How I've Spent the Last Day of Winter

Facing the Beast from the East

One unfunny thing about living in London is that there is no snow in winter. No. And when there is any resemblance the whole system is stunned. Immobilized. Disoriented. 

After Christmas went by uneventfully and I've heard rumors of friends going skiing, I sort of regretted not being a bit more creative in this regard. "Next winter", I said and put my mind to rest.

This winter was too cold. Not cold enough for snow, but neither very mild. So, I was looking forward to spring. Snowdrops and other blossoms all around in the middle of February, until one morning I pulled the curtains to a whole new scenery.

Winterland everywhere. I double-checked my location: still London. It turns out the "Beast from the East" was here. And it wasn't planning to leave soon. In fact, it was prepping the party grounds for Storm Emma. Can't say everyone was excited. But children were for sure.

And so was I. This was my chance at winter. If I didn't get to go the Winterland, winter came to me. LOL Can't complain.

I took a looong trip to Rochester thru the stormy weather, where my friends discovered a hill full of snow. The sole purpose? To go sledding and see Clopotsica, the gorgeous snowoman my friends built. 

Got back home so late - that train was slow! But the adventure was worth every effort. Have a look for yourself!

Today it's March 19. And for the last three days, winter is cycling back. It must have taken the wrong turn. Or it got lost. Or maybe it's time to adjust our calendar and start Spring in April. Or May. Maybe the hemispheres are swapping. Maybe...

How was your last day of winter?

Vlog Fever - Why Moldovans Don't Hike & My Favorite Places...

So... Did you see my previous post? I was testing my vlogging abilities.

It's one thing to speak smth in front of a camera. Is another thing to make it meaningful. AND an entirely different thing to actually post it, so that everybody will see. I admire those who have the gut. For some I wish they didn't. LOL!

But let the ranting about hiking continue.... with part 2.

Why Moldovans Don't Hike?

And yes, there is part 3...

My Favorite Places to Hike

I hope it's somewhat useful and entertaining... Once I learned to laugh at myself, it cracks me up every time I watch it - esp. part 1.

Thank you for taking the time. Big hug!

Leave a comment. Even if cheesy. 

Escaping the Sun

One day I have decided to move to London. Seriously. And the day of the move came. It was in August last year. I started writing this post on August 28... Uh! Life caught me in a tumble.

Many Londoners won't like hearing this, but I actually like the rain. It's cool.

Everyday there are new things happening. And everyday I'm thinking to write them down. And everyday that doesn't happen.

Besides new curious things to see, there are some new words to learn as well. For ex. people use serviette for napkin, underground or tube for metro, lue for bathroom (not sure even how to spell it) and so on.

It Does Say Underground and Toilets after all

The accents are something else. But that would be impossible to express in writing. The only case that I remember, just because I could not get it even for the 5th time, is the word "cutlery" that sounded 100% "calorie".

That's because this place is a big jungle where monkeys from all over the world gather and each thinks they know how to speak the language. At first I was worried about my accent and wanted it to sound British. I would be very surprised when people said it's beautiful and even found it sexy. I'm OK with it just being beautiful. Now, I think I will keep it. It's part of the journey of self-acceptance after all.

Part of the London Jungle

Attempts at Keeping it Green

Fascinated

One of the Bridges

People here were very helpful from the first time I stepped on this land. Some offered to help me with the luggage on the steps out of the underground. And no, they did run away with it. Others helped me figure out the payment system for the transportation.

The Real Jungle

People here complain. After all this is not paradise and all the PR and marketing in the world can't hide the real. I heard they complain like nowhere else. I even heard someone feeling bad about complaining prior to coming here. But then, after coming here, he discovered it is actually trendy. 

It Looks like People Here Are Not Too Fond of This Place and Their Politicians

Speaking of transportation, very soon I learned it's a money drainer. But not without limits. It's a pretty good service after all. Considering it moves around over 8.5 million people everyday and more.

USEFUL TIPS : If you come to London, even for a short time, get an Oyster card for traveling on any type of transportation (ask the assistants at the tube station). It costs 5 pounds, which will be refunded if you return your card at the end of your trip. With this card you will get a daily cap on your travel so you're not spending endlessly.

You can top it up at any underground station as well as at various convenience shops around the city.

If you don't have enough money for a trip, you can still take a bus for just one trip and then the money will be deducted when you top it up next time. Click for TFL travel fares and more.

Mom’s Pest Control

Murdarici [Moordarich] was my housemate for the last three months or so. He has many good qualities. One thing I especially like is how smart he is. Once I asked him to bring me my soap. He stopped from cleaning himself, looked at me attentively and perked up his ears as I repeated the request. When he realized I was being silly, he dismissed me, continuing with his cleaning.

"Don't Mind Her. She Likes Me."

He is not one of those needy, clingy cats that nags and rubs on you. He is super independent and that I absolutely love about him. Once in a while he comes and lies on my feet. Of course, than I want to pet him and play with him. But he doesn’t mind if I pet him and play with him any time either. Actually, he is getting addicted to it. I’ve got to keep him away, lest he becomes clingy like the rest of the cats.

"I Love It When You Do That"

It took us a while to become friends. He was keeping his distance before he realized he’s got nothing to fear. Now when I come from somewhere he runs to me as if I’m his long missing friend.

I forgave him some of his mishandling of my property. One morning I found the oven open. It had three pieces of chicken left there from evening. One was missing. After my investigation into the matter, I have learned that Murdarici is quite capable of opening the oven door and doesn’t have an issue with getting anything that doesn’t belong to him. I love animals. There is a saying: since I’ve got to know people, I love my dog even more. Joke. I love people too. But I do have a problem when pets get into my stuff, messing it up or eating it. Or I should say, they a have a problem. :)

"My Nose Hurts"

Another thing I love about Murdarici is that he is Mom’s pest control. One day I even helped him catch a mouse in the barn. The mouse was in a sack. Murdarici managed to immobilize it, but couldn’t get it out. He also catches birds, when they go to sleep at night in the walnut tree. Ferocious. 

Mom & Murdarici Talk a Lot (guess who does most of the talking)

One June morning on the path in the garden, I ran into this dead rat. It was pretty dead. I mean it’s been there a few hours perhaps, because it was stiff. Ha! I had my suspicions that it might be Murdarici’s doing, but didn’t give it much attention. The only thought of concern that crossed my mind was that he dragged some poisoned rat from somewhere.  But I think he's smarter than that. 

Dead Rat

Later during breakfast Murdarici came looking at me with big eyes. I asked him: what’s the matter? Then, I noticed he’s got a bigger nose and some blood stain on it. He must have been in a ferocious fight and that rat bit his nose. That’s why he didn’t care to eat it at that point. I empathized with him as he laid down. Since I was eating, I had to pet him with my feet. He doesn’t mind.

"Are You Taking a Picture of Me? Stop It."

And of course he is beautiful.  Don't you agree?

One day, while perhaps chasing after a mouse, he fell into the outhouse… Yep! Guess who had to clean him? Mom only yelled at him, and chased him away. So, he was sitting miserable in the grass at the corner of the house, meowing pathetically. And I had only one rubber glove.

I Love This Country

That’s right who wouldn’t… Yesterday I went shopping. Initially, I was going to spend 30 min. on it, but what an impractical idea… Why did I think I that I could never spend 4 hours in one store only?  

I used to think the saying “shop till you drop” was made up because it rimes beautifully, but now I know it actually is true. When my friend Ann arrived 5 hours later I was asking her, if she has something to eat. 

After another two hours in the next store I chose two items and was ready to go. Yes, only two. After all that time? Exactly. Whoever thinks shopping is just for fun or a waste of time… not true. I realized this is a way to build up your biceps, gluteus maximus, quadriceps, back, abdominals, cardio, and many more. Not to forget the brain employment that goes into sorting, comparing, analyzing and deciding.

The real fun awaited me in the end. The original total price was $84. But with all the discounts and the coupons the store offered, I ended up paying $1.52. I walked out of that store with the sensation that I got hit with a canister. Really? $1.52? Hah! What a steal!

I love this country. Who wouldn’t?

And listen to this. If for any reason I’m not happy with my purchase I can return it within a couple or three months and get all my money back. This is called the return policy. For that money, why wouldn’t one be happy with any purchase?

Milano - Looking Back

This past May I visited the north part of Italy. Although it rained most of the time - not the usual weather - some days were sunny and favorable for exploring...

You know how sometimes in order to understand something you’ve got to be there and experience it? So is Milano. Why are people, celebrities or Russians so drawn to it? I’m not sure, but this is what I think it is:

It’s the magnificence of creation. It’s art within art.  An electrifying clash of antique and modern. 

It’s spacious, grand, luxurious, beautiful… The exuberant architecture encapsulates the diversity of clothing styles, both a hallmark of God’s gift of creativity and aesthetic to humans. No human could fail to appreciate it, because in every human soul there is a longing for beauty, a longing for greatness and a longing for fascination.

Although just an echo of eternity, it gives a glimpse of the pleasure that awaits each child of God.

Of course, there are those who can care less about this side of things. Those would use a piece of clothing bought in Italy to pump their ego, reassure themselves of their importance and try to impress.

A Midsummer Nightmare (not by Shakespeare)

Whew! What a life! Can it really be more thrilling? Listen to this...

I'm sitting here in my little room in my big, empty house after a day of work. And what work? I'm almost afraid to say, 'cause you might get jealous. But I'll risk. Carrying clay and horse manure for my aunt who is helping me repair the stove... winter is coming. Yeah, that's what we use here for such works. I've got to mention gluing wallpaper to the walls... have I ever dreamed of anything like this? But it's worth the reason. 'Cause see...

... another exciting thing is the small group with the teen girls from the village. We talk about life and adventure and traveling and my best friend J. Oh, we also play fun games and drink hot tea. So, I'm getting the room ready. :)

However exhilarating that may sound, I must tell you, it is not the last highlight of the day yet, 'cause then I retreat to my little room to watch one of my favorite movies, the kind with spiders and magic. Yeyyyy! Spooky stuff. And... I hear some increasing noise under my sofa, around my desk, scratching and trotting... Like something is coming... Hoah! That would have scared you, but not me. I'm used to that by now - my all time companions, the mice! Now, I have to admit they are going a little over board this time...