Aerial shots of Moscow

It has been a while since I have been able to post, which means there is a lot to post about.

About a month ago a friend visited from Germany, his lady friend came along and the four of us took a quick trip to Saint Petersburg.
Shortly after the trip I went back to the United States for my big brother's wedding.
And then as soon as I returned here, I discovered something very big and exciting about my life.
All of these will have their own posts, but it may take a few days.

Lately I have been working, finishing up a project and getting ready for the coming months.

Last week we had our first true Couch Surfing experience when we hosted a pilot from Arizona. He was a wonderful guest and we have only been encouraged to become more involved with the system. Next week we are expecting 2 girls from Belgium.

More importantly however, in 2 days one of my very good friends from Richmond is coming to visit. It will be wonderful to share this city and country with her, and it will be really really nice just to have her around. I only hope that she leaves with as good of an impression of the country that I have, and that she will want to return again.
I have enjoyed people visiting- so far we have had 2 people visit. I took a lot of time showing them around the city, visiting the landmarks with them and exploring. It's been nice to be reintroduced to the wonders of Moscow, to rediscover them with new eyes. This really is an exciting city, I am so proud to be able to share it with people.

Right now I want to share some pictures with you that I did not take. They are from one of my favorite websites, englishrussia.com, and they are aerial shots of Moscow, taken in a helicopter.
I intend to share more of my favorite pictures from this website, because they really are able to show Moscow and Russia in a way that I can not capture with my camera.



These last 2 are from Tsaritsino's Park, or Queen's Park, that was once owned by Catherine the Great. We were there last weekend for a Eurofolk festival. It was very beautiful, as you can see.



This is our local football club's stadium, Lokomotiv.
We are hoping to attend some games this Sunday at the stadium. Lokomotiv is hosting a tournament with Chelsea and AC Milan.


This "castle" is also in our neighborhood, and actually a really big outdoor souvenir market.

A real once in a lifetime opportunity

So, I came to the States and left what seems like immediately as soon as I arrived. Being home I never find enough time for everything I want to do or everyone that I want to see.
But this is another post for another time.

Today I need to post about last night- while I am still in this high of amazement.
Last night Vas and I went to the Champions League Final match, Moscow 2008, Manchester United vs. Chelsea.
It is incredible that Moscow was the host this year, and that these 2 English football teams were playing. Some of the absolute best players in the world are on the roster- the most notable of which is Christiano Ronaldo.
I imagine that most of you can understand the magnitude of this game with out me explaining too much.
This is one of the most important games of the year across the board, in any sport. For some it exceeds the World Cup or Olympics, and it definitely surpasses the SuperBowl or any sports we have back in the States.

So. Here is my post of pictures from the game.
We found the tickets from a post on-line, and although we were incredibly hesitant, Vas decided to take the chance and buy them.
We felt a small victory when we made it through the 4 ticket checks- they were valid- we were not jipped.
We made our way to our seats, we kept walking down, down down down the aisle- we couldn't believe how far down we were walking.
We ended up being in the first section, row 22 from the field. We were just above the corner where the players enter/exit to the locker room. So we got a special up close glimpse of everyone.

The Red Square was full of football excitement, from UEFA festivities to the thousands upon thousands of English fans



Chelsea fans in the metro


The stadium... Chelsea, Man U, and then there's Lenin


Warm-ups


We sat on the edge of the Chelsea section and the rich Russian boring section


We were really, really excited. (like the rock?!)


The 2 teams, before kick off


Score


play, 1st half


still


Ronaldo goes for the head (far in the red)


and scores!


that's him.. number 7


Score


Chelsea picks up the pace


And equalizes!


Half-time


Again, the greatest player in the world


Our half-time photoshoot



Pictures of play from second half and over time



Red card..


And to PK's!


It's 2-2 and Ronaldo steps up (or the new nickname, "Ronal-no")


bah! he misses! yesssss!!! things are looking good until..


and we go into extra PK's
and finally the winner of the 2008 Final in Moscow..

Man U...





the swinging camera celebrated, too


And I juggled a giant official match ball



so, what did you do last night?