A Russian banya is similar to a sauna though considerably more humid. They come in all shapes and sizes from a simple shed in your garden to large public baths. I have been to 3 different banyas and the 3 things they all have in common is a steam room, an indoor ice plunge pool… Continue reading Banyas and Beatings!
Tag: Moscow
Beautiful Moscow Parks
A lot has happened since my last blog at the beginning of the year and I have not really been in the mood to blog about the positives of life here (and there are many). However, since I am still in Moscow and this is supposed to be a blog about my life here, I… Continue reading Beautiful Moscow Parks
Moscow Coffee Culture – Raf or Bumble?
Contrary to my expectations Moscow has a vibrant coffee shop scene. There are many small cafes dotted around the city. Some are chains and some are independent. Some have a cosy old wooden vibe and others an ultra modern space age feel. They sell a variety of particularly delicious cakes and pastries as well as… Continue reading Moscow Coffee Culture – Raf or Bumble?
‘All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey, I’ve been for a walk on a winters day….’ (Gorky Park part 2)
Firstly, if I had realised that there was going to be a part 2, I would have given you advanced warning by naming the earlier blog Gorky Park part 1. But I had no idea that this park could give me so much to write about! The other day I discovered a forest in the… Continue reading ‘All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey, I’ve been for a walk on a winters day….’ (Gorky Park part 2)
Moscow Staycation
I will start with a caveat that this blog maybe of more interest to those readers living in Moscow than elsewhere, but I hope it will also be of interest and amusement to those further afield as well. Last weekend we thought that we would save a bit of money and, rather than flying off… Continue reading Moscow Staycation
Ah, Honey Honey!
The lovely Kolomenskoye Park, on the south side of Moscow, is currently hosting the annual Honey Fair (until the end of Oct). Inside an enormous yellow tent, next to the children’s funfair, there are row on row of stalls selling honey, honeycomb, wax, honey drink, and all things related. Beekeepers and traders come from all… Continue reading Ah, Honey Honey!
Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces (Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ)
Yesterday I went to see the most extraordinary church that I have ever seen – and I have seen quite a few. This snappily named cathedral took just two years to build and was consecrated on 14 June 2020 and officially opened a week later. The Cathedral and the adjacent museum were built in Patriot… Continue reading Main Cathedral of the Russian Armed Forces (Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ)
‘This week I followed the Moskva, down to Gorky Park…’
When I first arrived in Moscow I knew Gorky Park was famous but didn’t really know why. Turns out, it’s about 100 years old; created in 1923 on 300 acres of wasteland, begun as an exhibition space and then quickly evolved to become an amusement park full of cheap and tacky rides. It was named… Continue reading ‘This week I followed the Moskva, down to Gorky Park…’
COVID – WHAT COVID?
After a semi-enforced 6 months away due to the pandemic I am now back in Moscow where it seems to be back to ‘business as usual’. I got an inkling of what to expect when checking in for my flight. Almost everyone at the airport was wearing a mask, as per the rules, except for… Continue reading COVID – WHAT COVID?
Arkhangelskoye Palace
On Saturday we went on a trip out of town to the old Arkhangelskoye State Palace and Estate. A short 30 minute drive from Moscow (if you don’t miss your turning and then get stuck in traffic waiting for President Putin to drive by) it is a nice day out. From 1703 to 1810 the… Continue reading Arkhangelskoye Palace
Russian Reflections 