The Apartment is Getting Empty

Most of the morning was spent getting things organized for a ‘garage sale’. Only about three people came but we unloaded a lot of stuff.  We have sold almost all of our electronic things, including the multi-voltage, multi-system 32” TV.  I fear the movers will have very little to pack out for us, mostly just clothes and computers.

Jamaica Jerk Chicken and Cole Slaw

Yesterday afternoon I purchased a chicken and then cut it up into twelve pieces and marinated it for three hours in Jamaica Jerk, lime juice and a nice bit of BBQ sauce.  Then I cooked it until it took on that nice brownish red color and it was really delicious served with my crunchy sesame Cole slaw.  It appears I’ll only have about three more meals to prepare before everything is gone from the kitchen. As it is, it is getting more and more difficult to cook with fewer and fewer pots, pans and utensils.

Now here is a really bright idea sure to win the hearts and minds of Russians everywhere.  And this is a topic seldom discussed in Moscow, but pickpockets do exist.

Mayor's Residence

Yuir Dolgorukiy

We took a walk this morning after the tag sale and found some interesting places.  We walked right by Itar TASS, the old Soviet era propaganda paper. From there we walked to a lovely little gallery that was having an exhibition on Spanish bullfighting. Rather then go in, we sat by a great fountain that we had all to ourselves.  From there we went to the Mayor’s Residence and took some pictures.  There is a great statue of Yuri Dolgorukiy, founder of Moscow, in the front of the building and a great fountain to the rear of the statue. There were a few teenagers trying to skateboard near the fountain and man were they terrible.  I’ve noticed that skateboarding is a very big thing, despite the fact that I’ve never seen a Russian kid do it well. I’m thinking of starting The San Diego School of Skateboarding here in Moscow.  I’ll be rich!!

Central Fountain

The new mayor is doing a great job of dismantling all the wasteful construction that took place doing the old regime. He is also doing a fantastic job of getting rid of all the advertising that was on buildings under renovation. The old mayor used to get kickbacks from both the construction contracts as well as the renovation advertising.  It will do much to make Moscow more attractive.  We got home just before a big heavy rain that we hope will cool things down and get rid of a bit of pollen.

All the plants have departed the apartment for their new home and I must say the apartment seems much more dreary without them.  However, I’m sure they will thrive and since our time is running low, we needed to get as much done this weekend as possible.

Extra Credit: What Does This Say?

Have a lovely Saturday, Cindy and Wm.