Zubnaya Pasta!

Hello, Hong Kong!

2012-02-09T10:18:00.000-06:00

From St Basil's to The Buddha, pelmini to dim sum, banyas to reflexology, frigid winters to sweltering summers… Double happiness! We've moved to Hong Kong! Johnny accepted a new and exciting role in the Asian region, so HK will be home for at least a few years. We're both beyond excited - and jet lagged - since today is Day One of the new adventure. We visited for 5-6 days last November to check

До свидания, Россия

2012-02-08T01:04:00.000-06:00

As most of our friends and family now know, after four years living in Moscow Johnny and I have packed the moving boxes and said "do svedania" to Mother Russia. We are excited about our next port of call, but more on that later. Moscow deserves a proper chapter close. The date Johnny and I first met and the date of his first day at Wrigley occurred within one week of each other in the fall of

Culture on show at the Chinese Embassy

2012-02-03T11:40:00.000-06:00

In addition to the American Women's Organization, I was also a member of the International Women's Club in Moscow. The IWC is the largest foreign women's organization in Moscow, and while the AWO welcomes a certain number of non-North Americans, the IWC includes women from all nations in much greater numbers. My favorite part of the IWC is that their general meetings are held at different

Christmas at the Ambassador's house

2012-02-03T02:04:00.000-06:00

Each year the US Ambassador to Russia, at this time John Beyrle, and spouse host the American Women's Organization for a December holiday party. This party (in 2010) was my first visit to Spaso House, the Ambassador's residence. You know you're Someone when your house has a formal name. And wikipedia entry. Spaso House Chandelier room Spaso House has been the residence of American

Lenin's Gorky

2012-02-03T01:20:00.000-06:00

A while back I was able to tour what was essentially Vladimir Lenin's dacha. Built in the 18th century, this estate is about six miles south of Moscow's city limits and belonged to various Russian noblemen until the 1917 revolution. After the Soviet government moved to Moscow in 1918, the luxurious estate was nationalized and converted into Lenin's dacha. In September 1918, the Soviet leader

Hallway Ballet

2012-01-05T17:04:00.001-06:00

Last Fall I was presented with the opportunity to take private ballet lessons from Anna Fedorova, a former soloist dancer of the Bolshoi Ballet. Knowing what I know about serious ballet instructors, I knew this would be more "intense" than any ballet class I've taken in the past decade-plus. I knew this was a challenge that might involve the slapping of limbs, the barking of commands, and would

Izmailovo Market: meat on a stick, headwear, AK-47s

2011-12-06T12:29:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago we headed out to Izmailovo Market to see what we could see. (Some additional photos at that link.) It's part arts and crafts market, part yard sale, part antiquing, part events center and ALL fascinating. We took part in two of the best activities there: a traditional shashlik lunch... ...and trying on hats. And on our way home we passed our favorite AK-47 statue in

Handicraft field trip to Gzhel

2011-11-13T08:55:00.001-06:00

A couple months ago I went on another ladies day trip to a town called "Gzhel" (roughly pronounced "guh-zshell"). Gzhel is a style of ceramics which takes its name from the village of Gzhel and the surrounding area where it has been produced since 1802. The village of Gzhel has been around for 660 years. Since I'm feeling lazy today, I'll let Wikipedia explain the historical significance /

Art nouveau at the notary

2011-11-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Moscow can seem big and gray and a bit monolithic at times, but, as mentioned in a recent post, there are surprises around most corners, or in this case, behind nondescript heavy wooden doors. On this occasion I needed to get a translation of my passport notarized to change my last name at Citibank earlier this year. Following a sign outside that said "Нотариус" (notarius), I ducked into one

The Battle of Borodino: Napoleon put on "pause"

2011-10-31T03:48:00.002-05:00

Over the past summers, I've been able to take advantage of some weekday trips out to different towns and sights surrounding Moscow. These trips are basically a bunch of foreign ladies on a bus: totally touristy, but easy, efficient, and lead by a talented English-speaking guide, Lena, who gives us just enough history and context but also knows the answer to every question if you want more.

I love you, Lada Niva

2011-10-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

Russian-made automobiles don't have a great reputation, but Johnny and I have a soft spot in our hearts for the most adorable little SUV we've ever seen, the Lada Niva. The Niva was the predecessor to the now-ubiquitous "crossover SUVs", but unlike the new crossovers it has soul. We see the old style all over Moscow, and really want to take one home with us. Make that two, since we'd need parts.

Double-takes

2011-10-22T10:53:00.004-05:00

One of the things I love about Moscow is that it never fails to entertain. Every other day (every day if I'm paying attention) something makes me do a double-take or whip out my phone for an inconspicuous snapshot. For instance today I saw Russian Crocodile Dundee on the metro: And a couple weeks ago, I saw this billboard: L to R: unknown, Seagal, Loren, Carreras, Costner, Bocelli Now,

Mr. Buddy Goes to Moscow

2011-10-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

Most everyone knows Johnny and I adopted a dog this past February. Was this 100% wise given our current living situation? Maybe not. But one of us (the shorter one) has desperately wanted a dog for a decade now. So after tons of research on bringing a dog to Russia, and with the wedding and honeymoon behind us, we decided to no longer keep that adventure on hold based on where we live. While

We're still here!

2011-10-05T11:30:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone! Guess what? We still live in Russia. Guess what else? Our easier blog address has finally been moved from the wedding website to this blog. The new address is www.theHeiselbergs.com. So easy, right?! And don't worry, Moms and Dads... you're old bookmark (heiselbergers.blogspot.com) will still work. 2011 has been a crazy year so far, kicking off with our amazing honeymoon to

This is Russia

2011-03-23T10:09:00.003-05:00

This Is Russia

This Thanksgiving, we are thankful for...

2010-11-25T17:21:00.007-06:00

each other... our friends... our family... and our awesome wedding photographer! Go here: http://www.rebeccamccoy.com/ Click "ENTER SITE", then "CLIENTS" Type in the password: texasEnjoy!

Things I discovered while spending 3 months in the US

2010-11-23T08:34:00.018-06:00

After nearly three months in the US, I (Katie Heiselberg!) have finally made it back to Moscow with a new visa, a new husband, and now at least a better chance of seeing said husband (despite his mean travel schedule). My first thought on the drive in from the airport was, "Oooh, the forest is so pretty under a blanket of snow." My second thought as we got into the city was, "Ugh, everything is

Sorry we've been MIA... we were busy gettin' hitched!

2010-10-19T00:23:00.005-05:00

Vacation, all I ever wanted...

2010-09-13T10:09:00.012-05:00

This issue has crossed my path several times in the past month, so I thought I'd address it here as I've experienced both sides of the coin.Americans don't get enough vacation days. Period. Some get more than others... I had over 20 days at my last ad agency before we moved to Russia, but taking more than a week off at one time would have been considered "risque". Johnny, on the other hand,

Souhaitez-vous frites de la liberté avec ça?*

2010-09-04T14:29:00.006-05:00

Impressions of Paris...It is walkable, but also bigger than we expected.It's amazing how consistent and cohesive the architecture is - the beautiful buildings just go on and on.The French we encountered were delightful... I heard more cheerful words from strangers ("bonjour!", "merci!", "au revoir!") in one day in Paris than I have heard in nearly 3 years in Moscow.You should buy tickets in

Skittles vodka: not juvenile, just tasty.

2010-08-29T08:31:00.006-05:00

This post is a long time coming - I think we made this last year - but it's NEVER TOO LATE for Skittles vodka! As many of you may already know, vodka's properties make it the perfect liquor to jazz up fruity things. Orange juice. Tomato juice. Watermelons. As Wrigley's "Head Candyman" for Russia, Johnny goes to things like Skittles conventions. (Not kidding - this year's was held in Vancouver.)

Foiled again by red tape - or my own mad skills?

2010-08-10T00:24:00.011-05:00

As I mentioned in the last post, I recently went to DHL to mail my final school projects to San Francisco. All the projects have been graded based on photos and scans of my work, however I still have to mail them so the instructor can evaluate them in person and ensure we completed them to presentation specifications. I've only had to mail something one other time from Russia, and it was every

Hazy shade of Moscow

2010-08-06T09:25:00.015-05:00

Most of you are aware by now: Moscow is nasty. We're covered in smog from burning peat bogs. Bog smog, if you will, full of CO2 and toxins. Inhaling it for a day is supposedly like smoking a pack of cigarettes. It changes with the wind, so Wednesday was gross, Thursday was relatively clear, today was the worst I've seen. For the first time in my life I don't think the people wearing surgical

Kolomenskoye Park: Easter and Hot Expat Wives in Bikinis

2010-08-03T01:45:00.017-05:00

Wow, this blog post took a turn! I set out to blog about the Heiselberger's Easter Sunday visit to Kolomenskoye Park... and ended up at NPR.com having a paparazzi moment. But first, Easter Sunday. (Such a tease!) Kolomenskoye Park is a former royal estate (summer home of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, among others) and is situated on the road to Kolomna, Russia (see next post!), hence the name. The area

Kickin' it in Kolomna

2010-07-27T02:06:00.012-05:00

Last weekend Johnny and I took a short road trip out to Kolomna, Russia with one of his colleagues, Igor, and Igor's lovely girlfriend Lena. Igor visits Kolumna often for his part of the Wrigley business and was a great guide. He had even brushed up on the history of the area to share with us along the way! Kolomna is an ancient town founded in 1177, located about 70 miles southeast of Moscow. It

Today I saw 15 naked Russian women

2010-07-23T00:46:00.002-05:00

I'm pretty sure this falls under "welcome to Europe" in general, rather than something specific to Russia. The topic is: buck-nakedness in locker rooms. Discuss.I'm a fairly adaptable 'when in Rome' kinda gal, but I would be lying if I said the blase locker room nakedness didn't throw me off the first 6 months of gym-going here. I wasn't blind-sided, however. My first 'Euro group birthday-suit'

Today I bought 5 frozen pizza doughs

2010-07-22T01:01:00.005-05:00

As I schlepped to a meeting, lunch, and three supermarkets today - in 90+ degree heat without a car, natch - it dawned on me that I don't think I've written about the basics of shopping in Moscow. First of all, "non-necessity shopping" for clothes and such we basically just don't do. It's expensive here and even if it is H&M, I know they're still charging me some crazy 40% mark up just

Parasailing donkey stunt prompts animal cruelty inquiry

2010-07-21T07:38:00.003-05:00

Kid. You. Not. Full story over at The Guardian...

It's hot. Not complaining, just sayin'.

2010-07-19T14:57:00.004-05:00

It has been a great summer in Moscow so far. While the past couple summers brought few Flip Flop Days*, this summer has been sunny and downright HOT. So hot, in fact, that it's the hottest Moscow summer since the revolution. (Aka: since 1917.) And since we had the pleasure of experiencing the previously referenced Worst Winter in 25 Years here, it feels a little like a reward (or apology) from

Backstage at the Bolshoi

2010-07-05T07:48:00.012-05:00

I spent my youth studying dance, taking many forms from musical theater to tap to ballet, eventually dancing en pointe like the real ballerinas. And from a very young age I knew who Mikhail Baryshnikov was and that he had started as a dancer for the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia. (Although until I moved here I had no idea that "bolshoi" literally means "big" in Russian.) The Russians love their arts (

The comfort of imports

2010-06-25T01:07:00.004-05:00

Even after 2.5 years here, sometimes a billboard or an English word written in Cyrillic will still make me smile. I think because now and then my brain still registers it as unexpected. Case in point, this billboard advertising the new A-Team movie (or "Komanda A"):And I'm still discovering little things... like finding Dr Pepper in the supermarket.Now, this would be fantastic news if not for two

Make new friends, but keep the old

2010-06-19T14:30:00.007-05:00

As referenced in the previous post, other things have changed in my life other than the move from full-time media hack to full-time student.When we first moved to Moscow (2.5 years ago!!!!), I looked into lots of organizations that might offer us social outlets or could help us integrate, including the Texas Exes and some expat women's organizations. Unfortunately I quickly learned that the Texas

Mama's got a brand new bag

2010-05-28T10:00:00.002-05:00

Ok, not actually yet a mama, but I do almost always have a brand new (hand)bag. tee hee. But seriously... I just wanted to share what I've been up to the first half of 2010. (And what has kept me from my public!) About a year ago - stop me if I've told you this - Johnny and I decided that this was the best time for me to make a career change I've thought about making for a long time. Advertising

Where in the world is Johnny San Fran Heiselberg?

2010-05-26T22:08:00.004-05:00

(Free pack of gum to the first commenter who knows the title reference.)Hi! Again. Sorry. Again. Well, my (Katie - this is pretty much ALWAYS Katie) first full time school semester ended about 4 days ago, so here I am, renewing my blogging resolution for 2010.Right now I'm in Texas for a while, tying up that aforementioned school semester and now taking care of wedding prep. And Johnny has been

The long-awaited GREECE photos (and long-awaited new blog post period, let's be honest)

2010-04-06T14:54:00.003-05:00

It's a long time coming - both for a fresh blog post AND for our September 2009 Greece sailing vacation photos. But here they both are, together at once. Can you handle it?! (Actually "you" are probably not reading our blog anymore for lack news. We know, we know. But we've been a little busy this first quarter. More on that this week.)Johnny and I like to sail and want it to be part of our lives

La la LAHHHH.

2010-03-18T12:24:00.000-05:00

Prepare to have your mind blown - especially by the menswear ad

2009-12-04T08:13:00.000-06:00

Vladimir Vladimirovich on rap

2009-11-25T07:48:00.006-06:00

Favorite quote:"Break dancing is something special."

Wrapping up the catch-up

2009-11-17T13:17:00.011-06:00

SeptemberSeptember brought the Heiselbergers their Best Vacation Ever. Later I’ll make a dedicated post for this experience (with photo album) b/c it deserves more than a line or two. In short, we emerged tan, healthy, far more confident in our sailing skills, and even a few lbs lighter despite the copious amounts of feta and tsatsiki consumed. Needless to say, Johnny got me hooked on sailing… at

A curl in time (or, "Can't think of a witty title. Submit your suggestions in the comments.")

2009-11-13T04:52:00.008-06:00

Johnny's Wrigley colleagues are a great bunch, so when it was time for Masha to leave Johnny's team to work on different brands, she organized a team + sig other outing... to go curling! Now, I only know curling from occasionally watching it during the winter Olympics. And by "watching", I mean laughing hysterically at this so-called sport which involves grown men furiously sweeping ice to make

August gets a gold star!

2009-11-09T07:21:00.017-06:00