Moscow Madness...not really

Moscow; I expected so much from you!! To start off, I checked the weather forecast, and was promised sun at minus 4. What I got...snow, snow and more snow! I also wanted to see everything, and be a cheapo by walking everywhere. What I got...a foot injury so I am taking the metro and walking slowly. I wanted to finally let loose and go a little crazy with the guidance of my couchsurfing host. What I actually got...a cat and a dog. My host had to go to St.petersburg, and left me alone in his house. On the plus side, I have PRIVACY and wouldn't you know it, I took a couple of wonderful dumps in my solitude. On the downside, I have no tour guide :( and I have shakira and margot (cat and dog) to care for. I don't mind the animals, it's actually nice to have a little company.

So here is my last couple of days. Friday morning I arrived early in moscow and got lost. Thanks to my basic Russian, I was able to find my way. I went to the Kremlin and the Red Square, which were covered in snow. While in the Kremlin, I accidently walked out of bounds and the policeman on gueard threatened to beat me with his batton. I was shocked, and couldn't move. Thankfully, he spoke english and explained to me that I was walking where only employees are allowed. Now, I will let you in on a trend I have noticed in both main cities of Russia: PDA. Public Display of Affection. You wouldn't believe the number of people I see full-on making-out in public. What makes me sick is where they do it! Right beside Lenin's mausoleum, there is a couple railing against the wall making-out with full force.

I can't usually snap a discreet photo thanks to my large camera, but I was lucky enough to capture this to prove my point!

Another trend I have noticed is men carrying their girlfriends purses! I can't believe a man could stoop to this level of submission. Have some gusto boys! Take a little pride in your manhood! I hope to capture this moment at some point before I leave this fascinating country.

 The mother of my host family in Saint petersburg used to live in moscow, and put me in touch with her former english teacher. He picked me up at a train station friday night and drove me around. What I didn't expect was how young he would be. Misha is 27 and looks VERY Russian; tall, wide shoulders and very dark hair. He took me to what he called the "romantic" places in the city. I was starting to feel like this was a set-up on the part of my host mother. Misha offered his arm while we were walking, and asked me many personal questions about my religious beliefs and my out-look on marriage. I felt like I was being interviewed for the position of his future wife! Thankfully I blamed my dismal outlook on marriage on my parents' divorce, and told him i plan on never tieing the knot. He was such a gentleman; opening the car door for me. He was very polite and spoke great english, but for some reason I just can't get comfortable around guys unless I am drunk as a skunk - so sorry, no good love story out of Moscow!

I walked down the tourist street "Arbat" and spent way too much money in one of the overpriced shops. I saw the sign "50% off" and got sucked in!! I kept thinking, WOW this is only 3 dollars instead of 6! Before I knew it, I had spent 40$ on magnets. I don't usually like to post my own photos here, but I took some random ones on the street which can't be tied to my identity. You are my closest friends who are reading this, so you deserve a little photographic treat!

The Metro is so ornate

For my equine loving friends back home!

Grave of the unknown soldier

Saint Basils!

Church of Christ the Savior

At the Pushkin museum of fine arts

Street performer with accordian

Lomonosov University

One of the romantic spots I was taken to on my "date"

Yeah, let's hold hands and skate....

Now this is familiar territory!

Only moscow has starbucks in all of Russia

Dunkin Donuts

Macdonalds

So now, once again, I will spend the day alone, wandering museums and coming home at a decent hour to let the dog outside. Welcome to my exciting life!