The US Embassy’s newsletter discussed an Asian store in Moscow. I had to go to see what they had for I miss Asian food severely! Before that, though, I went to the Chinese restaurant next door. I stepped in to see a woman eating Russian pancakes while reading a book. I thought to myself “is this a true Chinese restaurant?” I braved it by sitting down. The menu stated dim sum cost over ten dollars. I gasped in shock disbelieving it. $10! Whatever! Knowing I would still be hungry I ordered beef Szechuan. It came out first with the waiter covering his eyes to protect them from the steam. He ran away as soon as he put the plate down to water his eyes. That should have been a warning to me. I bit into to feel my tongue swell because it was soooo spicy. I like spicy but not soooo spicy where I cannot breathe. My excitement turned to extreme disappointment to see they cooked the beef in chili sauce and that was it. Then, the dim sum came out looking like small pods tasting like fish. Another disappointment. To top it off, my green tea tasted nothing like green tea but distasteful water. I entered the restaurant enthusiastic but left dissatisfied. The store afterward was small, compact, and limited. Oh well, Asia is not based here…

I left to a calmer area…Kuzminki Park. Of course, I had to walk through the local marketplace. Somehow the chicken stand was in high demand with a long line but the milk stand also vied for the most popular while the vegetable stands lingered with silence. Soon I entered the park to see families and loved ones frolicking. A walk through the lit archway and by the amusement park to then see rolling hills. Kids sled down the hills while runners sped by while skiers zoomed by while couples cuddling walked by. Kids built structures with sand/snow shovels. Parents pulled children along the paths. The fisherman sitting on the semi-frozen lake enthralled me even more…especially because parts of the lake were not frozen at all. The small flakes floating through the air made the day seem even more mystical. I walked and slipped and meandered along the paths. White snow. Gray sky. Heartfelt warmth. I loved it more and more as the day went further and further.

After a few hours I pulled myself away from the park towards another part of Moscow. After leaving the metro to see a petite woman wearing a fashionably brown coat barely walking in five inch green felt heels I knew I was still in Moscow and only in Moscow. I had to maneuver my way around slush and black ice. This street to that street over this bridge to stop at that bridge. TV reporters were busy coordinating the lighting while I was busy soaking in the snow flakes. They worked while I froze. I practically ran to Red Square with its Christmas spirits.

People abounded the Christmas market. Stands sold this and that Russian. People waited in line for a warm drink or a ride on the two story carrousel. I was focused on photographing them posing in front of the Christmas trees and fake deer. Finally, I had enough. Needing warmth, I entered the major mall, GUM. Ah…warmth and wonderful displays of fashion in the yester years. Mannequins after mannequins wearing luscious coats, silky gowns, sturdy pants. I loved walking along the long row imagining what life was like then. Oh, the perfume stands in the next row lulled me into happiness even more. Oh, the decorated Christmas trees and ornaments lulled me into the best happiness. I walked to the second floor to look at the humongous display with stands around it selling cool ornaments. Suddenly, I heard the sound of music. A quartet playing comfortable music set the mood of comfort even more. The spirit spread through us all. No yelling and screaming here!

I left with a red velvet cake in my bag to relish once I went home. Yummy sweet compared to spice hot earlier today. That was not before I was the lit up ice sculptures in front of the building. People posed in front of each one. I took a lot of photos of people I didn’t know but had a blast. People LOVE to pose! The large Christmas tree in the background helped send off the mood. Over 100 feet, I people could see if from afar. The Red Square was THE place to be to celebrate Christmas!