So, this didn’t go according to plan.
My very ambitious blogging, photo-taking, walking-around-Moscow and other creative plans for the last few months of 2015 totally went out of the window — and then some.
In a totally unexpected turn of events, my job was to blame. And even though the BIG THING that had me (and dozens of my colleagues) laboring away virtually around the clock for two months is now in the metaphorical rear-view mirror, the mental, emotional and physical fatigue is still lingering.
In-between all the madness, I got to watch Russia go through a beautiful Golden Autumn, spend the most incredible week in London, work with Larry King, and experience my first German Christmas market in Berlin as part of a “decompression weekend.” Then a few days ago I tore myself away from my work station, and noticed that New Year’s was just around the corner, and Moscow has put on perhaps the most lavish and glittering display of holiday decorations in history. I might not have had the time, nor the energy to write about all of this (yet), but at least some of the best moments have been documented in my Instagram feed.
Here’s to 2016: to traveling and writing about it, to friends and family and colleagues who have become family, to loving work and loving yourself, to good food to share with good people, to some sanity in an increasingly insane world, and most importantly — to the tons and tons of beautiful white snow. It’s the one thing that always makes everything better.
Home & Away 
You are back 🙂
“It liiiiiives!”
Yes, I hope so 🙂 New Year, new start, etc…
Wow the decorations in Moscow ARE incredible. Happy new year!
You too! I hope to post many more pix of wintry Moscow in January!
I’ve missed your blog entries–glad to see you’re back. С Новым годом!
Thank you so much! Hopefully 2016 will be a lot more sane and writing-filled.
Finally – life 🙂
And sleeeeeeeeeeeep. I cant dig myself out from under the covers!
Happiest of everything for 2016, my friend.
And same to you, with lots of love!
Very happy to see you return!
Great London shots and the Moscow lights are incredible. They should be on my December travel list for 2016.
Happy New Year Anna
Absolutely! I just hope that Moscow hasnt set the bar impossibly high this year.
And London… that city is becoming my big European love!
Those lights, oh my! All your photos are BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you! And more Moscow lights to come 🙂
Absolutely marvelous collection of photos… kudos!!!
Thank you!
Happy 2016 to you, Anna! Hope it’s even better than last year =)
Thank you and same to you!
Well it may have been exhausting but it looks like you managed to squeeze some very good fun and some amazing experiences into the last few months as well 🙂 P.s. that’s a stag, not a deer… sounds much cooler 😉
HAHAHAH doesnt “deer” refer to male/female/young/old? But “stag” does sound much cooler indeed.
I’m honestly not entirely sure tbh, I just know instinct is telling me that if it has antlers, it’s a stag. Like Harry Potter’s patronus.
Pingback: MAGICAL MOSCOW (IG roundup) | Home & Away
Happy New Year Anna & welcome back! At last. Don’t leave us every again. Pleeeeeeease! 🙂
p.s. Larry King eh? Very impressive!
Hehehe – love my job!
Well, we kinda work together 😉
Moscow looks an ideal place for a family vacation. The greenery, spectacular view, city life and climate are all that makes a destination an enjoyable one. Christmas time looks fun there, would love to enjoy the same with my family. Putting it on my wish list, thank you for the inspiration.
A bit pricey perhaps for a big gang, but yes, it’s one of those rare places that really has something for everyone. As for Christmas, I found it to be more festive than in NYC and surprisingly much better – CHEAPER!!! – shopping, at that!