Posted Jan 8, 2012, 11:28 am
hehehe, I'm COOOOOL!
Posted Feb 10, 2012, 7:34 pm
At last I have finished my travel and arrived to Russia! Oh, I am bothered to sleep in the envelope!
Though I could have a bite of tasty sweets, I didn't as I has brought them for my new friends. But it seems, there is someone else on a photo?
Yes, it is a dog of my host who has noticed my gifts and wants to take away all of them! But, certainly, I have rescued them and have given to other TV, they hardly often eat Japanese delights. Kioko who has absolutely accustomed here already, has presented to me a traditional Russian sweet "Golden Cockerel". Well, we have got acquainted and now it is time to study Moscow! I want to make the first step outside! 
Posted Feb 18, 2012, 7:49 pm
Today we decided to be engaged in good business and to help birdies to live happily. You know, in Russia it’s really cold in winter, therefore wild animals in the city have problems – where to live and where to eat. My host lives near to park, so we solved to create a feeding for titmouse and sparrows - almost free, but effective!
At first we take a juice package, certainly empty. I like an apple one - beautiful green box, reminds of summer among white snow.
Then we measure distances accurately and line everything by the pen. Hm, it is not so convenient to me to hold the handle by my paws.
Now we take a knife and start to cut out apertures. Not so simply, when a knife is bigger than you!
We paste a paper over edges to help birdies not to wound when they would fly inside. Well we also can do more beautiful! What do you think?
We insert a branch so birdies could eat sitting. I have found chopsticks - excellent idea!
Last but not least - a tasty feed! For this case we bought the real delicacy - apples, peaches, grapes, cherry, seashell crumb, seeds and cereals. Sounds good! Now in park there will be the thickest and healthy titmouse and sparrows.
Finally, we adhere a feeding to a tree and wait for visitors. Bon appetit!
Posted Mar 3, 2012, 4:05 pm
Terrible snowfalls still storm in Moscow; therefore we continue to visit museums! I’m waiting for spring, streams and birdies so much! =) Today we have decided to visit the Polytechnical museum – one of the oldest scientific and technical museums of the world that emphasizes the progress of Russian and Soviet technology. The museum was opened in 1872 and it is completely devoted science development - chemistry, physics, electronics, there are over 190 thousand museum subjects. Our excursion was very interesting and informative. Everywhere I saw tablets in English that has allowed receiving tons of new knowledge for non-russian tourists. And also there are interactive models which will make a science more fun!
The very first exhibit that we met is the Soviet nuclear bomb – RDS-1. Its non-official name is The First Lightning (Pervaya molniya) and it was used in the Soviet Union's first nuclear weapon test, code-named Joe-1, in reference to Joseph Stalin. It was exploded on 29 August 1949, at Semipalatinsk, Kazakh SSR, after a top-secret R&D project. At Lavrenty Beria's insistence, the RDS-1 bomb was designed as an implosion weapon similar to the Fat Man bomb dropped on Nagasaki, Japan; it was an implosion type weapon with a solid plutonium core.
My host says that we live in very strange world when for peaceful life it is necessary to make bombs. If the USA after the attack of Japan stayed monopolist in nuclear arms, nobody could know, what would be a destiny of mankind. Thank God that Cold War hasn't outgrown in Third World one.
Then we have passed in the huge hall telling about the oil industry in Russia. Can you believe, that earlier oil extracted from wells like water till middle of 19 century? And was transported by camels. So weird!
I have been very impressed by a huge platinum nugget more than 9,5 kg in weight. It was found in the Ural mines. Host told me that platinum has been found for the first time in 1819 in Russia. But it was very cheap and was called as "rotten gold", nobody needed it. You know, a word "platinum" literally means «small silver». Such scornful name can be explained by bad fusibility of platinum so it was estimated twice lower than silver. Well now this nugget costs more than 530 thousand dollars! Certainly, it is a model, because it would be too dangerous to keep it here.
In a museum it is possible to see development of art processing of stone, one of the first natural materials used by the men. Russian masters, unlike European ones, aspired to follow more unique natural drawing and beauty of marble, than templates. This marble mosaic table-top has been created in the Peterhof Lapidary Factory in 19th century. This well-known factory produced beautiful things for the Hermitage!
Look, there is a steelmaker's spoon It is made more than 40 years ago. So interesting that it is used not for the basic work of metal fusion, but for removal of tests. By this spoon a steelmaker scoops liquid metal and sends it to experts to find out, which components don't suffice the quality.
Here it is a first Russian TV with new, for the first time in the world applied standard of clearness in 625 lines - "Moskvich-T1" (Muscovite – T1). I can't understand, what could be pleasant to watch it! Seriously, it is easier to listen to radio, than to crowd round the TV!
It is very amusing record player, isn't it? I saw many record players - they have these huge pipes which strengthen a sound. But this one has zither - the string resonator. Zither strings vibrate from a sound. Each string of a zither responds on a sound of "its" note, strengthening it. So unusual!
Also we saw different models of cars created many centuries ago. This one on a photo has been thought up in 1600 in Holland! Amusing, it is look like overland ship. Imagine, if such cars drive on streets today!
And in the end we have come into a hall of high technologies - computers! A group photo for memory! (There was very strict keeper who didn't like toys on technical devices)
There is the main stage in working out of modern computers is presented – the machine tool which reads out punched cards. We have been told that at the beginning – in 1820 - there was a weaving loom working this way. The pattern which was necessary for weaving was set by them. Inventor Herman Hollerit has decided to use a similar method for processing of results of population census in America. Processing of results of last census has been counted almost seven years! And the population continued to increase … But the machine automatically processed results. Finally results have been processed for six weeks!
And at the very end of excursion we have seen this remarkable gadget for electricity development. Looks like a bicycle connected with wires. You should twist pedals, and in a case a device that is sufficed of electricity – the hair dryer, a mixer or even the TV - starts to work! What a pity, that my legs don't get to pedals
Posted Mar 20, 2012, 4:11 pm
We stand and stand…
Oh, at last we are inside! First of all we meet corncrake - very noisy and cautious bird. When a spring arrives it occupies at once the territory and chases everybody who encroaches on it
The next photo is called “The Latent threat”. In a second after this shot the terrible spider on a background attacked the guest-fly.
There is a Brave Lemminig - I would call it a Frightening Lemming. Probably, the photographer has bothered him strongly and the poor lemming shouted: “Get out from my house”!
Here the huge Siberian salmon tries to eat me. You know, that it is considered the champion among fishes on height of a jump from water?
The excellent shot with Elephant seal is called Big and small. Males of elephants weighs 3,5 tons and in comparison with me it is really huge!
This beautiful photo is made in Russia. In April the big gray herons have already made “the choice” and they can pay much attention each other. Soon they become parents and easy life will end
And last but not least - tomorrow I will not be in Moscow any more! Guess, where? The host took me to Thailand! First we wanted to go to Maldives, but a boyfriend of my host has forbidden because of political problems. OK, we will visit Thailand! There are more sights and we will have more fun!
Posted Apr 8, 2012, 8:30 pm
At last I can publish amazing photos of my holidays in Thailand! I can warn you, there are more photo than one hundred therefore at me it’s a lot of work
Hey, my very first day of holiday begins! You know, how long it takes to fly to Thailand from Moscow? 9 hours! And one and a half more to the small island Samui where we will enjoy everything. Add time at three airports between planes, and day passes. But of course, holidays are worth it!
Everything begins in Domodedovo – one of four airports in Moscow, the biggest and overloaded airport in Russia. It was opened in 1963 and sends more than 400 flights a day!
We approach to our table. We’ve chosen flight of Transaero Company. It is the leader among the Russian companies by quality of transportations. Well, and by the price of the ticket too.
Plus, we have a business class. It isn't necessary, but we are going to fly all night long. I couldn’t imagine, how it is possible to sit 9 hours long on inconvenient armchair, some people can't even extend a foot, what to say about sleeping. Comfort is money!
So, it is necessary to be checked on the x-ray device. It seems, there are no metal explosive parts and water in me but who knows?
Well, we passed customs, before our flight it is 2 hours, than how we will waste our time? Let's eat. The last European food for a half-month – it is still unclear what we will find in Thailand …
The business class gives another remarkable priority – a special waiting room. It is awesome to relax in a soft chair with a plate of snacks. These luminous bubbles behind my back –it is so cool!
At last, we in the plane. I never saw such amusing chairs-capsules, did you? Now we can sit and read a book comfortably …
And by pressing one button they automatically turn into the real bed! Yes, in such armchair it is possible to sleep perfectly 9 hours long! And the back doesn't move, so nobody hangs over. Super!
Short stop at the airport of Bangkok. There is no time for photography – it is necessary to take away luggage and send to the following flight! But this mosaic on a wall I simply couldn't pass – so beautiful.
And certainly, always there is enough time for the most tasty coconut. Oh, it is necessary to drink directly from a nut? And the barman instead of using a shaker takes a sharp hatchet, does 3 strokes, a straw and everything is ready. Exotic!
At last, cute small airport of island Samui (or coh Samui as local people say). Very small. Compare it with my first photo! But it is so lovely. There are many airports in picturesque exotic places worldwide, but the island Samui airport is known as the most harmonious with the nature of Thailand. Only two companies work there: Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways. An airport building has only one floor, in colors and flowers.
So, after our arrival we look in a map to reconnoiter the area. Such a tiny island! We are in the top right corner. And our hotel is on the right coast, between two "horns". Look, there is the only McDonald's on the island nearby. Mmmm, civilization!
My God, it is so pleasant to lay down on the real bed and to extend feet! Moreover on such beautiful one.
The first day of my holiday came, I shouldn’t hurry up now, I take a breath for a few minutes in our room, as there is a conditioner, and on the street it is really hot!
Posted Apr 12, 2012, 9:18 pm
In my story about Thailand we move from one step to the next. At first I told about flight, now I pass to our settling. So, we live in Fair House Resort hotel in Chawengnoi beach. My host chose it, as a quiet place where it is possible to sleep sweet under palm trees. At the same time there is Chaweng beach some kilometers to the north – the most party place of the island.
The hotel is protected by two small gods – my host called them "kamnegryzy" - stone-nibblers. I don't know, the sculptor thought up them or they are from local folklore, but look scary. It seems to me, or he has hearts on his stone?
You know, what really amazed me after arrival? Reception! I never saw such fantastically beautiful building. It is all surrounded with greens (well, it is Thailand; there is A LOT of greens). And the Indian god – Ganesh meets us, for some reason. Hm, OK, maybe the majority of tourists are induist. I always thought that official religion of Thailand – the Buddhism.
There is a zoo around the reception-building – terribly dissatisfied elephant
and cheerful pig.
In general, as I understood, Thais adore sculptures and figures. Look – on a small corner of their table - four figures and all different!
Geese are interested in a beautiful bouquet of flowers. And on a distant wall – a portrait of the emperor. It hangs in each building. Nearby – a portrait of the queen, and on another wall – one of princesses. What a respect to royal family!
And more animals – small happy elephant. Elephants are on each corner there – a symbol of Thailand, by the way!
Group photo while waiting for registration. We were given a glass of fruit juice – there is a bar on reception, but it produces only this single glass – if you want to drink – go on a beach!
Finally a small automobile came and we are going to our house. It is interesting that we live further than everybody else from reception – practically on the beach, on the very end of the territory belonging to hotel. Plus, reception (and near - the exit from the territory) is much higher than a beach – it is on a hill. So 1-2 times a day when we wanted to eat, we were necessary to lose couple of kgs at first, clambering upward on the street. But let's talk about it later.
So, it's our room. On the right another one, belonging to German tourists, and the beach begins. Disappointingly that there is no dryer – it is necessary to hang out swimsuits on a balcony. And so convenient – a basin for washing feet near every building. You are walking barefoot all the time and when you come home – simply dip feet in a basin.
Our number is rather small, for three people. Such beautiful pictures hang on walls.
Lamps are very unusual and very badly shine. In general, number isn't shined at all, it is hard to read books! We need to remove lamp shades from lamps or you can't see anything. By the way, on a photo – my host with the parents
As I show you a bedroom – I will show a bathroom too. Everything is excellent, but I'm surprised that there is no bath curtain. Of course, I do not splash strongly, when I wash, but if someone pours over all floor and slip?
And here there is our beach chairs on a beach. Look at this huge tree – many people are going to lie under it! Also what is that white foam plastic piece with a hieroglyph for? Perhaps "lifebuoy" or protective spell?
Posted Apr 16, 2012, 3:10 pm
Let me break my Thai photos with some common one – it’s Orthodox Easter today! In Russian it is named Paskha.
My host isn't too religious, but we visited her grandma and had a lot of fun.
It's religious feast at first, so the main action happens on a Saturday night - people put on their best clothes and come together in dark churches that symbolize a gloomy world without the light of faith. In the past, satanic creatures were believed to turn especially evil in the night before Easter. People didn’t dare to go outside after sunset as they feared every cat could be a witch and every dog a devil!
So, it’s interesting, that there is not Easter rabbit in Russia! They don't go search eggs; they just change them with their friends and family and kissed 3 times. My host’s grandma don’t paint eggs – she bought special plastic paintings and stick them with boil water. Looks so beautiful!
And there is special food on Sunday: Paskha and Culich
(Easter - is made from spesial cottage cheese, nuts and raisins
Little easter cake - is a bread with a lot of sugar and candied fruit.) Mmmmm, yummy!
Should pay more attention - what great embroideries are created by the grandmother! It’s her hobby and all walls of the apartment are covered with such “pictures”! And pillowcases on pillows too were embroidered by her. Super needlework!
Posted Apr 18, 2012, 7:24 pm
Today I want to show you my hotel – in general. You can see that the main colour here is green. There are trees and plants absolutely everywhere and my host told me that they are “real” – grow by themselves. In Turkish and Maldivian resorts every tree was planted by human. But not here! So, welcome to Samui!
We started our walk at sunrise from the seashore. Even mountains are covered be trees!
Let’s lie down for a moment on a chaise lounge and enjoy sunbathe together, the beach is so beautiful!
Also we have a small pond, I think, it is intended for watering. Small fishes and beautiful lotuses swim here.
Our pool is very small and absolutely empty day and night. Who want to swim in the pool, when there is an ocean?
The most interesting trees here are "sheaves". Lianas braid a tree very strong and even if it perishes from a lack of air, they don't fall, and continue to stand!
As I said, this island is absolutely fantastic. It looks like the most peaceful place on the Earth. And the hotel does a lot of things to help you enjoy good weather, like this cute pavilion.
Posted Apr 22, 2012, 6:51 pm
In this post I want to describe you our ingestion. We chose hotel with only a breakfast, it helped us not to overpay. Thus, we have breakfast in hotel, during the lunchtime we have a bite fruit, and for a dinner we go to "city" and enjoy local exotica.
So, we wake up and go to the dining room.
It is very lovely, light and comfortable. There is a salad bar, some muesli-flakes, ham, bread, juice. Separately hot dishes and fruits stay. Besides, you can get a fresh omelette or fried eggs.
It is possible to gather such a huge plate in the morning to get myself fill for all day long
We pass to a dinner. The first few days we ate kgs of fruit. I ate the whole pineapple plantation! Very conveniently - you sit down on a verandah at a little table, cut pineapple, you can sugar it or water with a lime juice... Yum-yum! And every day you can try something new - Dragon fruit, Lychee, Lamai, Mango, Mangosteen - you will not list them all!
In shop we bought some nuts so our meal was more substantial
But what should we do, if you used to eat densely and aren't satisfied with fruit? It is a terrible heat that goes from asphalt on the street and it is better not to leave. We should go to small restaurant on the beach. It is rather expensive there (if it is possible to consider 80 euros for three person with wine expensively), but the place is literally two steps away from your house and the cuisine is really tasty.
And the remarkable way to finish a good lunch - to sit, drinking coconut juice and enjoying a fine view of the sea. And if you want to swim - it is not necessary to go far!
At last, dinner!
We leave the territory of hotel and move up or down on the street. There are hundred tiny small restaurants here, in only 15 minutes of walking! You choose any of them; they are almost identical according to the menu and at its prices. Certainly, we preferred Thai cuisine, but for the variety, it was possible to choose German, Japanese or American small restaurant. And only 40 euros for three persons!
Often it’s family business - a husband cooks food, a wife is waitress, and a daughter stands up for the cash desk. Also I saw some Thais who eat there too, so quality of food is high. Once we came in absolutely local “ramen restaurant”, without the menu, without cloths on tables, and there ate for only 7 euros for three person! Soup was the most delicious in my life!
Posted Apr 27, 2012, 9:26 pm
Today we decided to stop lie on a beach like vegetables. Thailand is such a beautiful country, it is necessary to see more!
As excursion we chose is a trip to local small islands, snorkeling and swimming.
Everything begins near this small mooring. There are about 10 people with us; we float on one of these lovely boats.
It looks wonderful already. Other islands are seen on the horizon, but we will float much further, on the island Coh Tao "Turtle Island". Ko Tao was named by its first settlers for the island's turtle-like geographic shape. Coincidentally, the island is an important breeding ground for Hawksbill turtles and Green turtles. Development of tourism has negatively impacted the health of these grounds but a breeding program organised in 2004 by the Royal Thai Navy and KT-DOC, a coalition of local scuba diving centres has reintroduced hundreds of juvenile turtles to the island's ecosystem.
Oh, it’s a mad speed! It is necessary to keep and not to fall overboard!
So we are on a place. Beautiful! There are small tourist bungalows and local court boats. Such amusing - ordinary boats with the fan on a pole.
There are hundreds of fishes here! What a pity that I have no mask for a snorkeling, but from a water surface everything is perfectly visible. They are multi-colored, big and small.
You come into water from a sand beach, then by swimming reach a place surround by anchor buoys. There begins the real reef, dangerous and sharp. My host cut a foot while reached there. Thank God, sharks don’t live nearby.
We leave this hospitable island and come to another one where we will have lunch. Islands are far apart, you need to float an hour on our small board.
Mmmmm, bon appetit!
Excellent lunch - a plate of rice and four different curries - with meat, bird, fish and vegetables. My host was so happy; she hates to leave on a plate what she can't eat (she’s a vegetarian)
While we ate, the storm began. It began... then changed its mind and ended. Even a rain didn’t start. We are luckies!
Away, to the last island!
So, the last point of our travel - "The threefold island". Imagine two mountains growing from the ocean, like this one. And they are connected by a beach strip - white-white sand. Our guide suggested us to get on top of the mountain and to look at this beautiful island entirely. Well how is it possible to refuse?
And we climb upward on the wooden bridges which don’t inspire trust. Scary boulders are piled up one on another around us. Somewhere the bridge is broken, it is necessary to look for other ways!
Then up and up and up…
But the finish worth the spent efforts, if you see this view once, you’ll never forget it.
Oh, after such mad ascension it is necessary to have a rest.
Let's go to swim? These stones are visible again on this photo - why they don't fall?
Here, as I understand, it is possible to order a lodge. Islands are so small- I don't know, if there is even one cafe! And the unique entertainment - to rise up by the mountain every day!
And last fantastic photo. So quiet and calm.
Posted May 1, 2012, 11:55 am
Today we decided slowly walking around our hotel – we have already seen beautiful and green places – maybe, it’s time to look closer and deeper? Unfortunately, it’s rainy, the sky is grey. But is we can’t swim and take sunbathes, what are we going to do? Making photos, of course! So let’s take the biggest umbrella we have and don’t afraid of bad weather! By the way, do you see a funny frog behind us? It’s a special gadget for getting water - a hose can be connected with a mouth and it spits out water. Creatively!
Oh, look, whom did I find! Because of rain local snails decided to walk around - I counted three only near our verandah. And they are so huge!
And today there are awful waves! My host worries, but her mother adores swimming during in storm like that, even now it is possible to notice her head on water... Oops, where is she?
It seems, the rain comes to end, and we go deeper to the territory. I like these flowers in bags - very conveniently – you can take it simply and at once plant on a flowerbed.
Or this variant- for hang plants. Never saw it before!
There grow... vegetable marrows-mutants? I don't know what plant is it, do you? They are so heavy that it’s necessary to support them, or they will fall down.
Flowers here are grown up directly on palm trees. Imagine, the shell of a coco is taken, attached to a palm tree; the sprout is inserted inside and voila! It's big business here - the heap of a coconut shell is visible from afar. Also imagine, how many nuts tourists drink daily, probably it will suffice to tie each palm tree.
So beautiful. Feelings like you are in the national park, instead of in small hotel in Thailand - neither asphalt, nor flowerbeds - only the nature.
As another model of communication with the nature - a lodge for home spirits. One of the biggest that I saw. Here they are placed near each significant building - restaurant, receptions - for protection - they were constructed earlier, than the main buildings, thus alluring spirits. And this, huge, is probably for all hotel complex! Inside there is food, water, beautiful flower wreaths and tapes. I am especially impressed that inside everything is really made for little men - a ladder that helps them to rise, the tubule into a bottle with water that helps them not get a shower. Thus the majority of the population shrives the Buddhism; such "paganism" is very amusing.
It is possible to rent cars and motorcycles in hotel, and then put them in this convenient and beautiful parking. By the way, motorcycles are extremely popular among local population and they drive with awful speed. Very dangerous.
It is. As I can understand, local esteemed God - I don't know his name. We often put coins on a plateau near it, probably, therefore our rest passed so perfectly.
In this small multi-colored house some Thais do Thai massage. My host never used this offer (she is not delighted with massages), but, maybe, if I arrive to Thailand next time, I should visit this place?
Well, it's enough to wander on the hotel territory, it is necessary to get outside! Here such beautiful view opens directly near our gate. Cars rush like meteors. There is our traffic controler. If someone decides to cross the road, he whistles in a whistle for a long time to passing cars, creates a corridor and then transfers you to another side. He can even call for a taxi if it's necessary.
On sidewalks through every 20 meters such "little shops" stay, where you can buy... Guess, what is it on sale in bottles? It is gasoline! I thought that it is home-distilled alcohol at first.
Another small lodge for spirits. I said that they are everywhere here!
Wow, look, whom we met in a yard! We were afraid at first, but it appeared that the bull is attached to a column therefore we could approach closer and make a photo.
And palm trees, palm trees, palm trees... If to depart from the main road, everything around is surrounded by palm trees!
When we came back home, we found a lovely cat on our verandah! Though the rain ended long time ago, it, probably, dozed off and filled warm and safe.
Posted May 8, 2012, 11:18 am
Today we decided to take excursion on Samui entirely! It is very small island therefore it takes only half-day on all its survey. But as we here, it is necessary to learn more about this island. Besides, we’ve already been tired to lie on a beach. We ordered this service directly in our hotel so it is extremely cheap. Only 12 euros for one person for 6 hour journey by the comfortable bus. Fantastic!
Then we can take a view over the longest beach on Koh Samui 7 km. of white sand, clear water and nature. Our hotel is nearby from here.
I don't know, what is this - a sundial? lunar calendar? planetarium? and a pond with golden fishes in addition
Telling about lodges for spirits, this one brightest we met. It is visible from the road therefore each passing car signal, expressing the respect.
Then we saw the Monkey Show. The monkeys here used to be seen all over the island when selling coconuts was the main income for the local people. Now you can visit them and see the working relationship between man and monkey in harvesting the coconut trees.
Wat Khunaram temple – the most known and esteemed on Samui. I do not know what this image means – maybe a demon? And why then he is over the entrance of the temple?
You know, why it is well-known? The mummified monk! A native of Koh Samui he enjoyed a long prosperous family life until he was 50 years old when he decides to devote the last part of his life to the monkhood. After being ordain in 1944, he became reknown for his meditation practice for about 20 years. He was also able to foresee his own death in 1973 when he was 79 years old. After his death his body remained undecomposed so his family and deciples decided to place his body in an upright position with in the casket as requested by him in written instructions. To keep as a symbol to aspire the future generations to follow Buddhist teachings and be saved from suffering.
Despite that we don’t have enough time, I took a second to make a pair of beautiful photos.
Namuang Fall is famous on Koh Samui. It originates from the Mountain in the heart of the Island and falls from the Cliff 30-40 metres high. You can enjoy swimming and Jungle around the Area. It’s an important site because kings in Chakri dynasty have visited the place several times.
Also what I see? Oh, my God! People riding on elephants! Tell me, would you refuse it? Would you?
We choose an elephant and stand near this "elephant stop".
Now we sit down on the elephant and let’s go! Certainly, photos aren’t too impressing as I was afraid to fall down very much - the elephant awfully shakes! But believe me, I received tons of pleasure!
It not the end of our travel - we saw many temples then! But I will tell about them next time – too many photos
Posted May 16, 2012, 11:11 am
Finally I can continue my tale about Samui Island!
Here I am near a huge temple complex. Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) is one of Koh Samui’s most famous landmarks. Located near the airport, the site boasts an immense 12 meter tall golden Buddha image that can actually be seen from the plane as visitors fly into the island.
Construction of the temple was commenced in 1972 and since then, it has gained in popularity, now experiencing a healthy number of locals and tourists who come to pay their respects and take some amazing photographs.
Other attractions at the temple are a set of dragon-like naga that flank the stairs leading up to the Big Buddha itself and hmmm… green demon on an elephant?
With the amount of tourists coming in, the temple is constantly getting upgraded too, thanks to the large number of donations. If you wish to give money, there are plenty of ways to do it from buying floral garlands to getting your fortune read. We choose this one – you pay 2$ and “buy” a piece of tile. You can write something on it and give to a monk. Then with those tile the temple will be reconstructed. I hope, it will bring good luck to us!
The base of the statue is surrounded by several restaurants and shops selling snacks, jewelry, clothing and other souvenirs.
This place is so peaceful! There are hundreds of animals here, and no one tell them a bad word!
Near a river there are some statues that Thai adores so much. Probably it’s a folkloric scene from local history?
Here's a sample of how unusual the statues of the deities at those temples are. This 14 armed deity looks more like it belongs in India than in Thailand. She keeps a certain tool which helps to put things in order to a man in each of 14 hands. Best thing is, it's free entrance but dress conservatively if you want to show respect to the local people.
This is a look on the main building of temple, the Bot. It's beautifully decorated inside, with stories about Buddha's life painted on the walls and the ceiling.
Demons-guardians again. But they are blue this time
Also there is a pond with huge carps who are fed by tourists. You should pay $1/3 for a forage pailful13
Here is another part of complex – with Happy Buddha statue. So beautiful!
Posted May 20, 2012, 11:05 am
Today is our last day on Samui, so we decided to visit a local restaurant – to taste some extra-food, not just noodles and rice.
So, I went to the reception and bring a free special guide – the best restaurants of this island. Yes, Samui is really small, but there are at least 45 gourmet-restaurants!
So, let’s choose…
We had a little dispute here – where should we go? My host advised us to visit Amala – vegetarian restaurant. Guide said that it’s in an exceptional location at the western end of Big Buddha Beach and serves vegetarian cuisine “fine-dining” style.
So, we’ve never gone “meat-less” before, may be this place is good to start a new culinary adventure?
The restaurant looks fantastic! It has natural rocks and solid wooden features with modern stressed-concrete walls. On the back side you can see small kitchen garden where cooks can take some grass and vegetables for their delicious dishes!
And I can’t tell you much about cuisine… You should taste it by yourself, because it is absolutely fantastic! I took “Amala Antipasto” – soft rice paper rolls packed with fresh herbs vegetables and grilled tofu satay served with various sauses and “Zuppa di Pomodoro” – classic Italian-style tomato cream soup served with homemade garlic. I’ve never believe that vegetarian food can be so various and nourishing!
As this restaurant concerns the Indian culture, it is possible to see some beautiful bas-reliefs on a wall
And, of course, location. You can enjoy swimming in 15-metre infinity pool which runs along the small resort’s beach frontage and use their day-beds for a spot of sun-bathing and relaxing.
The restaurant was excellent. And now we have a rest on a bench, near a pond with goldfishes, waiting a taxi to return to hotel and to start to pack things to the airport.
Posted May 26, 2012, 1:04 pm
Let me finish my story about Thailand today. It was an unforgettable adventure and so a pity that it ended, but experience is amazing!
Here we go to the airport by the car. I want to take a rest and lie down on kindly provided sofa - so convenient and soft.
The tiny and lovely airport on Samui. Compare with my first photos from the Moscow airport. And what are those mad lamps on a ceiling?
Now in the airport there is an exhibition of the children's drawings devoted to the king. He is extremely popular among the people; it takes root since the childhood.
Just look, how many things people should leave at customs! Unfortunate tourists forget to put them in their suitcases. I am impressed especially by a huge heap of scissors
Airport is so unique! It is similar to the Moscow one, only imagine that 2 floors are stretched like one and a roof is demolished
Here it is possible to take rest on such remarkable small benches and admire a flowerbed with tulips.
Even indexes here are special - lovely monkeys. And flowers are everywhere.
And also ponds loved by Thais. How many of them I’ve met since the travel beginning?
A little bit more flowers
It is a waiting room. Certainly, not so grandiose, as at the Moscow airport, but very light and bright
Eh, last view of greens and broad lands. I hope, I will return here again!
We get on a bus, which will bring us to the plane.
And, here it is. The smallest and the cutest plane I’ve ever seen. I hope, it will reach well?
We are loaded into luggage...
And the last whom we see in Thailand - the security guard of the airport – Virulhok. It’s a giant with a dark blue body. He was the ruler of Maha anthakarn – the subterranean world. Bye-bye!!
Posted Jun 2, 2012, 12:09 am
Today we are visiting one of the most famous place in Russia – the Red Square. It separates the Kremlin, the former royal citadel and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter known as Kitai-gorod. As major streets of Moscow radiate from here in all directions, being promoted to major highways outside the city, Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia.
At first we will pass an entrance. Resurrection Gate is the only existing gate of the Kitai-gorod in Moscow. It connects the north-western end of Red Square with Manege Square and gives its name to nearby Voskresenskaya Square (Resurrection Square). The gate adjoins the ornate building of the Moscow City Hall to the east and the State Historical Museum to the west.
The State Historical Museum of Russia is a museum of Russian history, opened in 1872. Its exhibitions range from relics of the prehistoric tribes inhabiting present-day Russia, through priceless artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. The total number of objects in the museum's collection numbers in the millions. But my host tells me that she doesn’t like its color – pink or red… It cannot be compared with Kremlin.
Kazan Cathedral Russian: Казанский собор, also known as the "Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan", is a Russian Orthodox church located on the northeast corner of Red Square. The current building is a reconstruction of the original church, which was destroyed at the direction of then General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Joseph Stalin, in 1936.
It is well known and extremely disputable place - Lenin's Mausoleum also known as Lenin's Tomb. It is the mausoleum that serves as the current resting place of Vladimir Lenin. His embalmed body has been on public display there since shortly after his death in 1924 (with rare exceptions in wartime). Aleksey Shchusev's diminutive but monumental granite structure incorporates some elements from ancient mausoleums, such as the Step Pyramid and the Tomb of Cyrus the Great.
The Cathedral of the Protection of Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat also known as Saint Basil's Cathedral, is a Russian Orthodox church erected on Red Square in Moscow in 1555–61 on orders from Ivan the Terrible. It commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan.
St. Basil's marks the geometric center of Moscow. It has been the hub of the city's growth since the 14th century and was the city's tallest building until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.
There is a well-known statue, it commemorates Prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin, who gathered an all-Russian volunteer army and expelled the forces of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth from Moscow, thus putting an end to the Time of Troubles in 1612.
The Spasskaya Tower is the main tower with a through-passage on the eastern wall of the Moscow Kremlin, which overlooks the Red Square.
The Spasskaya Tower was built in 1491. The tower's modern name comes from the icon of Spas Nerukotvorny (The Saviour Not Made by Hands), which was placed above the gates on the inside wall in 1658 (it was removed in 1917) and the wall-painted icon of Spas Smolensky (Smolensky Saviour), which was created in the 16th century on the outside wall of tower (plastered over in 1937, reopened and restored in 2010). The Spasskaya Tower was the first one to be crowned with the hipped roof in 1624–1625. According to a number of historical accounts, the clock on the Spasskaya Tower appeared between 1491 and 1585. It is usually referred to as the Kremlin clock
Near Kremlin there is "Zoo" of fairy-tale creatures. You can see "Princess-swan". Its' fairy-tales that every child in Russia knows - their famous poet Pushkin recreated it in poetry and made so excellent and funny!
2rd sculpture’s name is "Ivan-prince and frog-princess". It's a funny story about one king, who wanted 3 his sons to marry. They took a bow and arrows and each made 1 shot. 2 first arrows went into houses of princesses. But the 3rd son's arrow flow far far away and fall into a bog and a frog found it. So, he has to marry her (it was a rule of his father). But of course, it was a bewitched princess, and after some adventures they were happy
This beautiful fountain is main in sculpture complex on Manezhnaya Square. The group of a fountain includes sculptural composition "Four seasons" Z.Tseretelli where each horse symbolizes spring, summer, autumn and winter. Now, unfortunately, the fountain is closed, but, I hope, I will see, how it works!
Posted Jun 10, 2012, 6:36 pm
Today we visited one of my host’s the most favorite places in Moscow - the Novodevichy Convent! Its name, sometimes translated as the New Maidens' Monastery, was devised to differ from an ancient maidens' convent within the Moscow Kremlin. Unlike other Moscow cloisters, it has remained virtually intact since the 17th century. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Novodevichy Convent was founded in 1524 by Grand Prince Vasili III in commemoration of the conquest of Smolensk in 1514. It was built as a fortress at a curve of the Moskva River and became an important part of the southern defensive belt of the capital, which had already included a number of other monasteries. The Novodevichy Convent was known to have sheltered many ladies from the Russian royal families and boyar clans, who had been forced to become nuns.
The Preobrazhenskiy church is constructed over a northern entrance of the monastery. It is well visible from the neighboring area.
We can get a bird's eye view of a monastery at the beginning of excursion.
The oldest structure in the convent is the six-pillared five-domed cathedral, dedicated to the icon Our Lady of Smolensk. Extant documents date its construction to 1524–1525; yet its lofty ground floor, magisterial proportions, and projecting central gable are typical of monastery cathedrals built at the behest of Ivan the Terrible. Most scholars agree that the cathedral was rebuilt in the 1550s or 1560s; it was formerly ringed by four smaller chapels, in an arrangement reminiscent of the Annunciation Cathedral in the Kremlin. Its frescos are among the finest in Moscow.
The cathedral may be a focal point of the convent, but there are many other churches. Most date from the 1680s, when the convent was thoroughly renovated at the behest of the regent Sophia Alexeyevna (who, ironically, would be incarcerated there later). The blood-red walls and crown-towers, two lofty over-the-gates churches, a refectory, and residential quarters were all designed in the Muscovite Baroque style, supposedly by a certain Peter Potapov. In the old cathedral, a new bowl for holy water and gilded carved iconostasis were installed in 1685.
An arresting slender belltower, also commissioned by Sophia, was built in six tiers to a height of 72 metres (236 ft), making it the tallest structure in 18th-century Moscow (after the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in the Kremlin). This light octagonal column seems to unite all major elements of the ensemble into one harmonious whole.
Especially interesting story is connected with this tower. After Peter I dethroned his elder sister, tsarevna Sofia, and forced her to the nun in 1689, she lived in this Naprudna tower. The kind brother decided to entertain his sister, and hanged out dead soldiers and her guards on trees under windows of her cell.
But you cannot hang everybody. Even having become nun, Sofia found possibility to leave a wall of the dungeon for the purpose of love adventures. Today it is considered that the tower (or spirit of tsarevna Sofia) can grant the desires connected with love! It is enough to write it on a wall, to enclose a note between bricks or simply ask very strongly. Do you believe in it?
Like other Moscow monasteries (notably the Danilov and the Donskoy) the New Maidens' Monastery was coveted by the Russian nobility as a place of burial. The Napoleonic hero Denis Davydov is also buried in the grounds. In 1898, the so-called Novodevichy Cemetery was opened without monastery walls. Anton Chekhov was one of the first notables to be interred at the new necropolis, and Nikolai Gogol was later reburied there too. During the Soviet epoch, it was turned into the most high-profile cemetery in the Soviet Union, with the likes of Peter Kropotkin, Nikita Khrushchev, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, Konstantin Stanislavski, Boris Yeltsin, and Mstislav Rostropovich being interred there.
Especially I like figures of angels - often it is female graves, the inconsolable spouse gave them a statue
Now we left the monastery constructed 500 years ago. At once behind a local pond the modern city begins - skyscrapers are seen on the horizon. Two different worlds incorporate here. Hey! Can you see a duck?
Let's take a farewell look at monastery walls - how beautiful it is!
Monument "Let pass to ducklings" was established in Moscow, on the square avenue opposite to the Novodevichy Convent in 1991. It is an exact copy of a monument in Boston, in the USA. The sculptural composition was created by the architect, the sculptor and the restorer Nancey Shen. The plot is taken from the old fairy tale written for the American kids by writer Robert Makkloski many years ago. In it it is told about mother duck looking for a convenient and safe place for the family. On the way they meet many people. Someone treats them with a peanut, and policemen block off traffic to help ducklings quietly cross the road. In Moscow the monument appeared as a sign of friendship between the USA and the USSR. It was Barbara Bush a's gift to Raisa Maksimovna Gorbacheva.
Now the monument is adored by children - I hardly found second for a good photo!
Posted Jun 17, 2012, 2:10 pm
Today we decided to visit the well-known and beautiful churches of Moscow to familiarize with its architecture better. They are absolutely different - big, small, grandiose, modest, multi-colored, bright. It was unforgettable walk! My host is the big fan of the Moscow churches; she considers that they give pleasure and piece to those who admires them. Unfortunately, in orthodox churches it is impossible to photograph inside therefore we will be limited to appearance.
The first church which we met on our way - the temple of an icon of the Theotokos «Joy of all who Sorrow». This icon is widely known as wonder-creating since 1688. This year it cured for the first time a sister of the Moscow patriarch - Efimiya Papina. This girl had had a serious illness for more than a year and already prepared for death. She constantly prayed to the Theotokos for healing. And once Mary came to the girl in a dream and ordered to bring in the house the icon which has recently appeared in the temple nearby. After the icon was established in the house, Efimiya was wonderfully recovered.
The Resurrection Church in Kadashi Sloboda is a major Naryshkin Baroque church in Moscow, formerly the tallest building in Zamoskvorechye, which may still be seen from Red Square.
A wooden church on this site was documented as early as 1493. The elongated five-domed church with an elegantly "laced" belfry was constructed between 1687 and 1695. Napoleon's soldiers desecrated the church, turning it into stables. In the 19th century, the icon screen was restored, the galleries and apses were expanded, and several outsize domed porches were added. The church was closed by the Soviets in 1934 and was adapted for accommodation of a KGB archive. It was not returned to the Russian Orthodox Church until December 2006.
There was much media focus on the Kadashi Church in 2010 when Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov ordered the demolition of several old buildings near the church, including a deacon's house from 1813, in order to replace them with an elite apartment complex. The decision was viewed as Luzhkov's latest attack on Moscow's architectural heritage in the interests of building companies and sparked a resistance campaign labelled the "battle of Kadashi" by the Russian media.
Especially I like this photo - the set of posters around cries - "Go away from church in Kadashi!", and here it is simply shown, that Moscow was so beautiful town before, without skyscrapers. And what a considerable influence churches had – if you lifted your head you always saw a spike with a cross!
The following church which we visited has Saint Clement’s name. Clement (d. c.100) was pope and martyr. Bishop of Rome after Peter, Linus, and Cletus, Clement is known today mainly for his Epistle to the Corinthians. Clement was exiled to the Crimea for the skill and extent of his apostolic activities in Rome. While in exile he was compelled to work in the mines, he opened a miraculous supply of water, he preached with such effect that again he made innumerable converts so that there was need for seventy-five churches. He was killed by being thrown into the sea with an anchor round his neck: angels were said to have made him a tomb on the sea-bed, which was uncovered once a year by an exceptionally low tide.
Seven centuries later, the missionary brothers Cyril and Methodius, who were apostles of the Slav countries, ‘miraculously recovered’, they claimed, the body of Clement, piece by piece, together with the anchor. These relics were translated to Rome and buried in the fine church of San Clemente.
And the last church I will discribe to you today - Saint Nikolay's Church. It is one of the most esteemed in Russia sacred man and he has many interesting and instructive stories about his life.
One legend tells how a terrible famine struck the island and a malicious butcher lured three little children into his house, where he slaughtered and butchered them, placing their remains in a barrel to cure, planning to sell them off as ham. Saint Nicholas, visiting the region to care for the hungry, not only saw through the butcher's horrific crime but also resurrected the three boys from the barrel by his prayers.
In his most famous exploit, a poor man had three daughters but could not afford a proper dowry for them. This meant that they would remain unmarried and probably, in absence of any other possible employment, would have to become prostitutes. Hearing of the poor man's plight, Nicholas decided to help him, but being too modest to help the man in public (or to save the man the humiliation of accepting charity), he went to his house under the cover of night and threw three purses (one for each daughter) filled with gold coins through the window opening into the man's house. The third time the father lies in wait, trying to discover the identity of their benefactor. The father confronts the saint, only to have Saint Nicholas say it is not him he should thank, but God alone.
About other beautiful churches I'll tell you next time!
Posted Jul 1, 2012, 11:08 pm
At first this unusual Marfo-Mariinsky Convent. It was founded in 1908 by Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna (sister of Alexandra Feodorovna, the last Empress of Russia—both of whom are counted among the Russian New Martyrs) to assist sick, wounded, and maimed soldiers in their recovery, and to provide for the needs of the poor and orphans.
Grand Duchess Elizabeth (you can see her statue) was the widow of Grand Duke Sergeii Alexandrovich, who had been assassinated by terrorists in 1905. After her husband's death, she gave away her magnificent collection of jewels, including her wedding ring, and sold her other possessions. With the proceeds, she opened the Convent of Ss Martha and Mary and became its abbess. Her vision was to begin a religious community, made up of women from all social strata, that would merge the ideals of saints Martha and Mary, dedicated both to prayer and to serving the needs of the poor. She purchased a tract of land in Moscow and constructed a hospital, an orphanage for girls, and quarters for the nuns. Working in conjunction with church authorities she developed the monastic rule and habit—which differed somewhat from the traditional habit of Orthodox nuns—that would be used at the convent. At its peak, the convent housed 97 sisters and served 300 meals daily to the poor.
Next church is known by its famous icon - the Panagia Portaitissa or the Iveron Theotokos. The original of this image is found in the Georgian Iviron monastery on Mount Athos in Greece, where it is believed to have been since the year 999.
A unique characteristic of this icon is what appears to be a scar on the Virgin Mary's right cheek or her chin. A number of different traditions exist to explain this, but the one most commonly held by Orthodox Christians is that the icon was stabbed by a soldier in Nicaea during the period of Byzantine iconoclasm under the Emperor Theophilus (829–842). According to tradition, when the icon was stabbed, blood miraculously flowed out of the wound.
According to the Orthodox Church's Sacred Tradition, the icon was at one time in the possession of a widow in Nicea. Not wanting the icon to be seized and destroyed by the iconoclasts, she spent all night in prayer and then cast the icon into the Mediterranean Sea. The widow's son later went to Mount Athos, where he became a monk and recounted the miracle of the bleeding wound, and how the icon had been placed in the sea. Much later, (ca. 1004) the icon was recovered from the sea by a Georgian monk named Gabriel (later canonized a saint in the Orthodox Church), who was laboring at the Iveron Monastery on Mount Athos. This occurred on Tuesday of Bright Week (Easter Week), and is commemorated annually on that day (as well as the fixed date of March 31). The icon was taken to the katholikon (main church) of the monastery from which the icon gets its name.
The tradition goes on to say that the following day, when the monks entered the church they could not find the icon. After searching they discovered the icon hanging on the gates of the monastery. This occurrence was repeated several times, until St. Gabriel reported that he had seen a vision of the Theotokos, wherein she revealed that she did not want her icon to be guarded by the monks, but rather she intended to be their Protectress. After this, the icon was permanently installed above the monastery gates, where it remains to this day. Because of this, the icon came to be called Portaitissa or "Gate-Keeper". This title was not new for the Virgin Mary, but comes from a verse of the Akathist to the Mother of God: "Rejoice, O Blessed Gate-Keeper who opens the gates of Paradise to the righteous." Orthodox monks and nuns throughout the world will often place an icon of the Theotokos Iverskaya on the monastery gates.
And the last church has name is a Holy Trinity Church.
It was built, probably, in the 1630th in connection with settling of the southern suburbs of the city by the Streltsy covering the defensive line of the shaft. The first documentary certificate on new church is dated 1642; Last name "Veshnyaka" or "Vishnyaka" is also connected with streletsky commander Matvei Vishnyakov. The first stone temple was built in memory of Fight under Chigirin. The belltower was taken out to the red line of Pyatnitskaya Street which was considerably more narrow, than today.
In 1804 consecutive replacement of constructions of the old temple began. During a fire of 1812 the temple burned and was restored roughly in 1815, completely — to 1824. In 1826 Pyatnitskaya Street was expanded, and the old belltower disturbing to journey, took down. The church at the time when Zamoskvorechye was wooden, was the largest town-planning vertical of the Pyatnitsky part.
The church was closed not earlier than 1929, and again opened in 1994 at Sacred Tikhonovskiy orthodox institute.
Posted Jul 5, 2012, 9:59 pm
Today we decided to visit one of the most well-known church of Russia - Cathedral of Christ the Saviour! With an overall height of 105 metres (344 ft), it is the tallest Orthodox church in the world.
When Napoleon Bonaparte retreated from Moscow, Emperor Alexander I signed a manifest, 25 December 1812, declaring his intention to build a cathedral in honor of Christ the Saviour "to signify Our gratitude to Divine Providence for saving Russia from the doom that overshadowed Her" and as a memorial to the sacrifices of the Russian people.
The cathedral took many years to build and did not emerge from its scaffolding until 1860. The painting were overseen by Evgraf Sorokin and thereafter some of the best Russian painters continued to embellish the interior for another twenty years. The cathedral was consecrated on the very day Alexander III was crowned, 26 May 1883.
After the Revolution and, more specifically, the death of Lenin, the prominent site of the cathedral was chosen by the Soviets as the site for a monument to socialism known as the Palace of the Soviets. This monument was to rise in modernistic, buttressed tiers to support a gigantic statue of Lenin perched on top of a dome with his arm raised in the air.
On December 5th 1931, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was dynamited and reduced to rubble. It took more than a year to clear the debris from the site. Some of the marble from the walls and marble benches from the cathedral were used in nearby Moscow Metro stations. For a long time, these were the only reminders of the largest Orthodox church ever built.
The construction of the Palace of Soviets was interrupted owing to a lack of funds, problems with flooding from the nearby Moskva River, and the outbreak of war. The flooded foundation hole remained on the site until, under Goronyan Khrushchev, it was transformed into the world's largest open air swimming pool, named Moskva Pool.
Finally, in February 1990, the Russian Orthodox Church received permission from the Soviet Government to rebuild the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The restorer Aleksey Denisov was called upon to design a replica of extraordinary accuracy.
A construction fund was initiated in 1992 and funds began to pour in from ordinary citizens in the autumn of 1994. In this year the pool was demolished and the cathedral reconstruction commenced. About one million Muscovites donated money for the project.
The monument is located in the city center therefore you can enjoy such beautiful views of the old, not reconstructed quarters of Moscow around!
Especially I like this bridge - very popular place for wedding ceremonies and simply walks.
On the right you can see one of the chocolate factories oldest in Moscow, and also Peter the Great notorious statue on a ship. So many people consider that it is ugly, but it can't be demolished. The designer Zurab Tsereteli is known as a friend and favorite of Moscow's former Mayor, Yury Luzhkov, and the artist has received many municipal art commissions in recent years, such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
The Peter the Great Statue in Moscow was designed by the Georgian designer Zurab Tsereteli to commemorate 300 years of the Russian Navy, which was started by Peter I of Russia. At 94 metres, it is the eighth tallest statue in the world.
And at the left - a view which is often printed on postcards - the Kremlin ashore. Do I need to say anything else? Fantastic!
And the monument to emperor Alexander II the Liberator of Russia from a serfdom, in fact, from slavery, is located near the temple. Alexander is represented in a military uniform and with an imperial cloak.
The five-meter bronze figure is placed on a stone pedestal with a graceful colonnade. Behind the back of the emperor two bronze lions sit. They, as a plan of author Alexander Rukavishnikov, symbolize old traditional Russia.
Posted Jul 10, 2012, 6:19 pm
This weekend we’ve visited Kremlin!
Wow, I think, I should come to Moscow again, because it is such a wonderful place and has such an interesting history! My host thought that I should know everything about it, but of course, now I can remember only a small part.
You can see, first we were standing in a small queue near the white Kutafja Tower (from the word “fat clumsy woman”) and had a chance to take photos on the swallows’ tail – they are situated on each access road of Kremlin.
And the Troitskaya Tower - the tallest tower of the Moscow Kremlin. Its current height on the side of the Alexander Garden together with the star is 80 m. Today, the gate of the tower is the main visitors' entrance into the Kremlin. And the view is so beautiful!
Here you can see the Kremlin Senate, a building within the grounds of the Kremlin. Initially constructed from 1776–1787, it originally housed the Moscow branch of the Governing Senate, the highest judiciary and legislative office of Imperial Russia. Currently, it houses the Russian presidential administration and is a highly secured and restricted area closed to the public. At present, only the southern corner façade, opposite the Tsar Cannon can be viewed.
Then we saw the most interesting exhibits of this museum – the Tsar-Bell and the Tsar-Cannon.
The Tsar-Bell was made of bronze and it is currently the largest bell in the world, weighing 201,924 kilograms, with a height of 6.14 metres and diameter of 6.6 metres, and thickness of up to 61 centimetres. The bell is decorated with relief images of baroque angels, plants, oval medallions with saints, and nearly life-size images of Empress Anna and Tsar Alexey. Unfortunately, before the last ornamentation was completed, a major fire broke out at the Kremlin in May 1737. The fire spread to the temporary wooden support structure for the bell, and fearing damage, guards threw cold water on it, causing eleven cracks, and a huge (11.5 tons) slab to crack off. The broken piece weighs 11,500 kilograms, you can compare it with the crowd around – it’s as tall as a man! Some people believe that on Judgement Day, it will be miraculously repaired and lifted up to heaven, where it will ring the blagovest (call to prayer).
The Tsar-Cannon was cast in 1586 in Moscow, by the Russian master bronze caster Andrey Chokhov. Mostly of symbolic impact, it was never fired in war. Per the Guinness Book of Records it is the largest bombard by caliber in the world. The very low ratio between its calibre and the length of its barrel makes it technically not a cannon, but a stylized mortar. The Tsar Cannon weighs 39.312 tones and has a length of 5.34 m. Its bronze-cast barrel has a diameter of 890 mm, and an external diameter of 1,200 mm. The spherical cast-iron projectiles located in front of the cannon - each of which weighs 1.97 tons, were produced in 1834 as a decoration.
Then you can see The Ivan the Great Bell Tower - the tallest of the towers in the Moscow Kremlin complex, with a total height of 81 metres. It was built in 1508 for the Russian Orthodox cathedrals in Cathedral Square, which do not have their own belfries, and is said to mark Moscow's precise geographic centre. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower today contains 22. Of these, 18 small bells hang in the base and in the middle of the bell tower. Of the four large bells, one is named the Upsenskij Bell, and weighs 65.5 tons. It rings traditionally among the largest religious festivals such as Easter, and was made in the early 16th century.
Next building with great triangle golden roof and domes is The Cathedral of the Annunciation (Blagoveschensky sobor). It was originally the personal chapel for the Muscovite tsars, and its abbot remained a personal confessor of the Russian royal family until the early 20th century. Compared with the other major Kremlin cathedrals, the Annunciation Cathedral has slightly smaller dimensions. It is also built in a more traditional style, as it was created by local architects from Pskov, rather than Italian expatriate architects. The most characteristic feature of the building is its nine golden domes, and roof with rich kokoshnik ornamentation in an ogive form.
This beautiful cathedral with frescos is The Cathedral of the Dormition (Uspensky sobor). The Cathedral is regarded as the mother church of Muscovite Russia. In its present form it was 1475-79 at the behest of the Moscow Grand Duke Ivan III by the Italian architect Aristotele Fioravanti. From 1547 to 1896 it is where the Coronation of the Russian monarch was held. In addition, it is the burial place for most of the Moscow Metropolitans and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, one of the most important cult images of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Theotokos of Vladimir kept at the Cathedral from 1395-1919 is now at the Tretyakov Gallery. Near the south entrance to the Cathedral is the Monomach Throne of Ivan IV (1551).
Verkhospassky Cathedral with eleven small golden domes was constructed by tsar Michael Fedorovichem in 1635-1636. From this temple the ladder conducted to a seigniorial platform where decrees, orders of the tsar were read to boyars, and the tsar presented boyars and near people birthday pies. Divine services in it aren't made.
The Cathedral of the Archangel is a Russian Orthodox church dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It was the main necropolis for members of the Tsars of Russia until the relocation of the capital to St. Petersburg. It was constructed between 1505 and 1508 under the supervision of an Italian architect Aleviz Fryazin Noviy on the spot of an older cathedral, built in 1333.
The Grand Kremlin Palace was built from 1837 to 1849 on the site of the estate of the Grand Princes, which had been established in the 14th century on Borovitsky Hill. Designed by a team of architects under the management of Konstantin Thon, it was intended to emphasize the greatness of Russian autocracy. The Grand Kremlin Palace was formerly the tsar's Moscow residence. Thon's palace is 125 meters long, 47 meters high, and has a total area of about 25,000 square meters. It includes the earlier Terem Palace, nine churches from the 14th, 16th, and 17th centuries, the Holy Vestibule, and over 700 rooms. Now it carries out a role of smart president residence of Russia. Important nation-wide ceremonials pass in its halls, such as delivery of the state awards or credentials. You can see that big national flag is lowered on the spike. It means that Russian president is out now, but he could come back every minute!
Posted Jul 17, 2012, 7:59 pm
Today we went to the concert of my host’s favorite Russian folk rock band “Melnitsa” – “Windmill”.
It was founded in 1999 by Natalia "Hellawes" O'Shea and Alexey "Chus" Sapkov around the remnants of a local folk band 'Till Eulenspiegel'.
The band fuses Russian, Irish and other North European folk influences with guitar pop/rock. Natalia "Hellawes" O'Shea, the lead singer and primary songwriter, is an academic and a specialist in medieval European languages and cultures by day. Her expertise lends the typically complex fantasy-laden lyrics a degree of authenticity. Texts are based on national (Russian, Celtic, Scandinavian, Balkan), and also medieval ballads and legends.
Well, photos are not so good, but I have a lot of fun!
In the beginning it was necessary to defend huge queue in Arena-Moscow club.
Inside there was too many people therefore we appeared far from a scene. But look, what a beautiful light show!
We could buy T-shirts and posters with symbolics of group, jewelry in celtic style and many musical instruments.
I couldn't make satisfactory photos of me and singer of the group, but it is impossible to ignore, such an authentic look.
My host asked me to give references to songs of "Windmill" - I don't know, is it legal? I hope if it is impossible – somebody will send me a message
. This group has not official clips, therefore these videos are fans’.
This song is called "Werewolf". It is about a soldier who lost his peace. He hears whisper from a door on the street - it urges to leave doubts, to release an internal animal to freedom. Thus, the soldier has a girlfriend who cries and asks him to remain. But most likely, he won't obey.
This song is called "Dragon", it tells us about a dragon.
Now he is very old and lies, protecting a treasure. Shine of gold reminds him of his darling who died many years ago. And he starts to dream of the country very far away, where still live his majestic relatives, the most beautiful beings of the World! But some heroes feast in a palace and they are going to kill the dragon - till Christmas.
Posted Jul 24, 2012, 9:16 pm
Today the weather is so fantastic and warm that we decided to go to park. Do you remember that Moscow isn’t just megalopolis but also a green and pretty place? I do now!
We chose a park called “Park of Friendship”
In the 1957th year in Moscow passed the VI World Festival of Friendship between nations. Planting of trees by participants was an every year tradition of such festivals. In Prague, at the V Festival Avenue of Friendship was open. In Moscow the whole park was decided to open. Now park very well-groomed, avenues are laid out by gravel or asphalt, trees and bushes are beautifully cut, there are playgrounds, cafe.
There are endless amount of flowers here. Generally it is tulips, but wild dandelions bring brightness.
Also there are a hundred of monuments and sculptures. As it’s the Park of Friendship, all monuments are devoted to one subject.
It is a monument to the Indian writer and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore (the sculptor - G.Pal). It was open in 1990 and is adored by skateboarders.
The Indian is dressed very modestly and simply. From a low granite pedestal wise and sad old man looks at us. The sculptor skillfully transferred a reflected light of philosophical thought in eyes and the press of long reflections on a face of the writer.
Two-figured decorative sculptural groups "Fertility " - two female figures, in difficult spiral movement the holding over the heads basket of fruits.
The Kirghiz national hero Manas the Magnanimous, according to the legend, united all Kirghiz many years ago. And now his task - to connect the people of two friendly countries, the Kirghiz Republic and the Russian Federation.
In April, 1975, in 30 anniversary commemoration from the date of liberation of Hungary from fascist aggressors armies by Red Army, Budapest Park of Friendship and the monument of the vengero-Soviet friendship was open. In day of solemn opening of the monument citizens of Budapest decided to transfer a copy in gift to Moscow; and exactly in one and a half years, on September 15, 1976, in the Moscow Park of Friendship there was constructed a "twin" of the Hungarian monument.
The friendship between Russia and Hungary is displayed in a material choice for a monument also. It is revetted with tiles of pirogranit. This ceramic material, is made only in the Hungarian city “Pech”.
As we are walking nearby, it is necessary to visit the river station!
The North River Terminal or Rechnoy Vokzal (River Station) is one of two passenger terminals of river transport in Moscow. It is also the main hub for long-range and intercity routes. It was built in 1937.
This station is an example of communistic constructions. The stateliness of new communistic religion is emphasized with the sculpture "Waterway" meeting us at the entrance in park. There are no more places in Moscow where are such strong and exciting snow-white girls holding in a hand model of the yacht moreover with a wave.
The park near the River station is full of children attractions, but now it’s evening therefore the majority of them are closed. It is "ice hill" - I don't understand, is it really filled in with ice??
Bzzzzzzz, I’m flying round Earth!
And again, flowers, flowers, flowers!! I feel spring in the air!
The building is costructed in the form of the huge ship. The most characteristic architectural elements of the building — a high spike and a wide central ladder. The spike is topped with a star which in 1935 — 1937 was on the Spassky tower of the Moscow Kremlin. The sickle and a hammer are inlaid with the Ural semi-precious stones.
The entrance is decorated with maiolicas representing «Moscow of the future».
What a fine view of the dormitory areas of Moscow! If I live nearby, I would walk in this park every day!
Huge cruising motor ships constantly depart from the mooring to St. Petersburg, Astrakhan, Rostov-on-Don. My host told me that she floated by such motor ship several times - for a week and more - to the different cities of Russia. Ah, I hope, I can travel thus too!
We are leaving this fine park. I am lucky that I was in Moscow in the spring and could visit such peace and cozy place.
Posted Jul 24, 2012, 9:18 pm
Posted Aug 21, 2012, 9:51 am
A couple of days ago i have arrived in Ebstorf. It is a tiny town in northern germany. So i had a long long way to voyage. Hope i will do someting special here in the following days! I will report!
Greetings from Germany, Goronyan
Posted Aug 21, 2012, 10:03 am
You will not believe. Today i made a typical german applepie together with another ToyVoyager called Batgirl. It made a lot of fun. When i come home i hope, you can make this pie for me. Here is the recipe:
The cake base:
125 g. Butter or margarine
100 g. sugar
25 g. vanillin-sugar
1 knifetip salt
A little bit lemon juice
3 eggs
200 g. flour
15 g. baking powder
30 ml. milk
Mix all these things together and and put it into a springform pan.
The pie:
Take 4-5 apples and shape them. Than you cut them into halves. Make some cuts into them and lay them on the bisquit. Than you make a little bit molten butter on every apple and disperse some sugar and zimt on them.
You have to bake the pie with 160°C for about 45 minutes.
WISH YOU LUCK!
Posted Aug 27, 2012, 9:20 am
Today I made a trip together with my host, his girlfriend and another ToyVoyager. We drove to the "Serengeti Park" in Hodenhagen. There we did a safari where we could see so many animals. Lions, Tigers, Rhinos, Giraffes and so much more. We drove the rollercoaster, ate ice cream and had a lot of fun. That was a great day!
Posted Oct 20, 2012, 8:29 am
I arrived savely in Munich!
My host opened the envelope very carefully and I crawled out. I think I like my new "hotel" :-).
In the evening my host made a typical bavarian food: "Bratkartoffeln"
First she sliced potatoes and baked them. Afterwards she fried them in a pan until the potatoes are a little bit crispy. She added a few mushrooms and onions. Ready :-).
I will have a great time here!
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Nov 5, 2012, 7:05 am
today we were first in a museum about hunting and fishing. It was very interesting to see the different animals, which are living in Europe. There were many birds, fishes, a bear, sharks etc.
Then we went to see some nice places. There was the "Frauenkirche" which is the biggest church in munich, the "Feldherrnhalle", the "Theatinerkirche" (the yellow church) and the "Residenz" (this is where the kings lived in many years ago).
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Nov 5, 2012, 7:10 am
today we had a walk.
We went to the "Starnberger See".
It is a very big lake near to the city. The weather was very good. Because of that, we could see the mountains.
It was a beautiful view!
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Nov 12, 2012, 9:25 am
today a new TV arrived.
It's Isidore! She's really nice!
We showed her the flat and she felt comfortable very soon.
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Dec 6, 2012, 3:14 pm
today we made the first cookies for christmas. They are called "Kokosmakronen" (coconut macaroones).
Hmmm, tasty!
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Dec 6, 2012, 3:21 pm
today we made another cookies for christmas.
They are called "Butterplätzchen" (butter cookies).
All the cookies are so sweet, mhmmm. Love it!
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Dec 6, 2012, 3:37 pm
this weekend, we made a short trip to Frankfurt.
We saw the beautiful skyline at day and at night. Thats impressive!
I liked the big EURO-Sign in the financial district.
The big christmas tree you see on the foto stands in front of the city hall of Frankfurt. The city hall in Frankfurt is called "Der Römer" (the roman)
Moreover we went in a museum. We saw an exhibition "Schwarze Romantik" (black romantic). There were many paintings which were made by romantic artists like Goya, Caspar David Friedrich etc. We werent allowed to take fotos inside but I we made a foto in front of the museum.
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Feb 3, 2013, 8:33 pm
today we went to a little christmas market. Look at this beautiful lights!
On this market many works of art and jewelry are sold.
Afterwards we went on a little walk.
There was a really big man!! It is a huge statue called "walking man". It's around 17 meters high.
Then we saw a big gate. It's called Siegetor (in english: victory gate). It was build in 1852. I think it's impressive.
It was late and we went home.
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Feb 3, 2013, 8:55 pm
today we had another walk.
Not far from the victory gate there is the "Feldherrnhalle" (in english: hall of commander). It was build in 1844. There's an interesting story about it: In front of the hall are two lions. The left lion looks in the direction of the residence, where the kings lived in. The right lion looks in the direction of the church called "Theatinerkirche". The mouth of the left lion is open and the mouth of the right lion ist closed. The artist wanted to show, that the politicians/kings are talking and the church has to be silent... interesting, hmm?
Then we went to the Theresienwiese. There's a big festival called Tollwood. There you can buy many art works of art, jewelry and clothes. It's a little bit hippie-like... :-)
Besides of the Theresienwiese is a big statue made of bronze called Bavaria. It's an important symbol in bavaria. It was build in 1850.
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Feb 3, 2013, 8:58 pm
Do you like it?
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Feb 3, 2013, 9:13 pm
We are celebrating Christmas Eve in the house of the parents of my host.
First we had a very delicious dinner.
Then we were allowed to open our presents.
Look at those beautiful scarfs my host made for us!!
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Feb 3, 2013, 9:16 pm
At midnight we went outside to see the big firework. But we forgot to take the camera with us. We are so sorry!!!
Now:
WE WISH YOU A HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Greets
Isidore and Goronyan
Posted Mar 19, 2013, 9:25 pm
today we had a big walk through the City.
First we saw the "Bayerischer Landtag". This is the sit of the government of Bavaria.
Then far away is the "Friedensengel" (freedom angel). You can see the big golden Statue on the Pictures. It's beatiful!
The river is called "Isar". Even in winter there are some people surfing on it! It was so cold. I didn't believe that this could be fun!
Then we walked down the "Prinzregentenstraße". There was the bavarian national Museum. I like this building. But we didn't walk inside.
In the end we went to the city centre. There is the famous dome called "Frauenkirche". You can find it almost on every Tourist postcard. Very impressive.
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Mar 19, 2013, 9:33 pm
today we had a walk in the "Altmühltal".
This a very beatiful part of Bavaria.
Look at the Pictures! Do you like them?
We had really fun, but it also was very cold!
Greets
Goronyan
Posted Jul 4, 2013, 10:25 am
today I arrived at my new host here in Germany!!
This time I'm in western Germany, to be exact in Bochum and in Dortmund. My host lives in both cities so I'm gonna show you both cities Bochum is the 16th largest city in Germany, Dortmund is the 8th largest city. Both cities are next to each other, you can walk from one city to another in less than a minute, so they are pretty close, don't you think?
I didn't have much time to rest after my arrival because I went to my hosts old school. The choir, the band and the dance group of the school performed the musical "Footloose" so we went there to see it. It was lovely
I need some sleep now, the last days were very stressfull!!
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Jul 6, 2013, 9:49 am
I've been to Essen today, it's a city near Bochum and Dortmund and it takes only 15 minutes by car from my home here in Bochum to Essen
My host took me with her to do some shopping and showed me a big theatre. The theatre is called "Colosseum Theater" and Kate told me that it's a former industrial building of the "Krupp AG", a heavy industry company. It was built in 1900 or 1901!! Gosh, it's so old!! From 1996 until 2010 the building was a location for some long-time musicals but since 2010 there are only guest appearances of shows or musicals which stay for a few days or maybe a few weeks.
Perhaps you know one of the musicals, the musical "Elisabeth" was shown here and it's very popular in Japan, too! My host thinks that it was shown in Ōsaka and Tōkyō. It portrays the life and death of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph I. It's one of my hosts favourite musicals
Well, next to the theatre, at the other side of the street, is a big shopping mall called "Limbecker Platz". The shopping mall opened in 2008/2009, so it's very new! It's a lovely shopping mall on three levels with trees, a fountain, playgrounds and a lot more inside of it.
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Jul 11, 2013, 4:11 pm
This evening we walked through the woods in Dortmund near our house
It was very warm and bright until the late evening, it was so lovely
The rays of the sun sparkled through the trees, it looked so nice
As we walked through the woods we passed some rails. There are just two trains per hour, we waited for both of them to pass by before we entered the tracks.
Guess what! I'm gonna see the singers Robbie Williams and Olly Murs tomorrow!! Both of them are popular british singers. Robbie Williams is a former band member of the band "Take That" and he is on tour with his show "Take the Crown". He is very famous in Europe since many many years!! Olly Murs is the supporting and opening act.
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Jul 11, 2013, 4:47 pm
as I already told you I was going to see Robbie Williams and Olly Murs today!! Robbie Williams is a british singer and he is very famous here in Europe. His last tour was in 2006, so it was kinda exciting for him to be on tour again after 7 years!! He just started his tour ("Take the Crown" ) a few weeks ago and he took his friend Olly Murs with him. He is the supporting and opening act of the show.
Well, the concert took place in the Veltinsarena in Gelsenkirchen, the stadium of the football team "FC Schalke 04". What a huge building!!
Gelsenkirchen is a city next to Bochum.
We were there a bit too early, so we had to wait on our seats for quite a long time. More and more people came in. Look at the huge stage design! It shows the head of Robbie Williams.
Well, Olly Murs started his programme and the crowds went crazy
He is such a lovely guy and such a great singer!! Maybe you know some songs from him, "Troublemaker" or "Heart skips a beat". After a short break the wonderful Robbie Williams came on stage. The show was epic!
The ending of the concert was kinda emotional for everyone. After singing his beautiful song "Angels" the band left the stage, Robbie stood there and just started to sing the first few words of the song again without any music and stopped directly. The audience sang the song very loud and at the top of their voices. Robbie just listened calmly, slowly put off his headset and cables, turned around and slowly walked away and left the stage. The audiences continued to sing the wonderful song until the refrain was over. That was the end. I got goose bumps all over my body! The lights turned on and everyone went home. What an evening!!
A special thing is that you could buy a Live-Album of this special concert in Gelsenkirchen right after it was over!! They recorded it and sold it to the audience. I still have no idea how fast that happened!
Unbelievable. We listened to it on our way back home It was a nice evening.
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Jul 28, 2013, 11:55 am
Guess what, I was on holiday for a few days!!
Unfortunately not in another country, but I went camping at the "Biggesee" near the city Olpe. It's not so far away from here, maybe 40 minutes by car. The Biggesee is a reservoir and stores water for the Ruhr Area to regulate the rivers "Ruhr" and "Lenne". Mummy, the nature around the Biggesee is wonderful!!
Well, the caravan site is right next to the Biggesee, so I was able to swim in the Biggesee. It was so cool!! Here you can see where we cooled down and went swimming, it was so warm these days!!
But we didn't just swim there, we also took an 2 hour shipping across the lake with a big liner named "Westfalen". On the following pictures you can see the landing stage, the liner and some things that we saw during the shipping
Look, I even saw a marina
One day I visited the city of Olpe. Well, to be honest, it's not the most exciting city I've ever seen, but it was nice anyway.
From the historic district you had a beautiful view over the valley
I saw an old tower there, it's a remain of the old town wall which used to be around Olpe. This tower is called "Witches' Tower" and it's from the 14th century, so it's very old!!
I really had a great time at the camping trip, I loved to relax a bit and enjoy some beautiful nature, meet some nice people and just let the sun shine down on my fur
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Aug 10, 2013, 11:04 am
how are you today? I hope you're fine
Today I've been to a huge zoo in Gelsenkirchen, it's called "Zoom Erlebniswelt". The zoo has three different "worlds", Asia, Africa and Alaska. I had so much fun there and I saw soooo many animals!! I loved it. Unfortunately we had some rain from time to time, but well.
I couldn't take pictures of every animal but of some
Here you can see some eland antelopes and zebras. They share a huge areal in the zoo.
As we continued our walk we saw some giraffes. Aren't they lovely? They were very hungry
Here are some hippos. I could see into their mouth while they ate, their teeth are immense!!
Ooooh and then I saw some racoons! They look so lovely but they can be very dangerous.
Well, here you can see a bear taking a bath
The bears have a huge compound, they even have an own waterfall! Besides there's a suspension bridge which you can cross. It's so cool!
Later on I saw some sea lions, they have babies and they look so cute!! I even saw a baby drinking milk from its mother. It made funny noises while it drank, haha.
Well, I had a great time at the zoo and I learnt a lot
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Sep 4, 2013, 8:37 pm
I enjoyed the sun at the "Ümminger See" today, it's a recreational area here in Bochum. You can walk around the whole lake, and that's what I did today
We drove there by car because it's not near my house here in Bochum.
There's a lovely bridge and some beautiful flowers. Doesn't it look nice?
At some point the weather a little bit and I couldn't see the sun anymore
But we decided to continue our walk anyway. It took about an hour to walk around the lake but I could've walked a lot more
Look at the nice view
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Oct 1, 2013, 10:35 am
how are you doing today? It's sunny and warm here in Dortmund today so I decided to hang out at the balcony today.
I had some japanese snacks today, oh god how I missed them!!! It felt so good to eat something from home. That reminded me of you, I miss you so
I hope you're fine
Love,
Goronyan
Posted Oct 1, 2013, 11:20 am
it rained the whole night so everything's wet outside
But we decided to take a walk nevertheless Today we walked through the Rombergpark here in Dortmund, it's one of the largest botanical gardens in the world
Here you can see a sculpture where you can climb a rope. I wasn't strong enough to climb it
But it was wet so I didn't have a chance anyway
Well, as we continued our walk we passed a course of a stream. You may think "Oh god, that looks like there is just mud and dirt in it" but you're wrong
The colour of the water is caused by iron. The water is so ferrous that it's red! I have never seen anything like that before.
Love you, Mummy!!
Goronyan
Posted Oct 14, 2013, 1:09 pm
I've been to Gelsenkirchen today
Do you remember the Veltins Arena, the stadium of the popular football club FC Schalke 04? I've already been here 2 months ago to join the concert of Robbie Williams. Well, today I joined the "TV Total Stock Car Crash Challenge". It's an live-televsion-event of the television channel Pro7 where german (and some foreign) celebrities take part in a stock car racing. Even Timo Glock, a german Formula 1 driver, took part It's the 6th time that my host joined this show.
It’s kinda complicated to explain exactly what it is but I wanna try it. There are 3 different car-classes (1500 cm³, 1900 cm³ and 3000 cm³).
In the first heat are 3 races (one race for each class) where the drivers get points for every lap. The driver who first finishes 10 rounds is the winner.
In the second heat are 3 races as well. The drivers get points for every lap AND they get points when they overturn or spin another car. Every race lasts 10 minutes, the driver with the most points after 10 minutes wins the race.
After these 2 heats there’s the “Caravan Crash Cup”. As you can imagine the goal of it is to destroy the caravans of the other drivers.
The last race is the “Rodeo”. It’s the most exciting race of the day. Every car (no matter which class) that is still fit do drive (many cars get destroyed in the second heat) takes part in this race. They have to destroy the other cars (by overturning, spinning, ramming and things like that) until one single car is left. The driver of this car is the winner. Martin Kesici and Charlotte Roche ended up in a "sudden death" to make out a winner, Charlotte won
This picture was taken about an hour before the show started. Doesn't it look great?
This one was taken during the Rodeo race, the last race where every car takes part.
I had so much fun there even though it was very very cold!! Everyone wore jackets, scarfs and a pair of gloves and two pairs of socks, haha
Love you,
Goronyan
Posted Nov 9, 2013, 9:30 am
today was my last day here in Germany and I'm pretty excited to come back home to you
In the morning a new TV arrived here. Josie and me were very excited and couldn't wait to say "Hi" to our new guest.
Tadaaa, it's Orkku Orava
We talked for a while and shared our experiences until it was time to say goodbye.
It was not only my final day but also Josies final day, she will go to Paderborn. I wish her all the best!!
Byebye Mummy!! Next time you'll finally hold me in your arms
Goronyan