The American Women's Organization of Moscow - Newsletter for February 2019 (redacted copy)

newsletter

THE AMERICAN WOMEN’S ORGANISATION OF MOSCOW

February 2019

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT I can’t believe we are already in the second month of the year, which feels like it just started! I hope everyone has been enjoying what Moscow has to offer and still following through on resolutions made. If you haven’t been able to kickstart your new year’s resolutions, today would be a great day as there is no better time than the present.

How often do we think about starting a new journey, routine or habit which never comes to fruition? Are we waiting for a better time or a special occasion like a new year to fulfill a promise that we have had in mind for months? Why wait, let us help you get going!

Did you know that we have 17 interest groups? I guarantee that we have at least one group that caters to a personal need or it might help with a resolution this year. We have a wide variety of Interest Groups with so much to offer. Maybe you have a professional resolution: the AWO Board has a few open positions that could help with your growth. Or maybe a fitness resolution: we have groups such as tennis and kickboxing. Or a spiritual resolution: our bible study group is open and welcomes you. Our organization is here to help you and cater to your needs. Let us enjoy the year by living in the moment and doing what our hearts desire!

Looking forward to another wonderful year with my AWO Family.

Michele

List of Contents 3 4 5

6

Save the Date

Notes from the Editor

Events of the Month

Celebrating 25 Years of Friendship

9 There and Back Again: Antarctica!

12 FAWCO Edinburgh Biennial Conference Invitation

13 Invitation to AWO Movie Night

15 16

18

Updated List of Interest Groups

Special Discounts for AWO Members

Your 2018-2019 AWO Board

February 2019 // !2

February 13 and 27 April 3 and 17

O2 Longue The Ritz-Carlton, AWO Movie Night Saturday, February 9 at 7 PM!

Tverskaya Ulitsa 3. from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Come join us at the Ararat Park Hyatt for a dinner buffet and plenty of movie snacks as you watch the 80s hit film "Top Gun" (Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis).

For tickets and/or more information, contact Kelley at: ksjackson519@hotmail.com Annual General Meeting March 20, 2019 Please see details on page 14.

February 2019 // !3

KARMA (FROST)BITES! I grew up in a charming town by the Aegean Sea, where the summers had ovenlike days, and the winters were just soggy. Enjoying the snow was other children’s indulgence that I used to watch on television. I was imagining snow to be a clean mud pit that moms allowed their children to play in freely.

Years later, I moved to a city located at the heart of Anatolia, where it occasionally snowed. But I was already a university student and tumbling in the snow piles didn’t feel very age-appropriate back then. I did make a fool of myself on the first day of snow though, but quickly got used to it afterwards.

One year, we had an exchange student from an African country. We were in the middle of a lecture when it started snowing. I can’t forget his first reaction. He got up, walked towards the window, squashed his face against the glass, and started watching the

snow fall, totally mesmerized. He kept looking up for a good 30 minutes as if trying to figure out who was pouring it. And I laughed hard. Harder than I should have…

Last week, Moscow was hit with its heaviest snowfall in nearly 70 years. I was outside when the blizzard started, looking up and thinking how on earth I would find a taxi.

And it hit me. Karma - sooner or later - bites!

If you’re tired of the cold, here’s a great read for you to enjoy indoors! In this issue, we continue with our 25th Anniversary interviews, share invitations to three great events, and suggest a few others on our Events of the Month page. If you had enough of Moscow weather and would like to travel somewhere south, there’s a great travel article from one of our fellow members about her recent trip to Antarctica!

Enjoy!

Irem

February 2019 // 4 !

Events of the Month “ VIVA LA VIDA . FRIDA KALO AND DIEGO RIVERA. Painting and graphics from museum and private collections » Exhibition - December 21, 2018 - February 22, 2019 // Central Manege The masterpieces created by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are presented together for the first time in Moscow. This is a well-organized, large-scale and must see event for all art lovers! Make sure to visit the exhibition before it’s over. For more information: http://moscowmanege.ru/vystavka-viva-la-vida-fridakalo-i-diego-rivera/ Ice Ball Parties - Every weekend in February 2019 // Hermitage Garden The Hermitage Garden will host winter season related events each weekend throughout this month. Each Saturday, the artificial-ice skating rink will host a curling school with professional coaches from 2 pm to 4 pm.

Each Sunday, the Garden will hold Ice Ball parties from 6 pm until 8 pm, delighting guests with Latin American music, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll and oldies. For more information: http://www.mosgorsad.ru/ “The Guards of Time: Old Chinese Ceramics” Exhibition - until February 10, 2019 // Pushkin Museum The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts hosts an exhibition of ceramic sculptures of ancient China "Guardians of Time." Statuettes of the animal symbols used in the Chinese calendar will be featured, covering a time period from the 2nd century BC to the 17th century AD. For more information: https://pushkinmuseum.art/ events/archive/2018/exhibitions/china/index.php?lang=en State Historical Museum 147th Anniversary Celebrations - February 9-10, 2019 // State Historical Museum On February 9th, in honor of its 147th anniversary, all the facilities of the State Historical Museum will be free of charge. If you are interested in old Russian writing styles, you may enjoy the free calligraphy lessons and mini lectures on typography over the weekend. For more information: https://www.mos.ru/news/item/ 50374073/ Exhibition “To Tame the Dragon” - February 2 - 21, 2019 // Artplay Design Centre Russian artist Yuri Dyrin is famous with his colourful fantastic drawings. If you’re not yet familiar with his paintings or have a special love for the dragons, you may consider a fun visit to one of the most interesting design centres of Moscow. For more information: http://www.artplay.ru/events/vystavka-yuriya-dyrinaukrotit-drakona.html “The City of Winter” Exhibition - until March 10, 2019 // VDNH Park An extensive entertainment programme is planned for the whole season in the City of Winter at VDNH Park this winter. Visitors can expect: ice skating on weekends, Friday parties, dance master classes and much more.

There is a special entertainment programme scheduled for February 23. For more information on list of events and opening times, please visit: http://vdnh.ru/en/events/gorod-zimy/gorod-zimy-na-vdnkh/

February 2019 // !5

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS of FRIENDSHIP In our December 2018 Newsletter, we featured a few of our past and current longest members as we reflected on and celebrated our 25 Year Anniversary. We continue this trip down memory lane with a few more interviews to conclude the second portion of our two-part Newsletter feature.

Thank you once again to all those who contributed articles and helped us put the pieces of our history together. The articles presented are based on a collection of memories from our past and current members, based on their time here in Moscow.

Please find below the letters from Janet Sibley and Lisa Bowen.

Janet Sibley Past President of AWO What year did you join AWO and how many years were you with the organization?

I joined AWO in September 2010 and was a member until I left Moscow in June 2014, so almost 4 years. I served on the Hospitality Committee and as the Vice President. I was AWO President for four months just prior to leaving Moscow.

What was your favorite IG or special event?

I participated in several Interest Groups, but “Understanding Russia” was my favorite. I learned so much about Russian society, culture and customs in that group, while getting together with friends.

Do you have a favorite memory or time while being a member of AWO that you would like to share?

I have many wonderful memories from Moscow, but one particularly great memory is of the Bolshoi workshop tour organized by the “Go Moscow” interest group.

What did you miss about Moscow when you were away?

I’m sure this is a frequent answer, but I do miss the time spent with friends there. After returning to the US, I’m still in touch with my great friends I met in Moscow.

What do you wish you had known earlier after your move to Moscow?

I wish I’d known the delivery of our household shipment would be delayed for six months!

Did you feel safe in Moscow? Which assumptions about Russia and Russians were shattered, if any?

I did feel safe in Moscow. I didn’t expect Russians to be very friendly, but I met many friendly Russians and now have lovely Russian friends. Unfortunately, my poor Russian language skills limited my interaction with most Russians.

What was your hardest challenge about living as an expat; and how did you overcome that challenge?

I’d been an expat before so I think that experience helped me in dealing with life as an expat in Moscow. My limited knowledge of Russian language was often an obstacle, but I did learn enough to conduct my daily business. The advice and support of other AWO members were extremely helpful, as well.

What helped you adjust to the change in culture?

I was happy to move to Moscow, but was aware I’d be adjusting to many differences. We were given some very helpful information before our move and received advice from other expats after arriving in Moscow.

Getting out and about in the city and joining excursions in and out of town were very educational and helped me with the adjustment period.

What was your favorite attraction or most enjoyable thing to do while living here?

We lived in central Moscow in a convenient location for taking walks in the city, and seeing well-known and notso-well-known sites around town

February 2019 // !7

Lisa Bowen Member since 2006 What year did you join AWO and how many years were you with the organization?

I joined AWO in 2006 and, except for three years between 2013 and 2016, I remained to be an active member.

What was your favorite IG or special event?

“Understanding Russia” taught by Lena.

Do you have a favorite memory or time while being a member of AWO that you would like to share?

Meeting Vera! Vera was an extraordinary lady who endured the Gulag Prison. We learned that she had been prisoned because her family owned a textile factory. She was fluent in English and occasionally (as her health would allow) joined our “Understanding Russia” IG classes. She told stories about her experiences while serving her sentence. She made them comical so that (in her own words) her stories wouldn’t be so bitter. I will never forget her!

What did you miss about Moscow when you were away?

After living here for over seven years, when I left in 2013, the thing I missed most was the tight knit group of friends that I had developed mostly through AWO and all of our adventures together. The expat community is much smaller today, so I don’t feel like there are as many opportunities as there were before.

What do you wish you had known earlier after your move to Moscow?

The language! I wish I could have learned to speak Russian before I arrived. I think this would have made my transition to life in Moscow easier.

Did you feel safe in Moscow? Which assumptions about Russia and Russians were shattered, if any?

I do feel safe in Moscow, probably even safer than in most American cities.

What was your hardest challenge about living as an expat; and how did you overcome that challenge?

Once again, I feel that not knowing the language was the hardest challenge when I first moved here. I leaned the basic words and phrases in Russian, but mostly depended on my friends in our company and AWO for information. Having street and metro signs in English is a huge help to westerners coming in today.

This wasn’t the case in 2006 when I arrived.

What helped you adjust to the change in culture?

AWO was a huge part of my life when I lived here before. I served on the board for six years. AWO gave me the opportunity to meet new people from many different backgrounds and visit places I would have never done on my own.

What was your favorite attraction or most enjoyable thing to do while living here?

Yasnaya Polyana - Leo Tolstoy’s home and burial place - is one of my favorite places that I have visited in Russia.

It is a beautiful place to visit in the summer.

A close second would have to be the troika rides out of Sergeiv Posad. This is a fun thing to do with friends and family in the winter.

February 2019 // !8

There and Back Again: Antarctica!

by Beth Osowski Visiting Antarctica In mid-December, my husband and I visited our seventh continent, Antarctica.

We began planning the trip a year before, doing research online into different cruise providers. There is about a threemonth window of the best time to travel there (December - February) and reservations begin to fill up a year in advance. Being so remote, it’s a little on the expensive side, but it is definitely a bucket-list worthy trip.

How we got there To get there, you start at the southern tip of South America and then take a ship or a flight to Antarctica. By sea, you will spend two days each way crossing the Drake Passage, which can be a rough ride. By air, you take a small plane and then board a ship once in Antarctica. We chose “by sea” because the air option seemed more heavily dependent on the

weather, and we didn’t want to go all the way to the 60S parallel to have our trip cut short.

But even traveling by sea, your daily itinerary is still impacted by the weather, as the captain will try to avoid rough seas in the passage, and once in Antarctica, the ship’s ability to anchor and let passengers onto Zodiac boats for excursions also depends on the conditions.

During our travel through the passage, you could definitely feel the boat moving from side to side, but we were fortunate with nice weather and low wave swells.

Then we had five days of “exploring” and left the ship for a total of ten outings.

During eight of these outings, we set foot on land. Most days it was about 0 to -4 C.

February 2019 // !9

Close encounters with the whales A few passengers, including my husband, were lucky to have calm weather for kayaking. One morning our Zodiac group saw mother and calf humpback whales who came up for air very close to us, which was amazing!

Just chillin’ like a penguin We saw three penguin species: Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo. While penguins look comical waddling on land, they are the fastest, most graceful swimmers.

Keeping a respectful distance, we walked near colonies of talkative penguins; many were laying on eggs to keep them warm.

You might be surprised to discover that penguin colonies can be rather smelly, as they are not very particular about designating a toilet area!

The human footprint As for the human footprint, we visited the Argentine Esperanza Base (population under 100) and a long-abandoned whale processing site at Deception Island.

Antarctica is carefully preserved and tour operators follow strict rules to minimize any negative impacts from visitors.

The landscape was more stunning than I had imagined—mountains, glaciers, icebergs. The unique wildlife and the beautiful scenery definitely made it a terrific once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We saw a few seals and several interesting birds, like albatrosses and petrels. Scientists on board gave informative talks on history, wildlife and geology.

February 2019 // 1! 0

internet, and ship amenities like a fitness room and viewing lounges. It had about 250 passengers on it—mostly adults and some teenagers.

What to Pack

Planning Your Trip Our cruise travel started in Santiago, Chile. From Moscow, you can either take Air France and connect in Paris, or Alitalia and connect in Rome. If you arrive a few days early in Santiago, you can enjoy the sunshine, wineries and scenery of the Andes Mountains.

• • • • • • • • •

Layers of moisture-wicking clothing A waterproof outer layer Sunglasses Ski goggles Neck gaiter Face and lip sunscreen Anti-nausea medicine Hand and feet warmers A good book

Renting items like boots, waterproof pants and trekking poles was a great option for things we probably wouldn’t use again and didn’t have to carry in our suitcases.

Our cruise company arranged the first night’s hotel and then chartered our flight from Santiago to Ushuaia, Argentina (as well as the flight back). We booked directly with Silversea Expedition Cruises and planned the transcontinental flight ourselves.

When deciding what to book, we looked for online videos to get a better sense of what being on the ship was like. (We saw some daunting YouTube videos of rides across the Drake Passage!)

We chose Silversea for the level of comfort, 10-day itinerary, access to

February 2019 // !11

FAWCO invites you to Edinburgh Biennial Conference!

by Sallie Chaballier AAWE Paris / FAWCO President

"Bonnie, Brave and Beneficent" - isn't that a wonderfully apt theme for FAWCO?!

This is the first of several monthly newsletters designed to answer your questions about the 44th FAWCO Biennial Conference in Edinburgh next March and to encourage you to attend if you haven't already registered!

From now until March, with the help of the AWC Central Scotland organizing team, I'll be sending you monthly updates with logistical information, previews of what's in store at the Conference and in Scotland, as well as some "fun facts" and Scottish lore.

If you haven't done so already, I encourage you to join the Edinburgh Biennial Conference group on Facebook.

Deadline: February 22 Â Conference registration closes

Practical Information: There are already a few first-time participants who have not requested a Buddy, and I urge you to change your mind. Buddies are there to answer questions before you leave home and to help you navigate the Conference when you arrive. Many long-time friendships have sprung up between Conference buddies, and you will always have a friendly face to look for in the crowd. If you would like to request a Buddy or to volunteer to serve as one, please contact VP Member Clubs Hope Moore.

Please plan to arrive at the Conference venue no later than the evening of Wednesday, March 20, as the Conference will begin promptly on the morning of Thursday, March 21. The Conference is scheduled to run until approximately 5:00 pm on Sunday, March 24, so please do not plan to depart before then. You can consult a draft agenda here.

February 2019 // !12

Invitation to AWO Movie Night AWO is hosting a Movie Night on Saturday, Feb 9 at 7 PM! Come join us at the Ararat Park Hyatt for a dinner buffet and plenty of movie snacks as you watch the 80s hit film "Top Gun" (Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis).

For tickets and/or more information, you can contact Kelley at: ksjackson519@hotmail.com

+

AWO Date Night Saturday, February 9th From 7:00pm Screening of Top Gun Dinner Buffet and movie snacks 2,500 rubles / person Tomato mozzarella shots, basil Mini prime beef burger, bacon, cheese, tomatoes Currywurst Fish and chips, green peas, lemon Mini pizza with different toppings Club sandwich, coleslaw

Popcorn, spicy cashew nuts, chips salty crackers marshmallows, chocolate rochers, cut fruits Drinks not included but offered with table service (on personal tab)

For tickets email: ksjackson519@hotmail.com

February 2019 // !13

Invitation to AWO Annual General Meeting 2019 Dear Members, We will be holding our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 20, 2019.

During the AGM we are required to vote in the Executive Board for the 2019 year. At this time it is our responsibility to let our current membership know we have vacancies on both the Executive Board and the Board.

Executive Board members must hold a North American Passport, whereas the rest of the Board is made up of both Members and Associate Members. At this time we are seeking dedicated women to fill the positions of Vice President (Executive role), as well as Membership and Monday Updates. Please submit your candidacy at your earliest convenience for these positions.

At our 2019 AGM we will also be voting on a change to our Constitution, which will allow our Associate Members the right to vote for the Executive Board.

Our club can only be as strong as our members, so we need the participation of our members to fill our Board positions. Please give strong consideration to how you can contribute to keeping our organization alive and making AWO of Moscow even stronger and more successful!

February 2019 // !14

Updated List of Interest Groups AWO Interest Groups (AWO members only) Club Cultural Outings Photography

Description

When

Explore Moscow’s museums Occasional, usually Fridays Learn, inspire, create photography together

Bimonthly - Wednesdays (10:00am - 12:00pm OR 11: 00am - 1:00pm)

Cost

Location(s)

Leader

entrance fee

varies

Valentina Markusova & Lynne Tognet-Løge

free

varies

Debbie Hoehner & Annelize Smith

Help with activities for Monthly - 3rd Thursday free Nastenka Nastenka children's hospital Wine tasting and fun with Wine Lovers Monthly cost of wine varies other couples Visit new restaurants with Lunch Bunch Monthly - Wednesday cost of meal varies AWO members Read books and share with Starbucks on the Book Club Monthly - Wednesday 10am cost of book friends old Arbat,19/2 Share cooking and recipes Cooking Club Monthly cost of meal various and enjoy lunch together Watch English Movies in Theater ticket + Movie Buffs Bi monthly Various theaters enjoy lunch lunch afterward Tour the markets of Moscow What's in My Market Monthly free Various and share your favorite with the group Enjoy a coffee with friends Preschool Playdate group while children play in a kid Monthly cost of coffee various friendly venue Semi private (2 ppl) Active exercise combining Metropol Hotel rubles each OR NEW: Kickboxing Weekly, 1.5 hour session 2,500 cardio, aerobics, strength & Mini group (4 ladies) gym endurance w private trainer 1,500 rubles each Spread Sunshine

NEW: Tennis

Play tennis with friends

Weekly-Monday 9:30am

free

Rosinka Tennis court

Danielle Kuznetsov Sylvia Wills Neile King Julie Britton Dawn Biyashev Eugenie & Michele

Michele Kuhlen

Stephanie Viguier

Eugenia Imas Shurter

Friends of AWO (Open to AWO and nonmembers) Golf

Play golf at City Golf, lessons available

Thursday morning

2400 rubles/2 hours

Bersenevskiy Pereulok, 5 стр. 2,

Kelley Jackson

For the Sake of Traveling

Explore Russia and other bordering countries

3 trips: Nov / Feb / May

by trip

varies

Fabienne DeGreve

depends on visit, from 500 rubles

varies

Anna Schipper

History-Art- Design

See the best Moscow sights Mondays & Fridays 11:00 in the context of Russian 1:00pm history (Excursions, lectures and workshops)

Russian Textile doll making

Learn to make traditional Russian dolls, no sewing

2500 Mon,Wed, or Fri 10:00am - rubles/lesson & 1:00pm includes materials

Central Moscow locations

Anna

International Women's Bible Study

Join women to study the Bible, book of Mark

Tuesdays 10:30 - 12:00pm

Metro Kropotkinskaya

Michelle Rowe

free

February 2019 // !15

Special Discounts for AWO Members

US Dental Care is happy to offer a special discount for the members of AWO – 15% on the first visit and 5% thereafter. www.usdentalcare.com

The Expat Salon offers 15% off for first time visitors and 10% discount for AWO members in following visits.

www.en.expatsalon.ru

February 2019 // !16

The Ritz-Carlton Spa presents:

LOVE ENERGY Package for Couples Time 90 minutes The cost of the program is 33 000 rubles.

30 minutes Body scrub Energizing Body scrub by ESPA – ESPA Invigorating Salt & Oil Scrub/ OR FACIAL 30 MIN 60 minute full body massage with ESPA Energizing and Invigorating body oil - Stress Relief Massage After the massage, special tea to strengthen the immune system in the spa café.

Special gift - ESPA product.

From February 1st to 28th The RitzCarlton Retail Studio will offer a 30 % discount on all ESPA kits.

February 2019 // 1! 7

Your 2018-2019 AWO Board

Michele Kuhlen President, Charity Liaison

Irem Sunar Newsletter

Vice President, Facebook

Dawn Biyashev Interest Groups

Danielle Kuznetsov Spread Sunshine, FAWCO REP

Michelle Rowe

Salma Nurmohamed

Treasurer

Secretary

Membership Monday Updates

Kelley Jackson Special Events and Fundraising

Eugenie Tsesarenko Membership Monday Updates

Wendy Soucy Ex-OďŹƒcio

February 2019 // !18

Thanks to our sponsors:

February 2019 // 1! 9

Photo Credits: Page 1-5: by freepik

CONTACT US:

www.facebook.com/groups/ awomoscow/ www.awomoscow.com