Moscow

Day 5 - Friday 1/18

Roxy left us a message saying she was getting bored in the mornings. Her technique classes don’t start until after lunch and during the morning, all of the Russian kids are in the academic classes. Roxy has been getting her online school done early then sitting around a waiting. However, she was very proud to tell us that she had made a schedule and was trying to stick to it. Four days in and she’s totally dialed. She has a purpose and a sense of belonging. She’s making friends. This is home for her.



Bec and I took off looking for stuff to get Roxy to stem a little of her boredom. Bec managed to find the Russian version of Michael’s, Leonardo’s. Another adventure into Russian suburbia and mall life. We’re becoming old hats at this.



Stepping out of the Metro building, the sun had decided to make an appearance. The weirdness of the Russian sky line grabbed hold. Beautiful architecture crossed by power lines and cables of an infrastructure from a bygone era. Anachronisms everywhere. There’s a sci-fi, steampunk vibe to it all.



Inside the mall, we found Leonardo’s and grabbed Roxy some yarn, a couple of crochet needles, a box of colored pencils and a few books to color and draw in. On the way out we grabbed a deck of cards so she could teach some of the kids how to play Garbage. She loves to play the game.

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at the Academy to drop everything off to her. She came down into the lobby and was adamant that she could only stay for 10 min otherwise we were going to throw off her schedule. She had yet to be outside since arriving so, we told her we would come back later to take her out to dinner.



We walked back to get her then took her around the corner to a local cafe. Having her at dinner was great since she could translate the menu for Bec and I.

Only a few more days left but she is more than ready to be here on her own.

 

Fantastic pics and story!! Awesome.

Careful, we know what happened to the Romanov’s...

 

Day 6 - Saturday 1/19

Lazy day. Bec hasn’t adjusted to the time change very well so I’m writing while she’s napping. I may have to go for a walk around the neighborhood with a camera.

We’ll be picking Roxy up later this afternoon to take her to dinner and then La Bayadere at the Bolshoi Theatre.

More pics later...

 

Wow those are some cool pictures!

 

Outstanding pics Sean. Curious as to the cuisine too. Can't be all borcsht. Or is it...heh...heh..

 

Awesome right there! What a great experience at such a young age. Keep the pics coming

 

One of the best threads on this forum by far.

 

Amazing story and experaince unfolding for your daughter! The anxiety I have when my oldest tells us she's going to attend College 12hrs away. Congrats to your family and I wish y'all the Best.

 

Awesome stuff Sean, thanks for sharing. I love your use of black and white. Funny how much feeling is imparted by it's use.

 

This is tremendously enjoyable to read and see your pics. You have a true gift, and have given your daughter a tremendous opportunity. Best wishes to you all and safe travels home.

 

I just saw the movie Red Sparrow. I didn’t know much about the Bolshoi until I saw the movie. Decent movie, but a little over the top and certainly not something I’d watch with the kids! Awesome in 4K. And Jennifer Lawrence, well she is something else.

 

from the theatre last night. the bolshoi is indescribable.

 

Day 6 continued

We got all gussied up and went outside to -10C for the walk over to the Academy to pick up Roxy. Over to the Metro then down to city center. Treated ourselves to a fabulous dinner at the Bolshoi restaurant then went to the theatre.

The theatre was unbelievable. It is a cornerstone of Russian history. The company was founded in 1776. It has survived multiple fires, the 1917 Revolution, Lenin, WWI, WWII and Stalin. The most notable thing of the night was the respect given to it by the public. Everyone was dressed to the nines. Yes, even me. Some were black tie. The cheers of bravo and the near constant clapping show how much everyone here appreciates the art form of ballet. It is a completely different experience to watching a ballet in the States. Roxy was on the edge of her seat the entire show.

Back on the Metro to take her back to the Academy then a short walk back to the hotel. The dropping temps turned most of the sidewalks into ice rinks so, the walk back was rather amusing.

 

Day 7 - Sunday 1/20

Picked up Roxy from the Academy mid-morning. Temps hovering about 0C but the wind had a definite bite on it.





We headed over to the Grishko store again as she needed some historical dance shoes as well as a skirt for class. From there we went to go find lunch.



Roxy has had a thing for avocados ever since she was a baby. As you can imagine, finding an avocado in Moscow is slightly difficult. Bec found a restaurant called the Avocado Queen where every dish features avocado as an ingredient. Back on the Metro for a few stops to another new neighborhood for us.

Turns out the neighborhood was swanky urban hipster. Lots of high end cars parked on the street. Women fully done up and cruising through the snow in 4 inch heels and full length fur coats. Fashion shoot taking place on a corner.



Roxy saw the sign for the restaurant and lost it.. Just a priceless reaction. Unfortunately, it was reservation only today so we didn’t get in. It’s on the list for when we pick her up in June.



So, we headed back down to city center for a late lunch near Red Square. Popped into a bookstore to grab a Russian dictionary for her language class which starts on Monday. Then we wandered over to Red Square to show her all the Christmas stuff and St. Basil’s. Not sure when the Christmas Fair closes but it was wall to wall people tonight.



Stopped into the hotel to give Roxy her passport and some cash then we took her to the market on the way back to the Academy. She need some water, snacks, fruit and a few other things. One of the women working the market, Tatiana, has a daughter going to college in Colorado. Small world. She said she would look out for Roxy when she came into the market and passed along her number.



We got her back to the Academy and waited while she made a couple of trips upstairs with her groceries. We’re not allowed up to the dormitory. She came back down, big hugs, smiles all around. ‘Okay, you guys can go now. Bye. Text you tomorrow. Get home safe.’ And with that, she bounded down the hall. Right before she turned the corner, there was one last wave.

 

An almighty experience for your daughter!!

You should be proud

 

food has been amazing. so good. bec and i haven't had a bad meal the entire week. even the hotel restaurant is very good. roxy on the other hand, she has a little adjusting to do...

the cafeteria at the academy switches between borscht and potato soup. saying that roxy doesn't quite like the borscht would be a bit of an understatement. she does like the potato soup though. most of the food they serve to the kids is healthy but rather bland and simple.

 

I would imagine the cafeteria potato soup isn't too bad. Yep...a lot of adjusting to do. Your daughter looks so excited in the pics!

 

@smslavin what a wonderful thread! It’s almost like reading a good book that I can’t put down!! What an amazing journey you and your beautiful family have!

 

Can’t beat traveling, makes people better people that’s for sure

 

Man, Sean! You’re killing it with the pics! I knew Moscow was beautiful, but buddy, you truly convert that beauty through the lens better than some pro’s I’ve seen!

Amazing few months ahead for Roxy! I know she’s amped beyond belief!
Has to be a bittersweet trip for you and your wife. But sounds like you guys did a tremendous job raising your daughter!
Hell, I don’t follow ballet, but I know you don’t get into the Bolshoi on accident or without some grit and hard work. Sounds like she’ll fit in just fine there!

You guys are in my thoughts and truly hope Roxy gets way more than she desires from this experience!

Have a safe rest of the trip!

Oh and try not to do what Ethan did last time he was in Moscow will you?

 

Totally agree

 

@smslavin : Thanks so much for sharing your trip to Moscow with us. Your photography is outstanding as usual.
I know that you and Bec will miss Roxy terribly but this is an incredible opportunity for Roxy that she had to work unbelievably hard to earn.
You and Bec have be very proud of Roxy. You have raised her extremely well!
Please continue to share Roxy’s journey with us as it goes along.

 

Just simply amazing Sean. Congratulations to Roxy and your family.
Safe travels home.
Excellent pictures as usual.

 

most definitely. going someplace without your native tongue just adds to it. a smile and a thank you in the native language goes so far. people appreciate the effort.

thank you.

moscow has been amazing. everyon we’ve met has been over the top helpful and polite. the city is beautiful even in the dead of winter. it’ll be nice to see it again in june then in the fall.

if you can figure out a way to get here, i highly recommend it.

 

They are just called Mules?

"That's"

Awesome pics! Awesome experience and chance for her.

 

Sounds like Mine and Doc’s trip to Paris a few years ago. Nothing but helpful people, great city, absolutely gorgeous.
Even hit it off with a baker that worked at this little bakery we frequented (chocolate croissants were to die for)....never got his name. But regardless of the language barrier, we had plenty of laughs. Shows how far a smile and open mind with a dash of humbleness can take you huh?

I’ll definitely put Moscow on our “vacation bucket list”
If you give it a thumbs up, i’d be remiss to skip over it!

Stay safe, buddy

 

I'm gonna say, I appreciate the nuance of Sean the author vs. sean the guy. This is a treat, you utilyzing punctuation. It does add to the formality of your reporting. Thank you for sharing this with us!

Can we send a care package of Frank's Red Hot, Tobasco, some chili powder, so she can flavour UP?

 

if you're into history books, grab a copy of

$19 Bolshoi Confidential: Secrets of the Russian Ballet from the Rule of the Tsars to Today

bolshoi confidential. well worth the read. for russian history in general,

$18 Russia: A 1000-Year Chronicle of the Wild East

russia by martin sixsmith is the best book on the subject.

i use punctuation. just not capitals. and, yea, you're going to try and tell me that capitals are punctuation but, in my head, they're not...

 

And...this is why we have RULES.
Really enjoying the pictures and trip reports. Thank you