Miscellaneous Moscow

Thankfully the videos uploaded of the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  I've also included the video links where they can be watched on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulJVnozVtio

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fsbsuIdWYl8

Below are some still shots of this.

And now, another word about the "lock trees."  These locks are put there by newlyweds.  They paint and decorate them, add them to the tree, and throw the keys in the river to symbolize their lasting love.

Altogether now . . . aaaaaaaaawwwwwww.

No word on what happens if they split up.

Another "happy" church below.  The colors are so inviting.

Finally, my overall impressions of the city.

The attitude of the people I met was very pleasant.  They realize they have something the world wants to see, but they haven't made any concessions in the way they do things to accommodate that.  Hence, the wacky taxi service and the lack of info in any other language to help you to understand where you are and where you want to go.

I kinda like this though.

Although I think when they figure out how profitable tourism could be, they may change all that.

The kid who was our tour guide was the owner of this tour company.  So, it appears the younger folks better understand that this is an untapped market well worth pursuing.

Isn't that true of many young folks all over the world?

I'm glad I went.

It was well worth it.  I can't wait to compare notes with one my teachers who was also there this week with her family.


Below the first video is a look at what appeared to be very typical housing.  There were miles and miles of these complexes along the road to the airport.

This video is of single family homes in the suburbs.

Until next time . . .

до свидания (goodbye)

From Russia, With Love - Part 2

On my way out of the hotel today to resume my Moscow excursion, I picked up a map that offered free guided tours.  I registered using my phone, asked the taxi driver to take me to the starting point, and off I went on a walking tour of the Red Square area.

Remember, it's cold as a booger bear here, but walking was a terrific way to see everything up close.  The guide was a great guy, personable, warm and very informative.

The tour began in this public square, which is about two blocks from Red Square.

This church is across the street from our starting point.  It is a beautiful, bright pinkish, rose color.  We learned the history, then we went inside.  Ladies had to cover our heads, guys had to take off everything on their heads.  The rooms inside were small and sectioned off.  But most impressive was the gold that was everywhere.  Framing pictures, built into the walls, etc.  Interestingly, the church had no pews.  You are expected to stand during the service, with benches against the wall for those not able to stand for health reasons.

Like the UAE with a mosque on every corner, Moscow seems to have a church on every block.

Here's another one.

This building above is being renovated.  Look above the blue line, and below the grey area, and you'll see a tarp that is painted on the outside to look like the building.  I saw this a lot and thought it was a clever way to hide the work being done.

This is Lenin’s Mausoleum.  They could learn a thing or two about burying the dead from the Egyptians.  The pyramids are definitely cooler than this dome.

This picture and the third one down, I found online.  I couldn't capture the scope of it with my camera.  This building is across the way from the dome, and looks like a very serious office building.  It is not.  It is a fabulous mall, filled with every high-end store imaginable.  It's called the GUM.  Check it out below.

One of the last things we did was visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and watched the changing of the guards.  It was amazing.  I have videos, but I'm having trouble uploading them.

As the tour ended, I asked our guide for the best place to get a taxi, and he suggested I take the subway.  I did and loved it.  When I was going to purchase the ticket, a wonderful woman asked if she could help and she and her grandchild not only walked me through the process, but insisted I stay with them.  They exited one stop ahead of me.  They were a Godsend.  This subway has to be one of the cleanest, and most efficient in the world.  I'm so glad I rode it.  I felt like a local.  It cost 30 rubles to travel the same distance that cost 1500 rubles by taxi.  

As we were chatting, the guide also mentioned that he had just come back San Francisco, where he was a part of a conference at Stanford on improving relations between the US and Russia.

Small world.

I'm headed home tomorrow, for a day, and then to Ethiopia.

More soon.

From Russia, With Love

I arrived in Moscow late last night.  It was a five-hour flight, with no change in time zones.  A real treat.

When I got to the gate at the Dubai airport, there were only two passengers, including me.  By the time we boarded the plane, there were almost 500.  With the flight crew, we were at 500.  A very full flight.

Side note - Many of the passengers had two or more bags from airport shopping, in addition to their carryon.  No problem.  No questions asked.  When I flew to Kenya, there were gate agents with a scale and a gizmo to measure the size of the bags. There was a very strict carryon policy that was definitely enforced.  Now, the upside of all this, is that Kenyan flight was the most efficient I've ever been on.  We were on and off that plane in no time, and our bags were waiting for us in baggage claim.

Not so here.

It took forever to get our bags, but once in hand, I headed toward the exit, where someone asked if I needed a cab.  After we figured out where I was going, I was told it would take about an hour to get there.

Although it was dark, the landscape remind me of the Coney Island, in New York. There were lots of high rise apartment buildings, and not much else.  Austere.

Thankfully, the trip took less than an hour, and I settled into my hotel room and quickly went to sleep.

At 10:00 this morning, I was off, headed into the city to begin my Big Bus Tour.  I love these because they give you a panoramic view of the city.  I'm not sure if this service is new to this city or what, but not many people knew anything about it or where the hop on and off stops were located.

In the mean time, I asked to be dropped off at Red Square where I knew there was a bus stop somewhere near.  It was here that I feasted on the majesty of the area. The buildings are regal and "happy."  There is no other word to describe St. Basil's Cathedral.  Pictures just don't do it justice.  It is truly spectacular!

When I left Al Ain yesterday, it was 99 degrees.  It was 37 here today.  A bitter, damp, cold 37 degrees.  Gumbo weather, for sure.

Below are trees made of locks.  Super, super cool.  They lined a canal running through the city.

As always, thanks for taking this journey with me.

From Russia, with love.

Ambassadors

When Ben and Frankie were little guys, I used to remind them that no matter where they were, or what they were doing, someone was watching them.  As such, they needed to be mindful to be on their best behavior.

I used to also say, "You are ambassadors.  You represent me.  You represent your school.  You represent your city (mostly stated when they played away games). You represent black folks.  Like it or not, you are the 'stand in' for young black males everywhere.  A heavy burden?  Maybe.  Not so much though, if you're doing the right thing anyway."

So given that broad definition that we can apply to anyone, we're all ambassadors, aren't we?

That's especially true here, where we have people from all over the world.

We represent our countries, our states, our schools, our families, and our religions, etc.

The reason I chose to visit Egypt first, was because of the wonderful guys I met who were Egyptian.  I wanted more of what they had to offer.  And thankfully, the trip didn't disappoint.  I met fabulous folks on this journey.

They were my Egyptian ambassadors.

Likewise, I've all but replaced another country on my list because of they way the folks act that I've come in contact with.  I can't imagine dealing with a whole country of people like this.

Is it fair to judge on this scale?

No, of course not.

But we do it everyday.

I've been reminded a lot recently, of the times when I was married, and Frank would stop strangers on the street, telling them about God.  I was never comfortable with this "witnessing."

I'd much rather let my actions speak for me.  If I'm doing the right thing, living in peace, helping others, then I felt (and still feel) that my actions speak louder than anything I could say to convince someone to follow me.

Likewise, I view other religions through their followers.  Are these folks I want to emulate?  Are they treating people they way I want to be treated?  Do I want to "buy" what they're selling?

Ambassadors.

All of us.

How are we representing our world?

Until next time.

Cheers.

Having Fun?

Watch the kid's expressions.  They're priceless.  I wish I knew what the man (his father?) is saying.

Nature or nurture?

Whatever it is, this kid has talent galore.

Enjoy!

http://www.wimp.com/pianokid/

The Jetson's

This car is giving Luther a run for his money.

The Google Boys have done it again.

http://biertijd.com/mediaplayer/?itemid=39089

Families

There's this great Microsoft commercial that features two brothers, a year or two apart, and it shows the fun and sibling rivalry as they grow up through the years. It ends with them still competing as grown men.

It reminded me of the men in my world.

In many ways, your siblings know you best.  They have been with you from the beginning.  There is the exception, of course.  It doesn't hold true when there are many years that separate you.  But, for the most part, if you grow up together, it does.

What, or who, makes a family?

Brothers, sisters, moms and dads?  Extended relatives?

The people you meet in life, that you connect with on a deeper level, can't they be considered family, too?

What makes some folks better at being families than others?

Forrest and I were chatting about the recent death of a dear friend of his.  And we marveled at what a wonderful man he was, but we also noted that his whole family were just "good people."  People who made you a better person by knowing them.

Why are some people better at being families than others?  What did this family do that made such an extraordinary difference in how they all turned out?

If, we as families, basically all start off the same, why don't we end up in the same place?

Why are some families so dysfunctional you wonder how they made it all at?  And others, like this family friend's, made it look easy and are models for us all?

Here's to families everywhere, trying to figure this out, and doing the best we can.

Powerful Letter

This was written by an Iraqi War veteran, to Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney.  It is as touching as it is damning.

http://www.truthdig.com/dig/item/the_last_letter_20130318/

Petty People in Charge

Petty people + power = where stupidity reigns supreme.

http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2013/03/19/the-journey-home/

Spock's Message

Although this was written in 1968, the message is apropos for today.  "Spock" responds to an interracial kid on fitting in.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/13/spock-teenage-outcast_n_2863113.html

Makeup & Stilettos

When you see women with makeup on, it's usually layer upon layer of it.  Like they're made up for the stage, or like Forrest says, that "embalmed" look.

Side note - I can't remember if I've written about the use of makeup here, and of course, I'm too lazy to go back and check.  So, if this is a repeat, please forgive me.

I'm still surprised when I see a woman all dolled up.  Especially since, on the one hand, they go to great lengths to cover up so they won't be seen, but then many wear makeup that makes you take a second look and go  . . . hmmmm.

Every mall has at least a half dozen stores that sell makeup exclusively, and they do brisk business.

Shoes, namely stilettos, are popular with the locals, too.

I was reminded of this when I noticed someone at work with heavy makeup and shoes with six-inch heels.  Of course, I was then curious to know what she had on under her abaya.  Designer clothes, too?

I think most women dress up to be seen or noticed by guys, but since dating in the true sense doesn't happen here, what's the point?  Are they dressing to be noticed by other women, maybe?

The malls are also filled with stores selling formal wear.  Some of it pretty risqué. These are worn to weddings, where only women are in attendance, until late in the evening when the groom shows up.

They start this practice young.  When we have special programs, our girls as young as first grade, wear formal floor-length dresses with full makeup.  Reminds me of "Toddlers & Tiaras."

So, when it comes to makeup and shoes, our worlds are not that different.

Emma

Thirty seconds of fun, thanks to a French-made commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=RRDSj62tlvQ

A Sigh of Relief

My Mom used to say, "Tell me who you follow, and I'll tell you who you are."  I didn't really get this one until I had Ben and Frankie, and even then, it didn't gel until they were off to college.

It all came together for me when I met their friends.  It was only then that I could breathe a sigh of relief, and rest in the knowledge that they had chosen their friends wisely.

A deliberate act or a fluke?

No matter.

As parents we stumble along, praying that we get things right.  Sometimes we do. Sometimes we don't.

Should we earn an "A" for effort?

Maybe.

Probably . . . because . . .

Parenthood is no joke.

As wonderful as it is, I think it's the hardest job we'll ever have.

Somehow, if you're lucky/fortunate/blessed, once your kids grow up, you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

That's when the real fun begins.

She's My Hero!

Watch this granny dance and listen close as she gets in the car.  I love her!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/06/dancing-nana-grandma-dances-video_n_2823349.html

Questions?

If you know someone who is cheating in a relationship, do you expose them, or let the certainty of karma take it's course?

When the dirt is all out there for everyone to see, do you continue to embrace that person, or kick them to the curb for their indiscretions?

What if this person is family?

What if the aggrieved is family?

Do you shop around for a hit man?

Or do you do the humane thing and forgive?

Is there any indiscretion that we should deem unforgivable?

Do kids from broken homes make better mates because they want to be better than the disfunction they witnessed and were inescapably a part of?

Or, do they make the same mistakes because they were never taught how to create, or be a part of, a caring, positive environment?

Finally, why do people screw around in the first place?

Is it just because they can?

Or, is it because they think something is missing, and so they look for greener pastures?

How much of their inner conflict is based not on what their mate is or isn't doing, but on their own shortcomings that they have refused to deal with?

I know you're thinking . . . I missed my calling.

I should have been a shrink.

You can stop rolling your eyes now.

Think about it though.

They're master at asking questions (although I'm not claiming to be).  As part of their training, do they have a mandatory class on questioning strategies to get people to give up and share their deep dark secrets?  Does this trait help them in their own relationships?  Or is it an annoying tick their mate has to deal with?

OK.

Maybe psychiatry/psychology is not my thing, but it sure is interesting looking from the outside in.

What are some of your questions?

Last Words

The link below from Salon features famous last words.  Interesting.

http://www.salon.com/2013/03/07/famous_and_infamous_last_words/

Classic Quotes

Hat tip to Roz for sharing this.  It's the closing remarks of an email.  I've cherry picked the best to share with you.

TODAY IS THE OLDEST YOU'VE EVER BEEN,

YET THE YOUNGEST YOU'LL EVER BE.

SO - ENJOY THIS DAY WHILE IT LASTS.

 

~Your kids are becoming you......but your grandchildren are perfect!

 

~Going out is good.. Coming home is better!

 

~The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don't care to do them anymore.

 

~You sleep better on a lounge chair with theTV blaring than in bed. It's called "pre-sleep".

 

~You miss the days when everything worked with just an "ON" and "OFF" switch..

 

~You tend to use more 4 letter words ... "what?"..."when?"... ???

 

~What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

 

~You have 3 sizes of clothes in your closet.... 2 of which you will never wear again.

 

 

~~~But Old is good in some things: Old Songs, Old movies, and best of all, OLD FRIENDS!!

 

Stay well, "OLD FRIEND!"

 

 

The Corniche

The Corniche is a beautifully designed stretch of beach that I pass every time I drive to Abu Dhabi.  Below is a link with pictures of it.  Take the time to read the captions. They speak volumes to the way of life here.

http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/tourism/in-pictures-abu-dhabi-corniche#1

Chris Tucker and the Russian Embassy

Last Thursday I trekked to Abu Dhabi to see the comedian, Chris Tucker.  What a treat that was!  Surprisingly, there were lots of local men and women.  I kept thinking, do they know this guy?  Do they know that he can be risqué?  And if, or rather, when he is, is that going to be a problem?

Nope.  Not at all.

They were lapping it up.  It helps that Chris comes off as the cool kid that everyone wants to hang with.  Some of his best material were the local jokes.  Again, the crowd loved him.

Now to the Russian Embassy.

I'm headed to Moscow for Spring Break, and so is one of my teachers and her family. She asked if I've gotten my visa.  Of course, I hadn't thought about it because in most places you can pick them up at the airport when you land.

Anyway, thank God for this lady.  In order to visit Russia, you have to go online and get an "invitation" to visit the country, and complete a lengthy application.  Without her help, I would have been up a creek.  She also shared the GPS coordinates, which was critical to finding the place.

Interestingly, it is not anywhere near Embassy Row, where most are located.  It is housed in a large, old nondescript building surrounded by storefronts.  The only clue that you've found the place are the guards posted at every corner.  They were kinda cute.  Very laid back.  Teddy bearish.

Inside, the place was manned by Russians, unlike the American Embassy, which didn't have an American in sight.

There were Russian speaking folks there for visas, too.  Not sure why they needed them.

Here's is how it works.

You present your paperwork to a clerk, who checks it, and when its all good, she takes your passport and gives you a bill for the services.

Here's the wild part.

They don't handle any money directly.  You have to go to their bank where they have an account, deposit the money, bring back the receipt, wait for a while for them to complete everything, and then you're done.  My friend suggested I park Luther and take a cab to the bank and back.  Again, this was great advice.  It took a total of two hours, although with all of the running around, it seemed a lot longer. The only branch of the bank open after hours is in Abu Dhabi Mall.  What a madhouse that was!

Anyway, thankfully, with the visa in hand, I'm ready to go.  Come April 2nd, I'll be on my way.  The following week I'm headed to Ethiopia.  You can be sure I'm checking their visa requirements as soon as I post this.

Things have been crazy busy at work, so the break will be a welcome reprieve.

Hope that all is well in your world.

More soon.

Cheers.

Good Doggy!

This was forwarded to me from Roz.  Huge thanks to her for sharing this clip of this amazingly helpful pooch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=P9Fyey4D5hg