First Snow at Star City - Winter 2010

Sick.Blah.Sick

Sorry about not posting. Sick since before going to Bulgaria and haven't gotten better yet. Two rounds on anti-biotics, 1 bottle of Nyquil, 1 box of Coldrex, everything I can throw at it...and nothing.

I hate being sick.

Back from The Black Sea

After a long series of adventures I have made it back to Moscow. Varna was, as always great despite the reason why I was there. After a visit to the grave and a brief memorial, attempted to have as normal a visit as possible. Did some shopping and spent as much time as possible at the coast.

Varna is still an awesome city despite the influx of Americans and Russians. Hope to spend a lot more time there in the future.

Moscow is great too...glad to be back.

The flu is coming...

All plans for extra activities in Varna have gone awry...I feel a cold coming. Weezing in the lungs, tired, feverish. Dang it...my favorite holiday, wasted again! Need to get with my doc Jose and get some drugs.

Off to the Black Sea

Leaving tomorrow morning for the Black Sea coast town of Varna, Bulgaria. Every time I have visited this place, its been a happy occaision. Unfortunately, this isn't going to be one at all. Off to pay my respects to my late sister-in-law, Irina. Also going to do my best to distract my mother-in-law, do some walking around, maybe take some pictures. I am afraid that I will never feel the same about Varna now that both my father in law, and sister in law are gone. With my absense from the city, and my wife's as well, I am afraid that Varna will become one big memorial to the past. I hope not because I love the place but we will see if we can move forward from here, I want my daughter to know Varna, and know it well...but I fear it will never be a home-away-from home for her as it has been for my wife and me. I wonder if my daughter has kids, will they know Varna? Time will tell I guess.

Irina Kirilova Leskovska, 1980-2010

Yesterday, my sister-in-law, Irina Leskovska, was laid to rest in her hometown of Varna, Bulgaria. She was only 30 years old, and died, from my understanding, of Bacterial Pneumonia and health care provider neglect.

Irina was an old soul who wrestled with her demons in the only way she knew how to. She was a beautiful girl in flesh and spirit, a poet, an artist, and full of untapped potential and without warning, her journey ended abruptly. I find a strange comfort in believing that her father met her on Sunday, and guided her every step of the way and now, together, the past forgotten, they smile down on the ones they left behind, Ilka, Diana, and  Leanna.

You are, and will be missed. Goodbye friend. Say hello to Heaven for us.

Lots of Walking

Spent the weekend walking all over Moscow...including the trip on Saturday. Sunday morning was cool and crisp at a balmy 49 degrees! Went to check out The Church of St. Phillip, Metropolitan of Moscow, at Metro Prospekt Mira. Awesome place...again no pictures from the inside...I need to figure out how to arrange to get some inside pictures. This church is a whole compound right in the middle a shopping complex.

After the church ceremony...I wanted to check out Chistie Prudie (Clear Ponds), which is an oasis of peacefulness in the midst of noisy downtown Moscow. I like the place alot but, have to admit, its better in the winter because it turns into a grate ice skating park...great in the evening...will be some nice pics.

Ended up walking for like two hours to get home...forgot how far away it actually was...even though its only one subway stop away! Doh!