SHOWTIME

So, perhaps you're all wondering what being Chair and actually being in situ is like. First, there are a lot of meetings. I feel a surprising need to acquire a Blackberry or some such device. My brother-in-law who is also at the U and has also taken on an administrative position put it well this morning. We were at a day long (although I skipped out for other meetings after lunch) workshop for new administrators where we sat next to each other around a very large boardroom table in the very serious central administration building. At one point he leaned in and confided that he actually finds the "whole administrative thing remarkably enjoyable". I have to concur. I find myself composing memos in my head. And you know you're pretty much a goner when presentations from the U's internal auditing department about fraud are surprisingly riveting. As far as day to day operations, we are in high gear with classes starting on Monday. There is a kind of frenetic energy level which I love although I cannot see my desk and I have yet to finish unpacking my office.
Just to keep things really exciting we have a family camping trip Friday-Sunday.

pictures

beautiful England pictures

England pics

We have been busy and I haven't had my laptop hooked up with the ability to upload pictures, but I think I can get a few off mum's computer so you can see the fun we have been having.

Things in the neighborhood

In addition to Moscow's central mosque, the neighborhood where I am staying is also home to CERAGEM. For those of you unfamiliar with this place, google it. Basically some rich South Korean has littered the world with centers of massage beds which you may use for free. THe beds are automatic and have some magic heat and jade rollers -- all designed to heal you of anything that ails you. I dragged Liz there today to see how it compares to our local in Salt Lake. First difference, you have to get past the requisite Soviet style guard man - not difficult, just a card to fill out and flash. You then emerge in one of Russia's run down courtyards not visible from the street. We took a wrong doorway and ended up in some other "fitness" room where there were all sorts of primitive stretch and strength apparatus littered about. Finally found our place which was much bigger than the one in SL (30+ beds). Despite the expected session times as advertised, there were a couple of figures who seemed permanently ensconed. TN|BC

Not knowing the conventions

In the space of under 12 hours I managed to embarrass myself in both a casino and a monastery. And that my friends is the beauty of Moscow. Friday night we were the guests of a friend who runs the biggest casino in town. We had a lovely meal and then thought we'd have a go at a game. Having never strayed beyond slots in Vegas, I was thrilled when friend summoned a croupier to open a roulette table for "a couple of high rollers" (that would be me and Liz). Our total incompetence astounded the manager, croupier and the people playing black jack at the next table. But we did win $30. Beginners luck. The next morning we went with the children to Novospaskii monsastery. It was a last minute decision and we arrived without the requisite head scarves. Never mind. In front of the guard booth there were two laundry baskets of loaners. I picked out a garish number and as I wrestled with it, Liz's husband Vasya handed me a different one. It was bigger and was proving really tricky to get around my head when I realized that everyone was laughing. Turns out it was actually a wrap around skirt to cover my inappopriate trousers.

Brides on parade

As some of you know, I am in Moscow to record examples of Russian urban legends, but I'm game for pretty much anything folklorique. So imagine my delight yesterday, when visiting our old neighborhood, to get a blast of modern wedding ritual. The bridge over the canal near the Tretyakov gallery has become the place for brides to come and be photographed. Possibly because it is beautiful with lots of water fountains, but also because there is a non-through road on which one can easily leave a Hummer limo. There is also a park with inviting spots for brides to be photographed cradling live doves. I kid you not. Anyway since I was last here the bridge has sprouted a tree of "locks of eternity". This is a tradition I am not familiar with. Basically the happy couple brings a padlock with their names and wedding date etched and locks it to the tree. I have pictures but no way to upload so you'll have to use your imagination for now.