so 25 december is no big deal in russia. the orthodox russian church celebrates christmas on the 7th of january. and really, their big holiday happens on new year's eve. santa even flies by the crew of the international space station on new year's eve to wish them a happy new year before dropping presents down the chimney's of good little russian boys and girls, and everyone decorates a new year's tree. this is all because of the communists...they banned religion. so everyone rolled all their winter holidays into one: New Year's Eve. next to victory day on 9 may, it's the biggest day of the year.
this year in russia, 25 december was just another wednesday. but for us, inside the hotel, it was a day of celebration. the hotel staff threw us a party. we had a delicious buffet of traditional christmas foods from both america and britain. we had mulled wine, tequila (from the mexican contingent in our group), and christmas crackers (the brits of course). i missed my family and friends, but we managed to have a lovely day. i got some good loot, too! i got a set of silverware (VERY useful when living in a hotel room without a kitchen...), tea, and a cute eye mask for when i need to disappear from the world for a bit. then i went for a beautiful dinner to celebrate a colleague's birthday, also on the 25th.
partway thru the day, my friend pam and i took a walk to see a christmas tree exhibit outside the main church in the center of town. we were a bit hesitant to leave the hotel because as she put it "inside the hotel, it's christmas! but outside, it's just wednesday!" nonetheless, we ventured out into wednesday and saw some lovely christmas tree art.
picture of the day below...needless to say, i am looking forward to spending it next year with my family. and god-willing, NOT single! it's getting a little old...
this year in russia, 25 december was just another wednesday. but for us, inside the hotel, it was a day of celebration. the hotel staff threw us a party. we had a delicious buffet of traditional christmas foods from both america and britain. we had mulled wine, tequila (from the mexican contingent in our group), and christmas crackers (the brits of course). i missed my family and friends, but we managed to have a lovely day. i got some good loot, too! i got a set of silverware (VERY useful when living in a hotel room without a kitchen...), tea, and a cute eye mask for when i need to disappear from the world for a bit. then i went for a beautiful dinner to celebrate a colleague's birthday, also on the 25th.
partway thru the day, my friend pam and i took a walk to see a christmas tree exhibit outside the main church in the center of town. we were a bit hesitant to leave the hotel because as she put it "inside the hotel, it's christmas! but outside, it's just wednesday!" nonetheless, we ventured out into wednesday and saw some lovely christmas tree art.
picture of the day below...needless to say, i am looking forward to spending it next year with my family. and god-willing, NOT single! it's getting a little old...
flowers from mom and dad! arrived christmas eve to the delight of the front desk staff. they now think i am a total celebrity.
our "block out the crazy" masks from our lovely friend value.
my tree with all of my christmas loot!
some of the mexicans.
me and my krasnodar bestie, value. she's greek and fantastic. her husband is jealous that we are hanging out so much and he is alone in greece.
christmas dinner! turkey, mashed pot's, roasted turnips, cranberry sauce, carrots, brussel sprouts. YUM.
EATING.
the orthodox church in the center of town with a beautiful (and unique) christmas tree display in front.
literally "grandmother's christmas tree". made out of balls of yarn!
for my dad.
for my mom. practicing my good russian pose.
for drama lovers.
for carpenters.
and cossacks guarding over it all!
so overall, it was a good day. but it will be much better when it is not just a wednesday. :)
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