Comments for Marc B. Zawel

Comment on Day 1: Lukla to Phakding by Distilling the Trek To Distance, Days, and O’s | WhelanTrek

Distilling the Trek To Distance, Days, and O’s | WhelanTrek — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 18:05:19 +0000

[...] of training to get there. By reading the Mountain Madness itinerary, and another base camp trek blog I searched out, I was able to analyze the trip and thus get a clearer picture of what I was in [...]

Comment on Crashing Catherine’s summer pad by Kristina Thompson

Kristina Thompson — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 03:59:31 +0000

I really enjoyed reading your about your experience in Russia. even laughed couple of times. I am from Moscow myself, but lived in the USA since I was 20 (1994). I am sorry that you have to deal with that “concierge firm”. all firms like this is just money milking fraud. but the main thing, like you said, it is was a big mistake to go to Russia in winder time. Russian dont like winter, especially after a new year. (however you were present during ultimate Russian holiday – a new year party. (which is also a “Christmas” like). I would go to Russia in summer time and summer time only. St Petersburg looks wonderful during summer, I had a best time walking around gardens. in Moscow also, would be 180 degree difference. I dont remember anything interesting that ever happened to me in Russia during winter, all my fond memories related to late spring and summer time. You could also had a wonderful trip on the little ship along Moscow River, or visit different parks with fountains and so on. I am sorry you didnt see all that. After I lived in the USA for few years (I live at the South), I decided to visit my family back there during New Year. and it was absolutely horrible experience. I ended up sitting at home for 2 weeks. We made it once to Russian circus on public bus without heat, where I started to understand how people die from hypothermia. I stated to fall in sleep and didnt feel my feet. My mom had to take me to the nearest liquor store to have some alcohol and worm up. (Circus was so much more interesting after that).
when back in the USA some Americans ask me why I am here, not Russia, and if it like to life in the USA better, and so on, I dont even know where to start to explain to them what life is really in Russia. just like you described, unorganized, unpredictable, chaotic.. you are basically on your own there since you are born. by experience that kind of training every day for 20 years, life in the USA seems like heaven.
However, I want to notice, Russians always loved foreigners, especially during 1980s. I am not sure what situation there now, (last time I was there in 2005). when I was there last time, I have learned not to open my mouth, because like they said I speak with “American accent”, to avoid triple and + charges for everything. I let my friends to do all talking.
If i had American friends to go to Moscow now, I would recommend them my cousin who is a history student and works as a guide in history art museums. she speaks English and Chinese!
anyway, I guess I am writing all this because I still care what impression my “mother land” has on foreign people. Thy frustrated experience you had with that “service”, it is everywhere and for everybody, if you are Russian or foreigner you get frustrated there everyday, all the same.
I like your post and your pictures and video, such a great quality! I do too, everywhere I go around the World, I take pictures of food.
PS I found your post while I was searching for history of Catherine Palace. I am glad I found it.
Life in the USA is great, but I sure miss the history!

Comment on Russia’s “Window to the West” by LottieBlog

LottieBlog — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:04:08 +0000

[...] plural or what?) and a two headed fox. Totes weird, I was too grossed out to take any pictures, see MZ’s blog for a few of [...]

Comment on The gift of cake by Lottie

Lottie — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 17:52:19 +0000

awwwwww… you won my heart with that heart shaped cake.

Comment on Escape to ancient Bhaktapur by Kim Loane

Kim Loane — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 01:43:54 +0000

Great blog Marc…brought back some good memories. Looks like you were there with a very similar itinerary to our group with slightly overlappig timeframes.

Comment on Russia’s “Window to the West” by lottieb

lottieb — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:26:39 +0000

russian in a VV, you should have taken a picture and sent it to shep and ian. at least email them the story. SO WEIRD

Comment on Back in Brussels by daniel cohen

daniel cohen — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:53:16 +0000

yo. what are your plans? i’ll be in switzerland for a week beginning on friday jan 8.

давай!!!!!!

Comment on Back in Brussels by Josh Zawel

Josh Zawel — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 23:47:22 +0000

Hey Marc,
Looks like a lot of fun. Hope you enjoy Russia. Have a great new year, so you back in the NY soon…………

Comment on Cathedral claustrophobia by lottieb

lottieb — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 23:41:20 +0000

I don’t think the picture of PZ is appropriate for the G-Rated blogsphere…

Comment on Paula always wins by Susan Zawel

Susan Zawel — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 15:20:16 +0000

Paula’s pecan pie looks like the undigested stomach contents of a whale! Yuck!