Sunday was my first full free day in Moscow with no
commitments. Balaban and family had invited me to go to their dacha for the
day, but I declined. It’s important to debrief by yourself, and I haven’t
gotten to do that since I arrived 2 weeks ago – a day of Stephanie was
necessary. Plus, I knew I could go to the dacha another weekend.
With that in mind, I had checked out my to-do list and
looked through blog-fiesta (site of current events/happenings in the city), and
decided to wake up around 10am to start the day. First on my list, was the 5th
annual Moscow Veloseped Marathon (Veloseped/Велосипед = Bicycle). I
didn’t have a bike, but I figured I could rent one nearby (there were
advertisements online), and if not, at the very least it would be interesting
to watch. There were expected to be 500,000 participants so I figured that in
and of itself would be interesting. I arrived at the metro stop and found
myself greeted by many bicyclers. I followed the crowd and found the entrance.
There were so many people with bikes! After getting through
security, I asked many people where I could rent a bike, but everyone kept
pointing me in different directions, and eventually I decided it was probably
too late. One person I asked, also asked where I was from, and when I answered
that I was an American, he asked “Why are you here”? That seems to be the
question of the month so far.
After I had seen all there was to see (the race wouldn’t
start for another hour), talked to people, and taken photos, I left. My next stop
was an outdoor “7 Worlds” antique fair that was happening that day. I didn’t
know what to expect, but who doesn’t love window shopping? When I arrived, I
was surprised to see that there were maybe 200 (or more?) people there! The
area was huge, and vendors had set up tables and blankets for customers to
peruse. Some of the stuff was obviously crap (like at any other antique shop),
but some of the stuff was super cool. I saw a huge Russian typewriter, old
Soviet money, and of course the evolution of bears in Russia (my favorite being
the 1980 “Masha” Olympian bear!). I stayed a few hours (it was a beautiful
day), and after buying a few things for myself and others, I headed out.
As soon as I exited “The Museum of Moscow” (where the
antique fair took place), I was greeted by hundreds of bicyclers! One side of
the road was crossed off, and bicyclers occupied the entire lane. Everyone was
wearing funny costumes, waving, laughing, and having fun…. If I hadn’t known I
was in Moscow, I easily could have thought the race took place in NYC. Where
was the sad, grey, communist Moscow that I’d read so much about?!
After staying and watching, I headed back onto the metro to
go to Ashan. I picked up groceries and сидр and left to go home. Since I had time and all the ingredients, I
decided to make more banana bread while watching Greys. I also watched a movie
called “Dear Zachary,” which received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (that’s
VERY high) and happened to be on Netflix. It was good but I definitely do not
think it deserved 94%. Honestly it was kind of boring…
But anyways. Overall, it was such a great first free day. I definitely
wasn’t expecting to work as much as I do (or rather, as late…. 11am-9pm often),
but I’m glad it worked out that way. With that being said, it’s also important
to relax, and be free, and explore, and do fun things. I ammmmm only 21 after
all. More soon.
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