Movie Monday: A snowy drive on a February Morning

I filmed this on the ride to work last week on a day when we had more than a foot of snow.  I don't mind the snow and the cold, but I am definitely ready to say goodbye to the grey months.

Sunday Coffee Club: Marrone Rosso

Located on Furmanova just up from the Opera, Marrone Rosso is one of Almaty's more popular coffee shops.  This morning, armed with my posse of fictional characters, I took the metro downtown to sample the food and drink and to share a good story.

The atmosphere of Marrone Rosso is quieter than that of Coffee Delia, but a bit busier than Bisqvit.  Soft pop music in English and Russian plays in the background and a nice mix of booths and tables are available for dining.  This coffee shop has menus in both Russian and English and several of the staff speak English - which can be a little bit frustrating when you are trying to practice Russian.

While the coffee is decent (once again I ordered an "Americano"), the breakfast menu is fantastic.  This morning I dined on the "vegetarian omelet" which is absolutely stuffed with roasted mushrooms, peppers, and zucchini with delicious fresh-baked whole grain bread.  The service takes a little while, (so make sure you aren't on a schedule) but the wait is well worth it.  Prices are comparable to those of the other shops, so plan on spending between 700 and 2000 Tenge ($5-$15 usd) per meal.  Next week on Sunday Coffee Club, Roads Less Traveled.

http://www.marronerosso.com/

Friday Photo: A New Normal

I seem to remember a time when trees had leaves and when the sidewalks weren't covered in 10 layers of snow and sand (they sand here, rather than shovel).  I vaguely recall how the bushes looked without their snowy garlands.  I remember when the cold was new and refreshing and when the extra time it took to add several extra layers was annoying.  Now it all looks so normal: the slush, the ubiquitous white ground cover, and the ever grey skies.  I thought I would get sick of it but instead, winter has established itself as a semi-permanent state and I find that I don't, in fact, mind at all.

Movie Monday: Ice skating and other winter fun

When I moved to Almaty there were a few things I wanted to learn.  Russian, of course, was one.  Ice Skating was another.  So I have been ice skating all of three times and finally bought a pair of cheap skates this weekend.  They are pink - not my favorite color, but on the bright side, they match my pink flyers scarf which I always wear skating.

There are ice rinks in several spots around town.  There is a good sized rink in the Mega shopping center and a small rink in the Ramstore on Furmanova. There is also a good sized rink up the hill on Dostyk at the Luxor complex (pictured).

During the winter, you can also find a number of outdoor rinks. This weekend I tried out an outdoor rink behind the children's theater on Shalapina.  It was the day after a snow so the ice still had powder on top.   The surface was a bit rough but I had a great time.  It was fun to be outside under a blue sky trying out the moves I learned on youtube.

For those of you interested in the cost, I haven't been skating at Mega, but Luxor charges 1000 tenge for 1 hour of skating and 500 for skate rental.  They also offer lessons for 2000 tenge.  The outdoor rink charged 700 tenge for unlimited skate time.

Sunday Coffee Club: Bisqvit

According to a review on the Lonely Planet website, Bisqvit is "marginally smarter than Coffeedelia, with arguably the best coffee in town."  I have read the "best coffee in town" claim elsewhere and being a confirmed coffaphile, I was excited to try this place out.  So this morning I set out in the snow to meet Mr. Fielding, Dr. Aziz, Mrs. Moore, and Miss Quested at Bisqvit.

Located just west of the intersection of Dostyk and Shevchenko, Bisqvit has a nice atmosphere.  Dark wooden counters, booths with plush couches and wicker chairs stained dark brown contrast with the grey stone tile floor to give the establishment a sense of permanence.  There was little or no music from the radio and at 10:00 am I was one of only a few customers.  I liked the quiet and somewhat somber ambiance - it provided the perfect place to read my book.

The menu is quite extensive with options for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the prices are similar to those of other coffee shops in town.  I didn't try any of the food, but I must admit that my Americano was skillfully made and had a woodier flavor than other roasts I have tried here in Almaty.  While I hesitate to crown the coffee at Bisqvit as "the best in town," I will freely own that it was well worth the snowy pilgrimage.

Friday Photo: Something random and fun

Don't ask me why.  I don't know and would just sing Woodie Guthrie at you. Nevertheless, it makes me very, very happy.  Happy Friday everyone!!!!