Moscow, Russia – This year we have become regular users of Airbnb, a website that allows travelers to rent a room (or an apartment or a house) directly from a private individual–bypassing agencies and avoiding hotels. It was set up…
Airplanes, Babies & the Kindness of Strangers
Moscow, Russia – The last time we flew to Moscow, the twins were just shy of one year old. I carefully planned our itinerary so we would have a long overnight trip, direct from New York to Moscow with no…
Circus: New York vs Moscow
Boston, Mass – It has become a tradition to celebrate the twins’ birthday by attending the Big Apple Circus, the awesome one-ring show that sets up on Boston City Hall Plaza every spring. Unfortunately, this year we are going to…
Bliny
Somerville, Mass – This weekend we hosted our second annual party celebrating Maslenitsa, the Russian festival that bids farewell (perhaps prematurely) to winter. And before anyone calls me on it, I’m aware that we were a week early, but my…
Free Things to Do in Moscow
Moscow, Russia – The socialist dream has been officially abandoned, but it’s still possible to have fun for free in Moscow. Here are my top picks for spending your time in the Russian capital without spending your money. Read more…
The Food Book Mini
Somerville, Mass – This little red book showed up on my doorstep. It’s “A Journey Through the Great Cuisines of the World.” You know… France, Italy, China… Hungary…? Well, this book may be mini, but it covers the cuisines of…
Maslenitsa
Call me optimistic. Or hopeful. Or perhaps desperate. But this weekend we bid farewell to winter, celebrating the ancient Russian end-of-winter festival, Maslenitsa. This ancient pagan ritual was sort of co-opted by the Christians, so it morphed into a pre-Lenten…
Moscow for Children
An Excerpt from Lonely Planet Moscow Filled with icons and onion domes, the Russian capital might not seem like an appealing destination for kids; but you’d be surprised. In Moscow, little people will find museums, parks, theatres and even restaurants that cater especially…