Remembering Russia

Two years ago today, Sara and I were in Moscow preparing to take the two hour flight to Samara, where we would be introduced to Georgiy Valeryevich Ivanov (Lleyton). I can remember it like it was yesterday. We were in a faraway land, enjoying every step along the way (other than not being able to figure out how to cross the street).

Moscow in late November, and December, and January is brutally cold. I get cold just thinking about it.

Here are a few of the sights from that day...

The Marriott Grand Hotel, one of the many hotels we stayed at during our weeks in Russia (very nice hotel).



One of the many theatres throughout Moscow. Theatre and ballet, and the arts, play a prominent role in Russian life.



In the distance, you can see one of the Seven Sisters. Joseph Stalin ordered the construction of these seven buildings. The towers were constructed for the glorification of the Soviet State after WWII, and were intended to rival the American skyscrapers that had previously been built. Each Sister was designed according to Stalin’s specifications, in a so-called ‘wedding-cake’ style, that concentrated the eye towards a central tower. Stalin also insisted that all of the Seven Sisters be given a spire, in order to distinguish them from their American counterparts. Who says blogging can't be educational?




Here we are the airport in Moscow, ready to embark on our journey to Samara. You may not be able to tell, but I was a huge ball of nerves (Sara, of course, was cool as the other side of the pillow). Notice, the all black attire. It was recommended that we, as Americans, try to blend in as much possible, so that involved wears black pretty much everywhere we went, as Russians are big fans of dark clothing (and lots of it).