July 11

Last night Will and I ventured out on our own and walked to the hip and happening Arbat Street. We were too exhausted to partake in any of the fun that the pedestrian street had to offer, from street performers to a zillion open air cafes interspersed with the tourista favorite souvenir shop. A late beginning this morning, with free and yummy breakfast delivered to our room at 9:00am and then meeting our very young, cute, and extremely smart tour guide in the lobby at 10:00 am. Katerina has just returned from a year at Brown on a Fulbright Scholarship. This 26 year old taught a Russian language and culture course this past year at Brown and is newly returned from the states to teach English to corporate Russians. She is a tour guide on the side and says she will do it as long as she can have a "happy middle" and keep her life balanced. We are very happy to have her for the week. Summing up this day would be difficult so I will post some pictures for you. We toured Red Square, St. Basil's, the Kremlin and Cathedral Square. I stood and recorded Red Square to share with you so I hope it worked! Funny, the weather forcast was 80% chance of thunderstorms and we never saw a drop. Where is Greg Fischel when you need him! We went to a Georgian restaurant tonight at around 8:30pm after an 8 hour touring day. The food in Russian is unbelievably good and foodies would wet themselves. We are not foodies as you know.... But, More on that and the women's fashions tomorrow. Tonight, we are exhausted by our full day of touring and a full stomach of baked salted sea bass and vino. Till tomorrow.