A Giveaway (via Pink Peonies)

The Pink Peonies Blog

I am a big fan of Pink Peonies and read it on regular basis. Rachel has a great style and I absolutely love everything she wears! Here is a giveaway from the amazing blog!

Entry Rules:

• Like hobo on facebook

• Follow Hobo on Twitter

• Follow Pink Peonies via GFC

Additional Entry:

• Post the link to this giveaway on your facebook/blog

Good luck! 

Giveaway will close Monday the 23rd at 11:59 MST. The winner will be selected at random and announced Tuesday morning.

Have a great weekend!

Pleasantly Surprised

The lady with the umbrella and I.

The Hotel Minsk

My gorgeous cousin and I

The alley above the underground mall completed with fountains and glass domes

  

Blinchiki are the Russian version of crepes but better. These are served with blueberry preserves

The decor was amazing! Done to resonate with the old Russian house with all its quirks 

Can you tell I'm enjoying my food like a lot? 

Minsk is the capitol of Belarus, the biggest city in the country and pretty much the center of everything that there is in this little country in the middle of Europe. It's like a mini version of New York City but with pretty much the same prices (comparing salary and standard of living wise). 

It was cold and gloomy but we (my cousin was showing me around) made the most of it. Apart from the signs being in Russian and a different currency, walking through an underground mall for couple of hours felt like home away from home. And it was as expensive as home too. Honestly, I don't know how people live, eat and dress here - it's literally crazy expensive for them. 

We had a great time buying souvenirs, Belarusian candy, going out to eat and buying more presents. The going out to eat  part was the best. I didn't expect to have such nice facilities and great food but yes, the era of cold war is over and Minsk is living up to the best European standards. The city is spotless, there are blooming flower beds and baskets everywhere and the people are actually nice. Yes, you heard it right. Honestly, we might go back for another trip through the city just admiring old architecture and visiting a museum. 

I hope you guys are having a great week, although you are not visiting one of the oldest cities in eastern Europe. 

P.S. Thanks for reading!

Not Doing Much

Comfy clothes are my go-to as miles of walking aren't going to go well with heels.
Jeans, flats and t-shirt with cardigan is the perfect ensemble for the ever changing weather. 

We get so used to working and doing things that it's hard to get into vacation mode. We dream about not doing nothing but when it comes to it - doing nothing isn't that easy. You have to tell yourself that laying in bed until 10am is OK, watching some cheesy movies for hours on end is just fine and going out to eat all the time is plain awesome. 

Well, it's been a challenge to change up gears and get into vacation mode but finally I've arrived. Doing nothing all day except going shopping, going out and hanging out with family. It's absolutely fabulous! Buying presents for family, treating cousins to ice cream and taking pictures in the central alley. Tomorrow we are planning a trip to the capital city and going to do more of the same. 

I hope you guys are taking a vacation this summer and enjoying yourself. 

I'm Back Baby

After a long pause, I'm finally back into the world of technology and Internet connection. Although, I must say that camping for a week is kind of fun. Living in camping conditions - not so much. I left civilized world unexpectedly on Monday morning and just returned. It was great seeing my grandparents and spending a whole week reminiscencing and asking my grandmother about my ancestors. I didn't know half of the stuff she told me - I love finding out where I come from. There are people in my family tree with some interesting professions and lives. So my trip continues as I spend another week with my cousins - going shopping and having fun. Tonight I'm treating my whole extended family to pizza which is going to be lots of fun. 

It's Different Over Here

My aunt has a gorgeous garden of lillies! Aren't they pure delight to look at?
They are dressed up better then any fashioista in the world!

As many of you know, I haven't been this side of the world for almost a decade. And the more you forget the reality, the more you embrace the romanticized memories, which are going to 'get real' very soon. 

From the moment I stepped my foot onto Belarus soil, it was a reminder of the different type of life. People here are hardened by life and just tough all over. They also don't apologize for the lack of softness. 

Going through passport control, there were absolutely no signs telling me to go and buy obligatory health insurance first, then get in line for passport check. So I'm standing in a mile long line waiting for my turn (also there are people waiting  for me outside the gate) then approaching the window, I'm told to buy the insurance and come back. 

The insurance kiosk is on the second floor and there is no escalator or elevator. Now I'm just mad! I have to haul my 27 lb carry on up the stairs and then come back to stand through another long line. Lovely! But thank you Lord the process went smooth after that, I got my luggage, had nothing to declare and was free to go!

 That was the beginning of my adventure... 

And also, the time difference is killing me - it's 6 am local time and I'm wide awake with like a million of crows outside my window. 

Although, the weather is nice - hot during the day (in upper 80s) and cool during the night. Very lovely and so absolutely peaceful. 

Hope you had fun Fourth of July!