Next week is his final week in Moscow. Tonight it is time to celebrate. Many of the RGS staff have come. We have a good time at Ivor's flat. Later many of us went to Fabrik.
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
MSU was first on the agenda today. Next, I took the metro back through town to VDNKh. Here you can find the Ostankino TV Tower, Cosmonaut Memorial / Space Obelisk, and Soviet Architecture Exhibition House.
