moscow is the capital of russia

After Berlin and New York, Moscow makes a good continuation of new year's eve celebratins in huge cities. Even better of course renunified with part of the Atlanta gang. After a long night into 31st's morning getting up did not happen any early (7.00pm), so that we managed to get downtown Moscow for the change of the year 10 minutes early. It is impressive to doi a stroll around Moscows Kremlin as first thing in the new year. We dont miss the chance to visit the highly renowned hotel Ritz Carlton just around the corner. Ilya gets some souvenirs, obvouisly not exactly from the hotel's souvenir shop.

Generally it is cold, barely over -15 °C and sometimes even windy. Streets are snow covered, so are sidewalks, ince even in Moscow snow fall in January seems unexpected. We take a cap to a COUCHSURFING party. "Wear something you normally never wear" is the theme, so I become turtle man. Some Russians are excited. Anna-Sofia becomes twister queen (for sure thanks to the intensive training in summer back in Atlanta. However, the party spirit is not really getting us. On the way home we give basic first aid to an alcohol intoxinated woman laying besides the street using the famous recovery position. After a few minutes she already stands again slightly waveringly.

The first couple of days of our 10 days stay we don't make it out of the house before sunset, which is around 4.00 pm. Since it is holiday periode in Russia (Jan. 1st to 10th are national holidays, potentially the longest in the world) Moscow people do it the same way recovering from the long and streneous work year. Moscow is probably anyways most beautiful at night, which we can see at a great view point close to the university of Moscow. Although I wear pantihose, trousers and a windbreaking top layer plus woulen socks and five layer on the upper body, I am freaking cold. The way to dress in such conditions is fur mantle and hat, combined with high heeled boots for the women, thats how the Russians do it. It looks fancy and is warm.

Fortunately, there is a lonely branch of an awesome Russian fast food chain at the scenic terasse. ... : Whole baked potatoes with cheese and butter and all kinds of toppings. Half a liter of beer is little more than a Euro. We heat up our feet at a small electric radiator. Next to it, there is a thick ice layer on the inside of the wall. Souvenir seller wrap up their tables outside.