Fire Dancer

Art imitating life

A few people have asked me if Greg took the last picture of the black and white cat with the colored eyes.  Yes, he did and yes, that’s Wrigley.  In case you didn’t know, Greg has an artist’s soul and has become quite a wonderful photographer.

I’ve kicked myself a few times when I’ve forgotten my little cheap-o camera that I carry around in my purse and miss photo opportunities, like the time I saw Cruella DeVille.  YES! Cruella DeVille (or at least her twin sister) walking down Old Arbat street.  I pointed her out to my friend and then literally jumped up and down in frustration at not being able to take her picture and prove to all that Cruella lives and she lives in Moscow!  She was straight out of Central Casting, her black and white spotted coat (looking a bit aged) the moth-eaten fur collar, skinny ankles tottering about on pointy pumps and the wild long witchy white hair.  It was amazing and only 2 people were there to witness and appreciate the moment.  I still mourn that lost opportunity.

Greg almost never has missed opportunities because when we go places, he lugs out the huge camera backpack, digs around for the perfect assortment of lenses and drags it all around everywhere we go.  “Dinner at friends? Let me get the camera.  A sleigh ride? MUST have the camera!  Dinner at a restaurant with a belly dancer? Let me get the –  why not?!?”  Yes, I get impatient when we’re late and he’s assembling his photo gear and no, I don’t like it when one of our carry-on allowances is nothing more than camera and accouterments, but I have to admit, he is really taking some great pictures which makes it worth the effort and inconvenience. 

This picture was taken one night walking down Old Arbat street (a shopping street with no cars or parking on it) to our car from a friend’s house.  This girl had assembled her entertainment area, complete with her tip box in front, leather shirt and lit lamps.  She proceeded to dance around whirling her lanterns and amazing us all that she was wearing only jeans, gloves and a leather shirt in 15 degree weather.  She put on a nice show, Greg got some good pictures and tipped her well for the opportunity.  That’s the great thing about Moscow, there is always something interesting and amazing to see around the next corner.   

We’re trying our hardest never to miss opportunities to get out and see the sights and travel when we can because we know that no matter how long we’re here, we’ll never see it all and we don’t want to feel like we didn’t take advantage of our time here.  This coming weekend we’re going to St. Petersburg so we’ll choose the best picture and experience and share it with you.