Пикник Афиши

Recently in Moscow, there was an event of silly proportions. It's called Afisha Picnic, and it's an open air concert, with artists from all around (but mostly Britain). Franz Ferdinand, Mika, Lauren Hill, Mos Def, и Аквариум were among the bands that performed. My friend Olya turned me onto going, and it was such a blast. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical...it just doesn't seem like my sort of thing. But in the end, I'm so glad I went, and here's why...

The weather was super fun, actually. It rained for about half an hour (out of a ten hour event, that's not too bad), and it just made things more fun. We all huddled under umbrellas, trying to stay  dry and dance at the same time. 

The many faces of Russia

I've been involved in a healthy mixture of randomness lately. I teach English a bit, and that takes me everywhere from the summer-homes surrounding Moscow to the towers of Moscow City (an interesting attempt to build a financial center in Russia). I've enjoyed English lessons while I've been here in Moscow...it gives me a chance to teach (which is pretty fun) and I get to know lots of interesting people.

Besides teaching, I've been hanging out more with the members of my church lately. Most recently,  we went on a camping trip, and it was a blast. I got to know a lot of great people, went swimming, and was attacked by wasps. Overall, that makes a successful camping trip I think.

 Don't you just love the classic look of black and VERY white photos? (this photo stolen from Наташа).

 One reason I like Russia is that I'm not judged for wearing my short shorts. Seriously though, there are thousands of hipsters here who wear cut-off jeans, and if that's not bad enough they roll them up, cause they're not quite short enough. Then they tuck their plaid shirts into them. It's pretty funny.

I absolutely LOVE the Russian countryside. It's so beautiful, and I just feel so relaxed there.