November - halftime

November has arrived and more than half of my journey here is already over. This month has been eventful, as it has seen everything from 22°C to snow.

Despite the initially warm temperatures, we decided to take a weekend trip to Elbrus - the highest mountain in Europe - to conquer the Russian ski slopes for a few days.

Back in Krasnodar, we took a trip to the small 'Sun Island' солнечный остров, where you can explore the amusement park and the autumnal park grounds with borrowed bicycles.

But eventually, winter caught up with us overnight, so we sought refuge in shopping malls, cinemas, and bowling alleys, where the Christmas decorations are almost blinding. You quickly learn that the word 'subtle' is unnecessary in Russia, because here it is all about being bigger, more glittering, more kitschy, and more sparkling - the bigger, the better!

I am still working on becoming glitter-resistant, but it will take a little while. Until then, I wish everyone a wonderful Advent season and see you soon!