Cafe N-Joy

We decided to leave the hotel to find a cup of coffee. We were in luck. At Cafe N-Joy we were able to find two "double long" espresso's for the half the price of what one black coffee would cost us in the hotel.

As we looked for a place we ran across a few that had some strange combinations. A bar, with a sushi bar, and a pie case like you would find in a diner on Northern Boulevard.

As we entered Cafe N-Joy we saw a bunch of kids sitting around a table smoking a gigantic hookah. They smoke everywhere here. It's kind of like New Hampshire. When it was established that "Ja ni punimaio pa Russki" they brought us an english menu, where we had to point out what we wanted. Not sure if it was just the language thing - american menu, american food - or if they specialize in food that harkens to the Denny's menu, but that was what was on there.

Either way it was good to get out of the hotel!

An interesting shopping experience

Managed to wander myself into a mall. Or what was probably once a huge government building, and is now a mall. More like a flea market. Probably hundreds of different merchants spread out on six floors and selling absolutely everything!

I think they may need some help with their translations. Saw some kids clothes, and one of the more sporty items said "Supre New Boy" on it. I think they may have been going for "Super Kid" on a boys shirt but things got a little literal and there you go.

We have been given the name of a guide, but I don't think there is going to be time. We are hoping to go out and find some non-hotel food to bring with us to Korylev tonight. Although, every night that we go up there, they lay out a pretty great spread of food. That is really the only Russian food we have been exposed to. Most of the hotel food is pretty Americanized. Once you check in and tell them that your preference is English, just about everything you are exposed to inside of the hotel is in English.

Went to the top electronics store for a power strip yesterday. I plugged one of our 110V power strips into 220 V adapter, and then into a wall outlet, and blew the main breaker for Tim's room. (Way to go Whitey - hey I hear you used to be an electrician dumbass)! So for 200 Rubels, was able to score a 6 banger power strip. I am very proud of it. It's got a 15 foot cable and I think the surge protection on it is, let's just say - ceremonial.

Have yet to have my first street beer, although when you see the kiosks that have better choices than many of the supermarkets in NY, you think, why can't we have that. I will get some photos and post. The kiosks all seem to have baked goods and beer, and they are on just about every corner.

Who Wants to See Some Photos?!

This is one of the most amazing places I have ever seen. St. Basil's. It is at one end of Red Square and I think it is pretty recognizable and what many of us think of when we think of Russia or Moscow. I am hoping to get a chance to go inside this week.

This is the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier along one of the walls of the Kremlin. Most of the soldiers looked like kids. We then went to the Armory, which is part of the Kremlin, and saw the Faberge Egg collection which you are not allowed to photograph. Amazing treasures from the Tzarist Era, horse drawn carriages preserved and on display that looked like they came straight out of Cinderella.

There are about 40 more photos online at the Picasa album I created.

I think that will make them a little easier to see. I have captioned all of them:

http://picasaweb.google.com/chris.geiser/WhiteyGoesToMoscow

Enjoy!

Flight in and Arrival

Flights on Air France were pretty good I have to say. The only rub. CDG Airport is completely under construction. We arrived and parked way the hell out on an abandoned tarmac. Took a bus to E Terminal, where we were let out, and then led through a labyrinth to take another bus to C terminal. Back through security again, and they were boarding when I got there.

All along the way we were sweating some technical issues - but got those sorted out from Moscow after arriving.

Hotel - Ararat Park Hyatt is really nice.

Kind of funky going somewhere where not only do you not know the language, but you have trouble reading any of the signs. View from the hotel of the tops of the guard towers of the Kremlin. St' Basil's off in the distance. Bolshoi theater under construction.

More to come - with photos!

Headed to Moscow Tomorrow

Out on Air France through Paris tomorrow. Departing EWR at 7:10 and arriving in Moscow at 3:15 PM on Easter Sunday.

Will unfortunately miss the blast off of the Soyuz, which can be seen at:

http://www.charlesinspace.com or on Nasa TV if you have Direct TV.

Once there will be working the night shift to get content to the site with my friend and boss Tim G.

Bringing a DV cam and a digital still camera so photos and videos to come I hope - if there is time, should be a busy week.