Our New Life in Russia

Very quickly after arriving in Moscow, we realized what a disadvantage it was not to have any Russian language.  We have been trying to learn the basic greetings and have learned that Google Translate is definitely a great help!  We have, also, used the Metro app for the Russian underground and buses.  Learning the money system and what each amounts to in American dollars is so important, too.  You don't realize all the thought processes your mind goes through when you make a purchase.  And just reading the writing on food items--I couldn't even tell what was inside any of the cartons or cans at first if there was no picture!  In short--so much to learn in those first two weeks!

After leaving the Mission Home, we came driving up to our apartment house.  I have to admit that I gulped! 

 But when we got inside, I felt much more at ease.  The Schwendimans had made it very cozy and livable inside.

George's home office--along with my dryer--Hah!  The little white drying rack at the right.

 The washing machine is situated by the dishwasher.  It is only big enough for one big bath towel!  

The dryer is electric--an electric fan, that is.  

 The bed is king-sized and actually very comfortable!

 Sister Schwendiman has put booties on each of the chair and table legs so they don't drag across the floor and disturb the people below us since we are on the 18th floor.  She was, also, so sweet in greeting us with real flowers on the table!

The cupboards were very organized with both English and Russian words on many of the items that she had identified.

 After a good night's sleep, the next day looked much brighter!  Our apartment looks out at the Moscow River which George would be crossing everyday to go to work.

 My first big purchase was a rice cooker/soup maker.  I tried to do rice the first night, but I couldn't even read one word on the instructions or box to even read where to turn it off and on, or where the timer switch was.

 My first attempt at dinner wasn't very successful!  But, George was a good sport and ate it.

 This is our nearest grocery store.  Again, had the Schwendimans not told me it was a grocery store, I would never have known.  

 This is how the apartment is heated.  There is one of these radiators in each room.  When we first got here, we were freezing because no matter whether you turn it on or not, if the city hasn't released the water for the steam, it doesn't work.  I guess the temperature has to get at a certain level before they do.  Thank goodness, it soon turned cold enough to heat the rooms up.  Now, we are very cozy--sometimes maybe a little too warm when we first come home and have to open the window a bit.

 My attempt with sticky notes trying to learn some Russian words!

 All homes have a coat rack and shoe storage place when you first enter the door.  Coats are hung and shoes are removed.  Everyone is in stocking feet--no bare feet!

 I love it when George goes to the grocery store with me--besides he can help me carry back the groceries!

 Looking out the back window at night.  There are high rise apartments all around us with the vacant spot in the middle that looks like they were going to build another one there, but stopped.

 Believe it or not, this is in the subway!  The Russian "Metro" as they are called, are all decorated individually and beautifully!  In addition, they are sooo clean!

 This area had beautiful mosaics!

One night, we went to Elder and Sister Wheeler's apartment to enjoy some time with other senior volunteers, and for the women to discuss Woman's Conference.  The men went over to the church and saw a religious video, besides getting something to eat along the way.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal, then talked about Women's Conference.  These are some of the wonderful volunteers who have left families and homes to come.  They really do inspire me with their dedication!

 We go to a Russian-speaking Ward, so of course, we have to have everything translated for us.  These two young volunteers are fantastic, Elder Miller and Elder Thayne.  They are so patient with us.  

 One evening, we had a wonderful meal and get-to-know you time with the Moscow Mission President and his family.  This is his wife and the couple that came out with us from Utah.  The Mission President and his family have lived here for ten years.  He was working here as an attorney when he was called.  They love it here and will return about the same time as we go home.

 Our son, Kyle, told us his company, Jeunesse, had an office in Moscow.  He contacted the office manager here named Vlad, who then contacted us and asked if he could take us around Moscow one day.  Of course, we accepted!

Vlad drove an hour and 20 minutes to come and get us, then proceeded to show us around the office.  

 We were so proud of the beautiful office there, and so proud of how all the workers kept telling us how wonderful our son was.

 Since our son is the President of the Europe Region of Jenusse, he has a huge responsibility and has to do quite a bit of overseas traveling.  I don't know how he does it!  Those long trips are so hard on your body!

 Vlad then proceeded to show us famous places in downtown Moscow.  This is the KGB Headquarters.

The architecture reminded me a little of Roman architecture.

 We then took a walking tour through Red Square--something I didn't think I would ever do in my lifetime!  It was so exciting.  Standing in front of St. Basil Cathedral.

 The Kremlin.

 Vlad and George on Red Square with the Kremlin to the left and the State History Museum behind them.

 State History Museum

 Standing on the Zero mile marker.  You have to throw a coin over your shoulder--it's proper over your left shoulder--but I didn't realize that at the time--for good luck.

We really enjoyed the fall displays just on the edge of Red Square. 

 

 A double-decker merry-go-round (we saw our first one by the Eiffel Tower in Paris).

 We had to take a pic in front of the Bolshoi Theater.  I hope to go inside and see a production there before we leave in two years!

 Vlad then treated us to a wonderful seafood late lunch.  It was fantastic!  We were certainly treated royally by our new Russian friend!  

Wherever we go, I snap pics of unique architecture!

 So, I was so excited to make chocolate chip cookies since I had brought chocolate chips with me from the States.  I knew they didn't have them here in Russia, but I, also, wasn't aware that you couldn't get brown sugar here and the salt is twice as salty.  So, I tried an alternate recipe--and Yuck!!!  They were terrible!  I've got to keep trying, for sure!

Like I said, thank goodness for pictures--they really rescue me at the grocery store:  chocolate milk, orange juice, and yes, that's how we buy milk here! 

 Final thoughts on our first two weeks here in Moscow:  It is getting easier to walk the mile to and the mile from the Area Office each day.  The Moscow River that is between us and the office.  We understand that it totally freezes over in winter time!

The bridge we cross--it is just a pedestrian bridge, all lit up, and beautiful at night.  There are always so many people going to and from.  Even when we are walking our fastest--let's say 60--everyone else is walking 90!  They are all the fastest walkers--I guess it's because they have done it all their lives--very few have cars.  Or maybe it's because we're getting older????

   As we walk over the bridge, we always look over to see the progress on the Orthodox Church they are building.  It is really going to be something when they get it done!  For now, they meet in the little building in the front to the left.


After crossing the bridge, we then wind our way through all the buildings to get home--our home away from home for the next 23 months!  We have already had some amazing experiences here, and I'm sure there will be many more to come!