Stroller-un-friendliness

In order to cross Tverskaya Ulitsa, the huge, really wide avenue where we live, you have to go underground. There are actually three underground passageways within walking distance of our apartment (yay!) however none of them are very stroller-friendly (ugh!). I will say that one passageway has an elevator, but alas, it doesn't always work. So if you get there and it's out of order, you either turn around and go home or you lift your stroller down and back up all the steps.

Needless to say, this is a major source of stress for me. Basically I just don't take Beau out by myself if I have to cross the street. Kind of limiting.

At the base of the only set of stairs to get across the street. Somehow Scott thinks it's funny that we have to carry the stroller up and down all these steps every time we go to our favorite diner (read: the only one in town). It just makes me want to cry and curse out the Russians.

This is the Russian version of a handicapped-accessible ramp. If your wheels aren't the exact same width as these metal rails, well then, you're just out of luck.

More stairs on the other end. 

Snowy walk

We got about 4 inches of snow today. Siena LOVES it and actually it's much easier to clean her up after a walk in the snow vs rain or even just normal dirty Moscow. 

The bad part is I don't feel comfortable walking with her AND Beau together in Moscow -- too slippery right now and even without the ice/snow, it's too hard to navigate the big curbs and rough sidewalks. 

Makes me sad if I think about it too much because in my mind, once I finally had my baby and my dog together, I'd pictured myself as this hip, urban mom, getting my exercise and fresh air through my daily dog+baby walks. I saw myself striding along in my yoga pants with the dog on one side and the baby all snug and tucked away in his stroller.

Never mind all that. It is really more  about survival and just making sure Siena doesn't go stir crazy. I should be grateful I have a babysitter so I can leave Beau with her and still take Siena out. Period, end of story. 

P.S. Here's what happens in Moscow when there's a little space between cars but not enough to fit a full car. Just park on the sidewalk!

These Boots Are Made For Walking...

Siena and I have been taking lots of walks. It helps with curbing / channeling her energy and it's good for me to get out too. So win-win.

The only issue is the wet snow and dirt. Yes it is April 1 and we still have lots and lots of snow on the ground. Temps are still in the 30s. So our Siena is a complete and total mess after even just a short walk. And it's not just the paws. It's the "undercarriage" as we like to call it.

Moscow is SO SO dirty and mix in a little rain / slush when the weather is slightly above freezing (or even when it's below freezing for that matter) and...well, you get a dog with a wet, grimy, matted mess of a coat.

So then you spend almost as much time wiping and cleansing as you spent on the actual walk...and then she needs to go out again and the whole process starts over!

wet. wet. wet. dirty. wet.

But really these walks are great for both of us. I know I feel better afterwards. And once the snow all melts and the rain gets less, I know it will be very nice for us.

The other interesting thing I stumbled on while walking was an ad for a fencing tournament! Totally thought of our wunderkind fencing nephew S when I saw it.

hey, cool, a Moscow fencing tourney!