'How many...........does it take to party with a nun?

Almost 9 years ago we had an evening and an important question in life came up - how many bottles of wine does it take for a party with nuns, particularly Australian nuns and a few stray Americans?

Now in 2008 the question seems to have come up again - how many jello shots does it take to celebrate a nun's birthday?

It isn't everyday that you get back from breakfast in Manila Philippines and get a call from your partying relatives, head to the airport, fly, sit down for dinner the following evening in Moscow and have those same partying relatives calling you again............................must have been a good birthday!

Manila - part 2

Manila - strolling the neighborhood

Manila has a calmness compared to the chaotic energy of Jakarta. It certainly isn't quite and calm but after many days of the scooters covering the streets and darting everywhere you go - like flies zooming around you - the lack of so many scooters changes the whole dynamic. The two new additions in Manila are bike taxis and buses. I tried to show both in the pics - they are unique and everywhere. The bike taxis are for one and you ride next to the biker. The buses are open air, full of ads and everywhere all the time.

We stayed a few blocks fron the water and about a half mile from the US Embassy. We were in the tourist area - of sorts. Very local neighborhood as you will see in the pics. Hot Abby - 31C - can you convert?

The business district was about a 30 minute ride in a car. We spent most of the day Friday there. That would be the area we will stay on our next trip. It is closer to the meetings we would be having.

We couldn't walk around in Jakarta. We wandered all over the neighborhood and surrounds in Manila. Quite honestly, you see it all and more.

Jakarta - hot and hazy

Moscow, Doha, Singapore and finally Jakarta

The first significant snow came on Sunday as I was ready to head out. Not sure it will be a large accumulation. Will find out when I get back. I left and took the scenic route to Jakarta - Doha Qatar and then Singapore and finally we arrived in Jakarta. 32C - HOT! And sticky.

A few dusk views from my room - wonderful hotel!

I had a five hour layover at Doha. That airport is certainly one of the crossroads of the world - you see some of everybody transfering flights through this airport. Wow, all the looks and clothing and ethnicities. It was long, but easy to hang and take it all in.

Moscow - Kremlin Area daytime

Moscow - Saturday wandering

Terribly cold winter wind today. Not that cold but it was biting the wind gusts blew through. And still no sun.

Moscow - this and that

A few odds and ends. Some pics by a friend.

Kiosks everywhere here. They range in size from a one seater outhouse to a double wide trailer - the decor is equally diverse. Sometimes there are several in a row on the same street. The interesting piece is that they have everything and more than you would find in your local convience store in the US. They may not have quantity, but they have it. We have one outside our window at the apartment and it has been most reliable for those last minute things we need.

Another interesting Moscow experience is coat checks. Like Minnesota, it is winter and we are all bundled up. No matter where you go they have a place for your coats - usually a formal coat check. All part of the experience of going out. It is bad form to not check your coat - we had that experience when we dropped by for a coffee and didn't do the "right" thing - cows that we were.

And the dirt. There is a blackness to their winter dirt that is new for me. And it is everywhere. I went through all my pants in as many days as I got in and out of the cars and rubbed against the edge of the car. Hard to describe it, but you sure get used to it fast and relearn how you move about.

Moscow - a busy Sunday evening

tomb of the unknown soldier

People everywhere as we wandered around the area around the Kremlin and Center City. Plenty of real fur worn here.

Moscow - evening wander around Red Square

A few evening shots around Red Square. The pictures don't show the glow and wonder that all of the buildings project. The dark Krelim wall and Lenin's tomb on one side - glitter and glow on three others. And a skating rink in the middle.