End of 2009 to January 2010

Part 2

From Alexandra G. One of these images that are trying to say something.

Jan. 19 is Eastern Orthodox Epiphany - the meeting of Jesus by St. John the Baptist, baptism of the former in the Jordan river, and associated events that includes the coming down of something mystical, thus the name of the event. On this day even the coldest of waters are considered human-friendly in this very otherwise land. In just about every neighbourhood you will have a cross-shaped hole in the ice. The one in Sokolniki part was actively used. I joined the thin crowd. 

>> Move to Alexandra's apartment at www.cheap-moscow.com

One of few exchange places that accept foreign money other than US dollars and Euros. The underground passage between Metro Kievskaya on the ring and the radial branch. 

But the exchange rate is not at all favourable. To be used only as the last resort. Come to Russia with US dollars or Euros only! Or rubles of course.

Now Indian Spices have four locations. To be used for the Vegetarian Moscow page.

After years in the countryside I'm returning to civilized office life. I was surprised myself of how organic I look amidst computer monitors and shelves with papers.

     
Made it to Weiwang Chinese Exports at Verkhnaya Krasnoselskaya  (Верхняя Красносельская) 2 in my search of a reliable supplier of to-fu. While the store is worth visiting for a serious cook the to-fu situation was a disappointment. This stuff is slimy and salty beyond repair. The to-fu question remains open as of January 27 2010. For more info of interest to vegetarians see my www.unclepasha.com/vegetarian_russia.htm page.

Good catch from Weiwang Chinese Exports: bamboo shoots not seen anywhere else and good and very inexpensive seaweed sheets. Wild ride (right) and lentils for the lentil and tomato sauce (middle) are available just about anywhere.

"Merchandize yourself [do] not take!"

That's for my collection of don't/prohibited/no signs.

Rice noodles (very cheap at Weiwang - see my Vegetarian Russia page) with lentil and pepper sauce over them. To be used to illustrate the "typical" menu served at my dacha or in my cafe yet to be opened.

"Article 241 of the Criminal Code of Russian Federation. Organizing PROSTITUTION is punishable by deprivation of freedom for the period of up to 10 years. [do] Call girls break up the families of others or their own lives?" Sent by Alla. The one with a room in Kommunalka on Rooms & Homestays in Moscow list.

The discovery of the Vietnamese market and its sellers of contraband rice vodka opens a new page of the Come to Russia to Drink theme.