Moscow in the fall

Fishing is a typical activity at Moscow's many lakes

Moscow is always full of surprises. Each time I go out, I'm sure to run into something unusual at the very least (making my camera an essential item in my bag).  Yesterday, on one of those amazing fall days just as the leaves were starting to turn, I and a group of friends went out to explore one of Moscow's many massive parks. The goal was to celebrate a birthday and to "get lost." Well, we managed not to get lost but stumbled upon a beautiful lake in the middle of the city. Next to the lake...?  a home made "gym" with weights made out of old tires, tree stumps, and boards. There was even a nice elderly "personal trainer" there who directed us to "come here!!" and made us try out all the equipment. These guys were serious about their weight lifting. Now we know where Rocky's Russian opponent got his start!
Things like this keep happening..I can be walking along, minding my own business and suddenly I stumble upon something that makes me say "really? really? Did I just see that?"
We'll see what next weekend has to offer!

Second Year

So I feel like I forgot something. Something really big....or is it that I've been here a year and know what to expect? I haven't been to the Georgian restaurant across the street at all (maybe this weekend?) but have supplanted it with a Spanish restaurant that serves Ostrich.  Am I jaded already?  I can't wait for the snow and ice since then I actually get out more although I am going on a trip this weekend outside of Moscow.  I'll keep you posted. Still love school, though. SO much better!