Moscow

I left Moscow one week ago, but it is still on my mind and heart. I think I left a piece of me there. Guess I'll have to go back and retrieve it one day.

Most of the pictures I took on that trip were travel pictures, because we were so busy in Moscow.

I'm not sure why Tali's head is three times bigger than mine, but this cracks me up!

During our layover, Tali made up this game for us to play. We walked the contours of the airport rooms, deliberately nosing into each crevice and corner. At first I felt ridiculous, and then I was just too stubborn to admit it was fun. :)

We had a LOT of stuff.

(Failed attempt to photograph everything I was carrying)

Click on this picture. It is quite possibly my favorite picture of Tali ever! Hahaha!

We flew into Spokane and then drove two hours to Moscow. Let me just say that nothing will ever seem rural to me after that drive. We saw less than ten people out and about, two towns (if you sneezed in one end of town, your germs would probably float right out the other side), about five other cars, and a whole lot of wheat!

Leaving Spokane.

Here is one of the towns.

Except for the town picture, all of these were taken from our moving car; I was quite impressed with my camera!

Finally, a "big city!"

That's downtown Moscow!

The movie theatre is only showing one movie right now. :)

More of downtown.

Mrs. West said it looks like Tali's thinking, "Why am I moving here again??"

She loves her cute house. I love it, too!

Pre-organization and decoration. I think I forgot to take a picture of it all put together. It's so homey!

We were invited to dine with some good people. I felt privileged to eat at such a beautiful table.

Yummy food, too!

The company was wonderful, too!

It seems that wherever we journey, food is always a big part of the trip. I have H Pylori (lovely stomach bacteria - I'm currently on meds), so we all kept joking that a little Pac Man was eating up everything in my tummy. I took snacks, but they were too quickly consumed.

Needless to say, I was very excited at meal times.

I was super stoked abut this grocery store! There were isles and isles or food in bulk like this. It was all so cheap! I got delicious (naturally low in sugar, I might add) granola there! Wish I'd have bought more.

We also took a couple (several?) trips to Wal-Mart during my stay.

Tali got a Snuggie (courtesy of Grandpa!). Don't judge until you've lived a winter in Moscow! I was often freezing - in August!

One of my favorite places was this coffee shop called Bucer's (pronounced boots-ers). There were large tables where you could sit and read or socialize. Additionally, there were several other big rooms in the back more conducive to studying. Definitely beats Starbucks. I can't remember what kind of loose-leaf tea I purchased, but it was delicious. Wish I were drinking it right now. 

Wish I were drinking tea with you anywhere, Tali! Thank you for my beautiful photo album. If you get random texts from me wanting to run in the mornings or come over for dinner, just know it's going to take me a while to adjust to your absence. These last twelve years have conditioned me to expect your presence. Thank you for showing me beautiful Moscow. I miss you and love you.