A day of Touring Ekaterinburg

On Friday, May Day (May 1st), most places were closed (including the Orphanage for visitors) so we were picked up at 11am by our driver, Andre, to check out the sites of Ekaterinburg. The weather was cold and drizzling. But we were armed with gloves, scarves, warm jackets, and warm shoes...or so we thought!

First Stop: The European/Asian Continental Divide (small one)

As we were driving on the highway, suddenly Andre pulled over into a small parking lot which had a small shop and a path leading to the Continental Divide. Located approx. 15 km west of the city, the Asian and European Continents meet. We noticed that people tied ribbons and strips of cloth to the trees ~ Andre thinks it's for good luck. As I was walking up to the Divide, I stopped when I saw some change ("Find a penny, pick it up, ....."). Geez, I thought I hit the jackpot!!! Then I saw a whole slew of change by some stone memoial Andre told us that if you drop coins there, it means you hope to return someday. Jon held tightly to his coins and I tossed mine! It started to drizzle lightly and it was getting cool but we continued on!

One of the Asian/European Continental Divides

Our love spans two continents! ha,ha...

Second Stop: The European/Asian Continental Divide (large one)About 15 minutes further, we came across another part of the Continental Divide and it was HUGE. It really started to snow so we only stayed about 10 minutes. But we took lots of pictures and Andre stayed in the car since he wasn't prepared for such cold weather.

Another monument at the Asian/European Continental Divide

Enroute to our 3rd stop, Andre got pulled over for speeding. He's a great driver and drives fast. As he grasped for his "man bag," he said in his broken English, "This is not my day." Well, it was. Turns out he knew the cop from school so he got off without a ticket!!! I can't wait to e-mail him a picture of he and the cop "shooting the breeze" in the blistery snow weather.

Andre and the cop discussing family, work --- I mean "slowing down"

Third Stop: Monastary of the Tsar Family

The Tsar Nicholas Romanov II family was killed here in Ekaterinburg (their house was at the site where they later built The Cathedral-of-the-Blood) and then their bodies were disposed of right outside Ekaterinburg at Ganina Yama. The monastary is made up of numerous churches made in the form of log cabins. As we arrived, it was snowing heavily but we walked the grounds and enjoyed the sites. Also gave us time to say some prayers and Thank God for all the blessings we have been bestowed.

At the entrance to the Monastary "Cloister in the Name of St. Tsar Martyrs"

Church in The Name of the Icon of the Mother of God "Sovereign"

Fourth Stop: Karnaval Mall
When driving home, we saw a McDonalds located in a very large mall and told Andre to stop so we could get some lunch. It was already 4pm so once again, we had "Linner." Everything tasted de-lic-ious and the same as in the States! However, McD's in Ekaterinburg have Home Fries in addition to their standard fries and they have a large chicken sandwich --- unlike the small one I'm used to ordering. Plus, no one picks up their tray after eating. All tables are cleared off and cleaned by the staff.

The things we do for a "Royal Burger" (aka Big Mac)

We walked the crowded mall (since it was a holiday, everyone and their brother were there!) and came upon a toy store. SCORE!!! We needed some toys to keep Kristina occupied on the plane as well as a few new ones for the next 2 weeks that we're together with her. Note to self: this girl likes ziplock bags and stickers...no need for expensive toys!!

By the time we got home, there were several inches of snow on the ground. I had hoped for more snow in secret since we don't get this weather in sunny So. California...and we got so much more than I bargained for!

A picture outside our 16th floor window showing the 4 inches that snowed Friday afternoon. And it's May!

Shortly, I began to crash. I think my immune system has been on overdrive for the last 2 months and finally gave out. I came down with a sore throat and nasty cold that has left me feeling miserable. Little Kristina has had a chronic cold since we have known her so maybe she was gracious enough to give it to me. Oh, well....I just have to think "better now than on Court Day or when we fly home in 2 weeks!"