Happy “Hanukkah”

Good morning my dear readers.

I have just returned from absolutely smashing week in Rotterdam. I've been working in Dutch office of Comsec Consulting and they have a pool table they call “Meeting Room”. Isn't it amazing?

I also had a chance to meet with Richard and Rob, whom I didn't see for ages...

Anyway, now I'm back in UK and there is so much going on. First, My friend Rob (another one) came over from Carlisle to dine on a dead chickens bodies at the morgue, ooops... Nandos. We had an excellent Saturday night together when Alyona went to a BP Christmas party. Nothing fancy, just Chinese takeaway, beer, whiskey and a very violent action movie (Die Hard 4.0).

Another thing that occupies me is upcoming Christmas. I need to get Hanukkah bush (it is also known as a “Christmas” tree) and some decoration for it. I was thinking of using doughnuts leftovers, you know, the one with strawberry, chocolate, maple, etc. coating, but my wife want to have some glass made balls.

Merry Hanukkah to you all, John.

Wasted Sunday

Back to Roots (Royal Arsenal)

I guess there will be no "Part 2" of Helsinki story…

Anyway, we have moved (again) to a new place, back in Royal Arsenal. It is amazing apartment (yeah....the dream of your own house with a white fence… maybe in California) in 300 years old house which used to be a military warehouse. We made two movies, but if Russian is not your language switch off the sounds (otherwise, it will be a bit unpleasant). http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-5482957374991500321 http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=-6804095167868613352

Otherwise… nothing new (which is good, from time to time)…

Enjoy, John.

Helsinki (Part 1)

My friends, yesterday I did something awful. Because of me, some boys and girls will not receive their Christmas presents because Rudolf is no more... I ate it! For the sake of vegetarians out there, I'm not going to describe how tender, lean meat of a reindeer taste like, but enough to say, it is good and EXPENSIVE!

I'm not sure if that was deer meat or local beer, but for some reason we (Yaniv, Ronen, Emma and myself) discussed Darwin theory of evolution. It included dolphins, apes and... cats (we all know that cats from outer space brought us here as part of their experiment - that is why ancient Egyptians were worshipping them).

Anyway, for those who are not aware, I'm in Helsinki for a week (work, not pleasure). The place is full of blue eyed blonds and is pretty cold (+2 last night and locals call it mild). Will try to write a bit more latter...

Catcha'ya latter, John.

Anniversary 2.0

Here we are, two years together and believe it or not, still love each other. For our anniversary we went to Cornwall, south west part of UK. Not only that, but I was driving (on the other side of the road)! Before I go on, I have to say that driving on the left side of the road is not the most difficult thing, but having gear box on your left side and change gears using your left arm... that was tricky. We planned to make our base in Plymouth and to take short trips to locations around. On the first day, we drove past pile of stones better known as Stonehenge. We also managed to drive past Salisbury cathedral on a way to Plymouth. On the second day, we drove to St. Michael's Mount, Marazion and Land's End (where the land actually ends). St Michael's Mount (Cornish name: Carrack Looz en Cooz) situated in Penwith in west Cornwall and united with Marazion by a natural causeway cast up by the sea and passable only at low tide. Since there was no low tide, we had to catch a ride on a boat to get there. Land's End, is the most western location in UK. Just before you hit the point, there is put which called "The Last Pub in England". I don't believe the world is riding on four giant turtles, but this place does have a feeling of "End". It is really hard to describe the place in words... On the last day, after we checked out from our lovely hotel (Novotel Plymouth) and drove back to London through Bristol. When you compare it to London, you can't fail to notice that people, even when in rush, are slower and more relaxed. It gives certain quality to the city which I really liked...

You can find our photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/DestinationLandSEnd.

Enjoy, John

Rugby World Cup Final 2007

What a great game! Although England lost the game, this was amazing match.

Copenhagen

Straight from vacation in Riga (you can find a photo album here: http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/RigaOctober2007), I was sent to a project (thanks god, just a short one) in Copenhagen (København).

Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to explore the city (yeah... I had to work as well) and to go to a local Tuborg brewery, but you can find some photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20071011Copenhagen.

Enjoy, John.

P.S.: CZA (Czech Airlines) are the best!

Trip to Russia

Finally, back to reality…

I have just returned after ten days in Russia, after 17 years of absence. We (me, mom and sister) went to visit grandma, grandpa and uncle, who came from Moscow, in Urusu.

So first of all, couple of words about Urusu. It is a small village in Tatarstan, about 800km from Moscow, 600km from Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, and the same distance from Samara, and about 300km from Ufa, the capital of neighbour Bashkiria. According to taxi driver, there are approximately 14,000 people live in Urusu. Get the picture?

To get there, I had to fly to Moscow, wait 12 hours for connection flight to Ufa, then 6 hours by train to nearby major city Oktabrsk and finally 20-30 minutes by bus which goes once in a while. Did I mention dogs ride and walking in the fields for about an hour? We cheated a bit and took taxi from Ufa directly to Urusu which cost us about £25 (more then average monthly salary in Russia).

Although people in Russia (at least in Urusu) are friendly and will try to help you (even when most of them doesn’t know a word in English), the border control was as unfriendly as it gets. My passport was examined by the officer for more then 30 minutes and I was body searched. Probably too many European and US (a.k.a. enemies) stamps in my passports…

Mom and sister been there couple of years ago, but I haven’t seen grandma and grandpa (and Urusu) for more then 17 years, since I was 8 or 9. The city undergo drastic change (more about it later), but the grandma and grandpa look the same. Grandma sees a bit worse and grandpa hears a bit less (OK, so he barely hears at all), but they are as active as I remember them. Everyday, they were awake much earlier that we were and worked with us in the fields as hard as all.

For a week that we have been there, we worked in the field from early morning till evening: rooting weed, preparing ground for winter, cleaning and paining pipes, cutting branches and trees, and about everything else need to be done before the winter. After working for more then 4-5 years in the office, this was a ‘nice’ change. At first, my body ached like hell, but after couple of days I enjoyed physical work, fresh air (something you don’t get in London) and plain but tasty country food which was potatoes (fried or boiled), fresh milk, dark (brown) bread and a lot of fresh vegetables (some of them straight from the field).

The city (still registered as village) celebrated 60 years just before we arrived, so many buildings were freshly pained and streets repaved and cleaned. There were many new shops opened during 17 years, but the biggest surprise was the amount of young people in there. I was expecting to have dying city on the outskirts of Russia, with mostly old and retired people, but it is alive and kicking. There are couple of coffee places, bowling and dance clubs, and… musk. Apparently, after fall of Soviet Union, Tatar people remembered that they are originally Muslims. But, although of progress and modernism of the city, there are still goats, chickens, dogs and ducks roaming the outskirts…

OK, I don’t work for “Lost Guide to Russia”, so enough of that. Check out the photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070930TripToRussia

Enjoy, John.

P.S.: You do understand that I would appreciate your comments, don’t you?

Weekend in Windsor

Once again we woke up early to headed to another beautiful, historic location in UK. This weekend destination: Windsor.

We already been there couple of months before, and Windsor landscapes and small streets featured in our art gallery on the wall (http://jmarkh.blogspot.com/2007/01/weekend-in-windsor.html). This time, we wanted to visit famous Windsor castle.

Windsor castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world (yes, yes... the queen still lives there) and is as often used for state banquets and official entertaining.

We are not allowed to take photos inside the castle, but the impressive gardens and fortification should be enough to imagine the majestic beauty of the state rooms inside. Check out the photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070916WindsorCastle.

Enjoy, John.

Another Month, Another Entry...

It has been a long, long time since I posted here.

During last weeks, I had to work form a dozen different locations for a dozen of different clients (I'm writing this from Birmingham). Needless to say, that during weekends I didn’t want to touch this dull metallic “thing” called laptop.

Couple of weeks ago I celebrated my 28th birthday (I’M MATURE, NOT OLD). My uncle and aunt from US came to London for couple of days and we all together went to Bath (it is ancient city in west of UK with a very impressive history, sights and nature around it) for a tour in Roman baths and spa in natural hot springs (present from Alyona).

A week after, Kremer were on tour in UK, so we went to check out their latest sound in club with very Jewish name: Fiddler’s Elbow. After the show, four big, blond Dutch guys stayed at our place. I have absolutely no idea how they fit in, in our living room, but they did. It was very nice to meet with Rob (guitar) again after more then 8 months and to hear him abusing his guitar. Too bad it was for one night only and… too bad he didn’t play with “Hello Kitty” guitar.

So guys, happy New Year to you all (What, did you know? It is Jewish New Year today!) and… hope to see you all soon.

Ciao, John.

Hmm… I did it again. I forgot to include the links to photo albums…

Here they are:

http://o2create.migapps.com/o2create/video/454041/hi

http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/AllaBoryaInLondonPart1GreenwichPark

http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/AllaBoryaInLondonPart2

http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/JohnnySBirthdayPart1

http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/JohnnySBirthdayPart2Bath

The "Baby" is Dead

I don't know if you read previous post, but the website I've been building is no longer relevant. It was killed by Microsoft (sort of).

Well, the story is like that... A day after I published my previous post I found out that Microsoft allow you to setup your own website and have your own domain for free. It also includes number of additional services such as email addresses with the same domain name, web site building and statistical tools, etc.

Without further delays (it is Saturday night and I want to go out) I want to present TalkRusianLanguage's new website: http://talkrussianlanguage.co.uk.

Another SUPER-MEGA-FANTASTIC-AMAZING news are that we have our passports back... with EEA1/EEA2 stamps! We are one step closer to become UK citizens...

Enjoy, John.

New "Baby" is Born

Good evening my dear readers,

It been so long since last time I had a chance to drop a few lines in here, but I'm back.

First of all (as you probably can see), I've switched back to Fedora and I have just one thing to say about it.... Love it!

Secondly, we have finally applied for "Registration Certificate" (EEA1/EEA2 applications). After waiting more then a month, we have discovered that it takes about 6 months to process the application with all our original document as well as passports are in HomeOffice. So basically, we are more or less stuck on this side of the river for a while. What do I have to say about it? ...Hate it!

During last couple of weeks, I've been deeply involved in our family project to produce a professional looking, service selling, high quality website for my wife (http://www.russianlanguage.homechoice.co.uk/). It is 99% ready, but you all are welcome to visit. Send your comments and personal/professional opinions to the webmaster (Anyway, I will end up reading it). For those who are slow to catch, this is the baby I have mentioned in the title...

Crack in My Fortress

Today, when we were catching some sun in Greenwich park, I was thinking about what to write today.

So, god (or someone there above) send us a surprise. When we came back home (after some argument with Alyona - she wanted to stay there a bit longer), we saw someone running past our windows from the back garden towards the road. Apparently, someone tried to break into our house from the back door. Luckily, to get through the back door was not such a easy task: the door has 5 mount points and made iron and double forced glass.

After we called police and our landlord, they came to inspect the damage and to take all the details. Police tried to drive around but without success.

There is a crack in my fortress... some one tried to break in!

Now, how am I suppose to sleep in there?

Pink Floyd Concert In... Rochester

Let's start by saying that it was Australian Pink Floyd show, but they are as good (or even better) then the original band. Sure, they didn't write the songs and the lyrics, but they are performing them hell good! So, last Saturday we went to Rochester (again) to a Pink Floyd show at Rochester Castle. The place gives amazing atmosphere for this kind of concerts. Everything was right...

We have arrived a "bit" earlier, 3 hours before they start, to check out the town, castle and to get good seats. Surprisingly, we were not the first. After having some sandwiches and water (wait... wait a few more lines) the show has started and boy, they were as good as we expected.

Me and the girls (my lovely wife and Marina) started to drink (vodka Smirnoff for them and beer for me) and eat burgers (vegetarian), smell weed (couldn't help it) and sing loudly till we couldn't take it any more. Later on, we abandoned our sits in favor of "rocking" closer to stage with another hundreds of people.

It was absolutely amazing, if a bit cold. As always, check out the photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070714AustralianPinkFloyd and don't forget to comment.

Weekend in Ashford

This weekend we went to visit our friend Natasha in Ashford, Kent. One hour on the train and we were there...

There is nothing really special about this place. It probably has some piece of history, but we were not able to discover it (maybe it was because we didn't try?). After hanging around with Natasha in Sunday market and then in local park (check out the fountain in the photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070708Ashford), we went back to Natasha's place to play with Alyona's nails.

It was just like in the movies. The girls chit chat about nails while Natasha made some very impressive decoration on Alyona's fingers (butterflies, flowers, etc.) and I had one hour of sleep on a couch. Isn't life amazing...?

The End of "Miami" Era

All things have to end, and so is my short visit to Miami.

It was an excellent visit: boating, dining, tennis, pool, BBQ, music, etc. In those short days I managed to do so much that I can understand how I had time to sleep.

Check out the photo album: http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070609Miami

Enjoy.

Atlanta (Part 2)

OK... I'm not going to bore you to death with what I do in the office, information security. So, nothing special happened down here, in Atlanta GA. But what I do want to write about is food. Yesterday we went to Indian restaurant called Swapna, delicious! While it looks like a dive from the outside, this is actually a really nice Indian restaurant with attentive servers and delicious food. I have eaten Indian food all over the U.K. and this is truly one of the best I have ever had. The prices are very reasonable for the amount and quality of the food you get. I had a meat samosa for a starter and then Tandoori mixed grill (on the sizzling platter) which was spicy and delicious, and "Mango Kulphi" (had to look at the receipt to spell it) for the desert.

And today, I had THE MOST amazing steak ever! We went to Olde Mill Steakhouse near Cumberland mall in Atlanta. I had a 14oz rib eye (medium rare) piece with baked potato and butter and Caesar salad on the side. The steak was perfectly made with a bit charcoal taste (just amazing). All that was finished with Southern Comfort Pecan pie... A DREAM!

I think I said it before (4-5 years ago) that I will not eat meat unless it is a prime cut... I think I will actually do it...

OK... I will go and die quietly after all that food...

Atlanta (Part 1)

It is been a full week now since NWA airline took me to Atlanta GA (it is in USA). After 9 days of constant rain in London, the 32C was a bit too hot for me, but I took it like a man and hide behind double class windows with air conditioner. For anyone who doesn't know, I'm here on information security project for a international corporation (sorry, can't tell) with two of my colleagues from Israel.

There is not much to tell about our work in here. It is more or less as any other project for a big, international company. We have an office on 15Th floor with amazing view over Atlanta. Surprisingly, it is SO green! Our office is in the middle of forest with river flowing beneath the building...

What amazes me every time again, is the size of everything in US; the toilets, cars, hotel rooms... everything is SO big!

On the weekend, we went to Olympic park and then to Atlanta's aquarium, which suppose to be the biggest aquarium in world (is it a surprise?) where they keep couple of whales. The variety of different species that live in the ocean is unimaginable. There is always something crawling, swimming, gliding or just laying out there in the water. Of course, the biggest attraction is two new whales from Taiwan, but it was also fun to touch snake fish and crabs (I'm not really sure about the "scientific" names).

After the aquarium, we took a stroll through Atlanta downtown which is like any other downtown (let's say Manhattan) but with less people outside.

Check out the photo album at http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070529Atlanta/photo#s5071609989105637874 and stay tuned for the next week update.

P.S.: The last couple of pictures are actually from Sunday. We went to a shopping mall outside Atlanta and then to relax on the Lanier lake.

“Almost” American Dream

We have moved to a new house (mind, not apartment). The house is a bit smaller that the previous two bedroom apartment, but it has private garden and we don't have annoying neighbors.

On the very first day we “tried” to stuff everything (mostly Alyona's shoes and clothes) into our smaller wardrobe and storage room. Now, it is completely filled...

But on the second day, oh the second day, we made a long waited BBQ! We had this grill for a year, but couldn't use it our previous place because of some fire safety instructions. That day, we had couple of friend over to celebrate (and had some free food) with beer and burgers (NOT only veggie burgers but prime cut beef burgers), tea, coffee and sweets. After some failed attempts we managed to light the fire and had those burgers cracking happily on the net. In no time, as a professional paparazzi, Alyona had her camera out (device that weight 1.5kg and has 2-3 different lenses) and took about 1000 pph (photos per hour). You can check out some of them here: http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070520BBQParty. Now, I hope you noticed the most shocking photo. I look sooo much older, like a real grown up man.
But... still charming!

Enjoy,
John.

New "John White" Shoes

I have just got (paid by Alyona) a new pair of "John White" black shoes. What can I say, they are amazing!
So soft, comfortable and light...

Weekend in Prague

What a beautiful place to be!
We have just came back from Prague, the most beautiful place on this planet. The weather was not too good, but the charm of Prague make up to that.
We stayed not far from the centre of the city, in Arpacay hostel (near Angel station). The hostel was clean, breakfast was good and stuff was friendly.
On the first day, we arrived at 13:00 to Prague, went to the hostel to check in. Following that, we took a metro to the centre to have a good dinner in our favourite restaurant.
The day after, we went to see some old synagogues and Jewish places (where they charge you for "air" you breath) and then for a nice walk along the Vltava and old Vysehrad castle. We finished that do by doing small shopping, some beer and a movie (Sunshine).
Our last day in Prague was dedicated to shopping. After a quick breakfast and tour to Staropramen brewery (it was closed), we went to a Ziclin shopping mall.

Check out the photo album .

Recipe: Stuffed Aubergine

Before we start, you may want to look at the slide show, to have an idea what you are going to eat tonight. This dish goes very well with dark red wine (Merlot)...

Ingredients (Per Person):

• 1 Aubergine
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Onion
• 1 Glove of Garlic
• 2 Table Spoons of Sweet Corn
• Sunflower Oil
• Butter
• Grated Cheddar Cheese
• Spices (Salt, Pepper, Chilli Powder, Garlic Granules, Sweet Paprika Powder, Black Mustard Seeds, Cumin Powder, Turmic Powder, Kitchen King (mix), Qasuri Methi (dried leafs)

Preparations:

First thing we are going to do is to chop onion and garlic. Then, grate carrot in to separate bow.
Next, cut the aubergine in half and take out the soft middle using sharp knife. Try not to damage the skin as we will use it later. Now, chop the insides of the aubergine into small cubes and put it in a bow.

Time to fry:

Heat the sunflower oil in heavy pan (not thin aluminium stuff you can buy for ½ pound). When the oil is hot, add spices and keep heating them on medium heat for a minute and half. Make sure that you do not burn the oil and spices as they will loose their taste and aromatic qualities.
Next added chopped onion and garlic and fly for another minute. After that, add grated carrot and keep frying until the carrot became soft (2-3 minutes). Added aubergine and sweet corn and fly for about 5 minutes, till aubergine cubics are soft.

Let's bake it all:

Turn on the over on 200°C. Meanwhile, cut thin slices of butter and place them into the two half of the aubergine's skin (try to stick them to the walls). Then, fill them equally with the fried mix and cover with grated cheddar cheese.
Put the two portions of aubergine on the baking tray and bake for 10-15 minutes.

Bonn Appetite!

I want to thank to Ms. J Chuksina, who taught me this recipe.

Weekend in Barcelona

Hello my dear readers.

One again, I write about wonderful places where we all want to be... vacation! This time we went to Barcelona for a long weekend. Also, my dear mom, her husband (Mr. Arie Feldman) and his lovely daughter Avia can to breath cleaner, sharper and much more "sophisticated" European air.

I will try to write as entertaining as possible and to provide as much useful information as possible.

Where shall I start?

We took the cheapest flight from London Gatwick airport and arrived to Barcelona at 11:23PM. To our surprise, it was amazingly easy to get to the city using bus A1 which goes straight to Plaza Catalonia, where was our hotel. And it cost us just 7.80€...

Next morning, we went to see "Gaudi's Places". First of all, we went to some church, and the city is full of them, then to museum of Picasso and finally to Gaudi's garden. The garden was amazing place, full of devices and creatures from Gaudi's crazy mind. Following that, we went to Plaza of Spain to watch a fountain show (http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070406Barcelona).

The day after we all went to Sitges (http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070407Sitges), a lovely town just outside Barcelona. There was nothing really special in there, so we walk a bit around the town and had couple of beers while there.

On a third day, we went to Monserrate. It is a monastery on top of a mountain one hour from Barcelona (http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070408Monserrate). Instead of going to "another" church, we decided to buy loaf of bread, pack of cheese and olives, and to climb to the highest peak of the mountain. After two hours of going up (1236 meters) we finally reached the top. What can I say... if god is somewhere it is probably there, high in the mountain.

The last day of our trip we spend in Barcelona. We went to the famous "Sagrada Familia" and sough last two buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi (http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070409Barcelona). On the same day, we tried famous Spanish dish called "Paelya". Personally, I would prefer to have chorisos...

Now, if we are talking about food, let me give you a good recommendation. The place is called "Los Toreros". It is clean, the food is fresh and delicious, and it is cheap! They have amazing "Brava Potatos" and "Sangia" (chilled sweet red wine with oranges and lemons).The restaurant is not far from Plaza Catalonia (map).

Enjoy!

Malinkii Malchik

Malenkii malcik nascul pistolet
Bolshe v derevne milizii net!


Malenkii malcik nascel pulemet.
Bolshe v derevne nikto ne zivet!


Malenkii malcik nashel pulemet.
TU-104 domoi ne pridet!



Malenkii malcik na vishnu zalez.
Vdrug iz kustov pokazalsa obrez.
Razom razdalis i vistrel i krik:
"-Sorok sestoi!"-usmehnulsa starik!!

Deti v podvale igrali v gestapo.
Zverski zamucen santehnik Potapov.

Malenkii malcik nashol kimono.
Sorok priemov on videl v kino.
Vizgi i kriki,udari nogi...
Papini jaica stekli v sapogi!

Malenkii malcik na krishe gulal.
Malenkii malcik s krishi upal.
Smotrit v okno izumlennaja mat':
"-#% tvoju mat',on umeet letat'!!!

Malenkii malcik na kryshe sidiel,
Byl by on babockoi, - on polietiel.
Ticho podkralsia s dubinkoju ktoto -
Vot i sbylas' mecta idiota.

Malenkii malcik na krishe sidel,
Solnzhni luch emo golovu grel.
Ruchnula krisha, chrustnuli kosti...
Net, ne poedem mi k malchiku v gosti.

Malenkii malcik na ldinke poplil,
Szadi k nemu ledokol podvalil.
Netu otradnei kartinki na svete:
Sleva pol Peti i sprava pol Peti!

Malenkii malcik konfetku sosal,
Szadi podechal k nemu samosval...
Zavtra nautro napisali gazeti:
"Malchik pogib, podavivshis konfetkoi".

Malenkii malcik na stroike gulal,
Basheni kran ryadom gruz podimal.
Tazhest ne viderzak starenki tros,-
Malchik ushami k sandalyam priros.

Malenkii Petya na travke lezhal,
Misha nezhaino s krishi upal.
Ne rozabrales roditile v morge:
"Gde zhe zchi ruki, i gde zhe zchi nogi?"


Devachka v pole kakashku nashla,
K dyadye s voprosom ona podashla.
"Bros etu gadost" dyadya skazal,
Dolgo potom on lezo viteral.

Deti v podvale igrali v roddom.
Ne vynes aborta sedoi upravdom.

Devochka v pole britvu nashla
"Chto eto,papa?"-sprosila ona
Papa otvetil :"Gubnaya garmoshka!"
Vse shire i shire ulibka u kroshki

A u nas vo dvore sneg segodnya rozovii
Papa s malchikom igrali V Pavlika Morozova

Malenkii Vasya shemu payal.
Payal on,payal i payalnik upal.
Zharenim myasom zapahlo vokrug
Devochkam Vasya bolshe ne drug.

Zvezdochki,bantiki,shortiki v ryad
Tramvai pereehal otryad oktyabryat.
Siska nalevo,siska napravo
S nimi pogibka vozhataya Klava.

Babushka vnuchku so shkoli zhdala,
Kalii Cianistii v stupke tolkla
Dedushka babushku operedil
Vnuchku gvozdyami k zaboru pribil

And, here are some more :

Golie zhopi po nebu letyat
V banyu popal reaktivnii sn aryad.

Skromnaya devochka s imenem Rita
Popu chesala kuskom dinamita.
Vzriv prozvuchal na ulice Zhdanova
Nogi v Medvedkovo, popa v Chertanovo.

Malenkii malchik na lifte katalsya,
I vot dokatalsya - lift oborvalsya
Roetsya mama v kuche kostey :
"Gde zhe krossovki za 30 rubley?"

S ulici mame sosed prokrichal :
"Vash sin pod asfaltnii katok tut popal!"
Mama sprosila : "A gde on teper?"
"Shas ya ego vam prosunu pod dver!"

Deti rezvilis v shkolnom bufete,
Zhainikom vibrali tolstogo Petyu,
Petya ne dolgo na plitke pichtel,
V fortochku pepel ego politel.

Petya na lizhach vodnich katalsya,
Vdrug ne zametno tros oborvalsya.
Plavayut v ozere rvanie plavki,
Ostatki ot Petyi doeli piavki.

Special thanks to my good friend Bonita, who helped and inspired me...

St. Patrick's Day

Ohh boy, this St. Patrick day was one of the best. First of all, as you well know, Lenny was in UK with his (now mine as well) friend Kon.

It is not like we are Irish, but this day is a good opportunity to celebrate with pint or two of Guinness.

We went to "Great Harry" pub . When I was looking for a link, I found some really bad reviews, but the pub was not so bad. It is not as new as it is on the photos, but clean and tidy. They have a very good selection of real ales as well of lagers. But, you are here not because you wanted to read pub review...

So, we headed for the pub pretty early, at 12:30PM had 3 pint (each) and couple of burgers. Guys had traditional Angus steak and mushrooms pie with pint of Spitfire ale (Premium Kentish Ale)... Amazing! Anyway, check out the photos on web album (http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/17032007StPatrickSDay)...

Now, since it was Irish holiday and our American friends did celebrate it properly, they have received an "Irish Luck" gift: their flight was delayed. You probably won't consider it as a gift, but if you get £408 compensation (which covers original flight tickets plus all the expenses they had) and opportunity to have more pints you will probably change your mind.

We met again in the centre, in the place called "The Long Acre" in about 10:30PM, had more bear and basically, had a really good time...

Enjoy...

Weekend In Colchester

Halua my dear readers...!

Just two days ago, my cousin Lenny came to this great country with his friend Kon (Konstantin).

As every person who wants to educate himself in the ways of world, he came to UK to look and feel the ancient culture of this great country, and to have a decent pint of ale...

So, we decided to renew our tradition of going to differente cities in UK and spam you the day after... so, this weekend we went to Colchester.

It is about 90km from London (50 minutes on train). The town is not large, it has a population of 104,390 and, as the oldest recorded Roman town, makes claim to be the oldest tow in Britain. Check out web photo album (http://picasaweb.google.com/alla.markh/10032007Colchester)...

Crazy Weather

Now, if we are talking about cold, it is freaking cold in here!
I mean, what does Santa Klaus thinks?
It is no Riga or Warsaw... It is London and it is not suppose to snow in here!
If he wants to show of, fine... But he should do it somewhere up at north, in Carlisle for example! It is cold there in anyway...

Weekend in Windsor

Last weekend, we have in Windsor, the winter residence of our beloved queen.

Let me start by saying, the place is absolutely gorgeous! I can compare it, maybe to Canterbury. The city sits on the Thames river, it is very clean and picturesque. I just enjoyed walking the streets, window shopping and breathing clean air (something you can't get in London).

Check out the photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070128Windsor.

Snow! Again?

You would think that it would be the end, but no...

It was snowing again this morning, really snowing!

White London

OH my GOD!
This morning, London was covered with snow...
I mean, this happen only once in 4-5 years and the city is sooo unprepared for it. All the traffic (trains, tube, buses, etc.) was delayed and people were walking with mobile phones/cameras taking pictures (yes, I did it my self). Check it out: http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/20070124WhiteLondon.
Enjoy it, from where it is warm...
:)

New Year

Happy New Year every one! I want to wish to all of you a happy and successful year.
For the last two week, we have been in Riga to celebrate New Year (http://picasaweb.google.com/john.markh/01012007Riga). A lot of our friends from UK came (home) to Riga to celebrate a "White" New Year. Unfortunatly, this year, there was no snow during those two weeks. It was raining most of the time and was really cold (so, why there was not snow?!?).