traveltales: RUSSIAN MEMORIES

Sunday, October 13, 2013

RUSSIAN MEMORIES

Memories from a Great Trip

From Theater Square, near a large granite monument of Karl Marx looking at the Bolshoi, we had a wonderful view of the theater across the street. Built in 1825, the Bolshoi is Moscow’s oldest and best-known theater. Its splendid external architecture sports a splendid façade with columns and large bronze horses at its peak. The theater that seats 2000 is known for its world-famous opera and ballet companies. It is second in size only La Scala in Italy. Unfortunately I can tell you nothing about the inside as the theater was covered with scaffolding undergoing a massive renovation.

The hour and a half flight from Kiev, Ukraine to Moscow actually took us ALL day. We left our Kiev hotel at 9:30 AM and entered out Moscow hotel at 5:00 PM. At the hotel we walked through a scanner every time we entered the hotel and all bags and purses were also scanned every time.

Shortly after leaving the pier in Moscow we encountered nude bathers in the river. Although lathering up with soap when they saw us a couple of the guys couldn’t resist flashing the boat as we sailed by.

FOOD

Meals are always set with bread, salt, pepper, and mustard. Cold appetizers are served first and are usually washed down with vodka, the national drink which generally is 40% alcohol. A soup or broth follows the appetizers, then the entrée.

Rye bread is a favorite of all Slavs, extremely popular and is the bread most often served. The bread is soft, spongy and has a pleasant flavor. Bliny are pancakes. Kasha is a gruel and may be thin or thick.

Vegetables especially cabbage, carrots, potatoes, onions, turnips, peas, plus mushrooms, nuts and berries are the most common elements of a meal. Shchi (shee) is a vegetable soup with cabbage, potatoes, onion, garlic, carrots, roots and spices. It is baked and served with sour cream or milk and of course rye bread. Ukha (oo kah) is a hot fish soup with 3-4 kinds of fish, potatoes, onion and spices.

Jam is often added to tea instead of sugar. Pies are popular menu items.

Kvass is similar to beer without the alcohol content. It is made from fruit and berries. Mors is made from berry juice, which has been diluted and fermented.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.