Saturday, May 31, 2014

 We went for a walk the other day and spotted this beautiful church.
 They allowed us inside and told us we could only take one photo.  Only a small area they would let us visit.
 On down the street they were having a outdoor concert with a children choir and this young men's singing group.  The young men were awesome.
 We found a museum and ventured inside.

 This is a mockup of old Tomsk when it was a military fort in 1608.

 While in the museum it suddenly began to cloud up and the rain began to fall.
 Looking over part of the city of Tomsk while raining.  By the time we got home we were soaked.
A cobblestone street.

Friday, May 23, 2014



 Tomsk has these old wooden "gingerbread" homes and structures.  Many are over 100 years old.  They are interesting to see and some are very pretty and well kept.  They have no fire protection and some have burned.

 This is an old wooden church that has been well preserved.  Unique architecture and beautiful.  Tomsk is one of the oldest cities in Siberia, 410 years old.
This is a wooden ruble displayed in one of the parks.  It is 6 feet tall.  One ruble is about 3 cents, about 35 rubles to the dollar.  I say about because rates fluctuate every day.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014



 Do these three fast foods look familiar?  We tried the BK and KFC, not the same.  Close but just not like home.
 We attended a Siberian Folk Choir concert here.  It was wonderful, with Russian dancers and a small band.  Outstanding, stirred the soul, great evening, beautiful costumes, enjoyed every minute.

A well deserved standing ovation.  Wish all of our family could have been with us.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

 The Russians are very serious about their chess games.
 Ping Pong is a favorite among some.
 Yes, even Foosball is played in Russia.  The branch president and his son love to play.
 Missionaries involved in a friendly game.  They are trying to decide who serves first.
 This sweet sister from Mongolia is a stiff competitor.  I only beat her one game out of seven.  The branch president and another brother are also very good, all three can whip me anytime, any place.
These are the only two that speak English in the branch, except for the young missionaries.  They are both planning to serve missions in a year or so.

Monday, May 12, 2014

 Typical major street in Tomsk.  Notice the yellow and white bus?  It is electric, trolly of sorts, that is why you see all electrical wires over the streets.
 Statues in all the parks.
 A lot of fountains in the parks.
 Every major town has a statue of Lenin and the area around is called Lenin Square.
Interesting looking building on Lenin Square.  I have no idea what it is.

Sunday, May 11, 2014









Victory Day, 9 May, it's like our Veterans Day or Memorial Day.  Parades, displays, entertainment, and fireworks.  Everyone is happy and willing to have pictures taken.  We had a great time looking at the displays of old military transportation, uniforms and guns, and listening to the entertainment.

Saturday, May 10, 2014

 This is the kitchen/dining area, small but sufficient. You can't see that we have a nice refrigerator.  The door you see goes out on to a closed in balcony.
 We are adjusting to the color scheme. The only thing that really bothers us is the blanket isn't big enough for both of us. I figure when it gets colder we will be cuddled up tight and then it will work.
 The living room is pretty drab and bare but it's going to be just fine for the time we are here. We are just grateful we have things to sit on and it's nice having that table to study on and feed people when we have visitors. I know some sisters make their apartments very cozy and comfortable but we just don't want to spend the money.

Interesting bath don't ya think. It actually has jets for a soak and steam for the shower that you can turn on when you are chilled to the bone. I am that way today, but keep telling myself to buck up cause I ain't seen noth'n yet!
Home sweet home!  That's Merrilyn by our entrance, our apartment 4 floors up from there, no elevator. We have a bit of a view of a lake and park to the right of the building.
Shopping isn't too bad, looks nice but when you don't know the language how do you know what's inside the package.  Pictures are great but they don't tell the whole story.  But its a lovely store and we are happy to have it
In our city of 500,000 this is one of five large shopping stores.  Little bit of everything but still not like a Walmart, too much from China.
 If you can't find what you want who do you go to for help?  No one speaks English.  Sometimes we go with the young Elders or Sisters so they can help.
Nice big store.  They have lockers just inside the doors so you can put your other bags in a locked locker, they won't let you in the store with another shopping bag, any bag for that matter. The store is open 24 hours.