March 8th is Women’s Day and a national holiday in Russia....businesses are closed....and women are celebrated for their accomplishments made to society - who doesn’t like that?? All businesses worked this past Saturday (including Steve) so employees could get both Monday and Tuesday off for a long 4-day weekend. Tradition has it that women are presented with gifts and flowers to express appreciation for their work, love and devotion - a combo Mother’s Day and Valentine’s Day. My wonderful husband presented me with a beautiful bouquet of flowers!
Men’s Day was celebrated February 23rd - also knows as the Defender of the Fatherland Day. It actually honors those who have and are presently serving in the Armed Forces. During Soviet times, it was called Red Army Day.
We spent 2 days X country skiing this weekend at absolutely beautiful Izmailava Park. Very Dr. Zhivago-esque! We were happy we were able to make the metro and tram trek to our destination - all with skis and boots on our backs...
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| Steve heading out among the trees... |
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| A favorite past-time of Russians... |
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| Working on form... |
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| Trails in every direction.... |
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| And of course - a watering hole for an invigorating dip...we just say no. A woman made an exit before I snapped this photo - thought best not to exploit. |
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| Men playing volleyball in the snow... |
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| Ice skating! |
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Ann, I had no idea that it Women's International Day is an actual holiday there. Here it was definitely trumped by Pancake Day though I did hear it mentioned. I love all the Cross Country ski/ fun- in-the snow pictures. What great experiences you are having! Miss you!
ReplyDeleteWeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!! How fun!! Bummer Steve didn't bring out the pink speedos for a dip in the watering hole....I know he must have been tempted.
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