Cinderella

December 27th, 2016

After a long recess, thanks to a minor corrective surgery, in which I can now comfortably walk, I have spent the majority of my last bit of money paying for taxis, and getting medical supplies, thanks to the cut being in a very awkward position, and making it difficult to walk without risk of the bandage falling off.

But, almost 2 weeks have passed, and I'm on the road to recovery, now being able to comfortably walk, and the bandage remaining in place (as long as I use my old pants that are to big for me now).

Spending the first few days of my vacation relaxing, I have promised myself to finally finish The Karamazov Brothers by Fyodor Dostoevsky by the end of the year. I told myself this on the 26th. It is now the 27th and it is completely finished. So Im going to start The Wealth of Nations pretty darn soon.

First of all, I'm quite excited to be on a long break. There will be The Kazan Travel Logs coming soon, with esteemed guess, my former VLI Guzel. That's something to look forward to! At the beginning of the year, I will have my friend from Krasnodar visiting for a few days, which will be a much needed kinship to start the year. February is a trip to Hamburg and Bremen, Germany. These are the only planned things so far.

Now, why is this title Cinderella? Quite simply so. On an ordinary day such as today, not even 15 minutes after having finished the before said Dostoevsky novel, my friend messaged me with a sense of hurry, inviting me to see Золушка (Cinderella; also, it was a modern rendition) at the Mariinsky 2.

Normally, I'd be against such late invitations, but I had nothing occuring, and I was just going to be a bum regardless. So I took up their offer and rushed the the Mariinsky 2 theater (Right behind the Mariinsky. No need for picture of the exterior. Look at previous posts.)

Well, the ballet itself was spectacular, and we had brilliant seats on the floor, giving us a perfect view of the stage. Of course, I started getting antsy, since I hate sitting in theater seats. (Halbritter is an exception. I get paid to sit there, plus, they're actually comfortable to a degree.)

I won't get too much into the show, since we all know the story, but they had some really nice set designs, although I kinda wish that it was more magical. The modernity of it kinda ruined that aspect, and you couldn't even tell magic was occuring.

Well, here are some pictures of the location, as well as a video and pictures of the bows. Also included, pictures of the christmas tree near Saint Isaac's, and the one at home (pre opening presents. Oops.) as well as Sadovaya. Also, my favorite alcohol, Havana Club! Something you can't get in the USA (yet).