Здравствуйте, все! Ваня Кенгуруевич опять уехал на каникулы, но как раз с любовницей...между нами, его жена устроет ему скандал...
Anyway, I'm back online after taking a couple of days off to enjoy the beautiful weather. On Saturday I went to my favorite "prigorod" Dmitrov for the afternoon, just to walk around, check out the local shops and the Kremlin (not nearly as majestic as the one in Moscow but quite respectable and beautiful in its own right). The main square was closed off in preparations for the Victory Day celebrations. Saturday night I once again dominated in bowling (it should be said that not this past Saturday, but last Saturday I broke my old score of 168 with a solid 173, including four strikes to start the first game. I'm definitely getting better with practice, might be able to shoot for 200 before I go home and possibly never bowl again...:(
Sunday was an absolutely crazy day. Russians have every right to be proud of its veterans for the sacrifices they made in defeating the Germans. The massive costs were horrific and undeniable. What cannot be overlooked, no matter how some people may try, is the Allied effort. It truly was a joint victory for the Russians, Americans and British. Anyway, back to the craziness. I was on my way to church in the morning when I realized, to my chagrin, that the exits from the metro at Biblioteka im. Lenina had been blocked off. I was upset, but did think that many of the main streets would be closed to traffic and pedestrians because of the parade. I did ultimately make it to church, a few minutes late. The piano adventures began around 10:45ish, about 15 minutes prior to the start of the 11:00 Anglican service, when it became quite clear that our regular pianist wasn't going to make it. It also became clear that someone needed to step in to play piano, otherwise we were going to have to sing everything a capella. So I "volunteered" and managed to practice through all the hymns, with Father Simon mercifully starting the service late, because a lot of people were stuck because of the parade, or chose to simply watch the parade instead.
After church, we went out for Lebanese food, which was actually quite nice. I then went back to MPC (St. Andrew's) for the afternoon Protestant service, after which I met up with one of my friends from Middlebury (alas, I forgot to ask, whether or not she had been to any concerts featuring improvisation?) I then went out for dinner with Mike and Dan at Starlite before proceeding to Vorb'yovy Gory to watch a beautiful fireworks display. After that I went back to Starlite AGAIN lol and then returned home around 1:30 a.m, exhausted but content after an excellent day in the company of great friends.
It felt quite nice to sleep in this morning. Today was another gorgeous day so I took a book and sat in the Alexander Gardens near Red Square. Tomorrow we have our dress rehearsal for Friday's concert. As long as we "tell the story, sharp and hard, and that faces are without problems", we will be okay. I'm looking forward to singing the 3rd part of the classical piece, which seems a bit tricky. I'm looking forward to listening to our pianist play everything either slightly wrong but in time or not in time and completely wrong. No seriously, it'll all be okay. I'm reserving some tickets for our concerts on the 14th and 21st. I'm planning to get 4 seats for this Friday and one for next friday. Spread the word. If anyone else wants to come, let me know asap. Tickets are 450 rubles, available at the door or through me or somebody else in the choir.
That's all for now. Things are heating up, both in terms of workload and weather (it's been very warm the last few days, and today ias well). But I'm sure I'll come through with flying colors, and keeping my eyes on the prize, which is the receiving of my MA in August! Talk soon, everyone! Sending you all my love from the Motherland!
Peace and love,
Comrade Jon
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