The International Women's Club of www.iwcmoscow.ru

Autumn 2012

e te it m m 13 o 0 2 C / r 2 u 1 o 0 Y 2 INTRO

TABLE OF C ONTENTS

President’s letter...... 3 The May General Meeting ...... 4 The June General Meeting...... 5 CONTACTS Your Committee 2012/2013 ...... 6 As always, we want to hear from you! The IWC is here for all of us, and we want to Let’s get ready for Winter Bazaar...... 9 know how we are doing, and what we can do better. Please send us your comments. Apple Spas...... 10

Membership Charities...... 12 [email protected] History: 1812...... 15 Interest Groups [email protected] Out and about in Moscow ...... 16

Charities Get to know: Sweden...... 18 [email protected] In Focus: Golden Ring ...... 20

Donations Office Agenda: Moscow Affiche ...... 22 [email protected]

Public Relations [email protected]

Website [email protected]

IWC Newsletter [email protected]

CREDITS St a rry, S The International Women’s Club of Moscow tarry Newsletter is published four times a year, HOLD THE DATE! nig printed by Aeropress and distributed at ht general meetings, coffee mornings, emailed The IWC’s 2012/13 season’s to our members and posted on our IWC web- site. Embassies Dinner and Ball, We welcome your ideas, contributions and own photographs to make our Newsletter Moscow’s most glittering annual event, more interesting! will be held on MARCH 23rd, 2013 Editor: Lisa Bushby at the Renaissance Monarch Page Design: Therese Plappart Centre Hotel. WELCOME

Dear Patrons and Members,

My dear friends and colleagues, success. Their devotion was highly appreciated. The holidays are almost over and I hope that all of us will However, we have also added to begin our tasks with fresh our team many new Steering energy. Committee members: Anna Lech, Agata Pasek, Jan Friedrich In June, the Steering Committee and Shelley Gaglia were elected. chose me for the post of our new I am sure that our co-operation IWC president. with them will be effective and I want to continue the work of our beneficial for the IWC. It’s great former president. I want to keep to be together again, to be able supporting our cultural program to share this summer’s stories and collect money for charitable with each other and I am more We will hold this year’s first activities (currently we have than happy to welcome our new meeting at the Spaso House, approximately 100 projects, of IWC members. where we are invited by the which some are highlighted in During the holidays we enjoyed charming spouse of the this issue of our newsletter). some lovely coffee mornings and Ambassador of the USA Donna Norton. Moreover, I would like to newcomers’ mornings — as the strengthen our bonds with other summer is coming to an end we In October, we will hold a women associations in Moscow, can start over our IWC activities. General Meeting at the Polish the embassies, universities and We have several wonderful plans Embassy. I hope that you will art galleries. for this year: events, meetings, enjoy looking at the works of presentations, fashion shows — I some of the most interesting Over the summer, we had to say Polish fashion designers. goodbye to some of our active am sure that these projects will members: Anna van der Meer, make our stay in Moscow much I wish all of you another amazing Sandra Lennox, Frances more enjoyable and our charity year in Moscow, and I hope that Appleby, Irina Leonenko, projects that are currently on the our meetings will be both Gersand Horel-Watteau, Becky waiting list will also help those in enjoyable and beneficial. Bednarek, Shanti Bhattacharya need. Our main event will be, as and Teki Schror. We would like usually, the Winter Bazaar, to thank them for their hard work organised this year on 1 Izabella Zajączkowska and wish them happiness and December. President of IWC

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows. ~ Sydney J. Harris EVENTS

The IWC May General Meeting

Our General Meeting in May has traditionally been held together with the IWC’s artists exhibition. This May was no different and brought together artists from around the international community in Moscow to the RuArts Art Gallery , the perfect venue to showcase their work, which included photographs, paintings and sculptures .

We would like to thank all our artists for joining us and offering their work for viewing. Anna Schipper- Tcherkasova, Anna van der Meer, Beate Mitrovits, Davina Garrido de Miguel, Ela Kinowska, Iken Warner, Jelena Dobroussova-Davies, Julia Belyaeva, Katherine Owsiacki, Krisztina Rebek-Schay, Naomi Al- Midhadi, Natalia Inkina, Nathalie Trembley-Sierro, Oksana Yanbykh, Sofya Antipova, Spomenka Vukotich, Sue Allen, Tatjana Berhndt, Tatyana Gorbasheva (Zotova), Thirumeni Thilakavathi, Tiiu Viljasaar and Violette Paré.

In addition to the wonderful art, it was the first official opportunity for our new president, Ms Izabella Zajączkowska to speak to members. Along with welcoming our members to the event and congratulating all our artists on their work, she thanked the RuArts Art Gallery for opening their doors to the IWC, and to supporting our artists and organisation by providing such an impressive venue for them to exhibit.

IWC May General Meeting 2012: Ruarts Art Gallery

All pictures from the event were taken by Natalia Inkina, and may be viewed at: http://s1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb463/iwc_moscow_newsletter/General%20Meeting%20%20May%202012/.

Our brandbrand----newnew Interest Groups booklet for 20122012––––1313 is now out and can be picked up at any of our meetings! EVENTS

June 2012 General Meeting: Hotel Baltchug Kempinsky

On 13 June 2012, the International Women's Club held its General Meeting at the Hotel Baltchug Kempinsky. It was the last General Meeting of the season 2011–2012 and it was attended by a large number of the IWC members who also renewed their membership for the next season.

The recently elected IWC President, Isabella Zajączkowska, wife of the Ambassador of Poland, warmly greeted all participants and expressed the hope that the IWC will continue functioning successfully, developing interesting activities to help foreign ladies in Moscow to have a pleasant and culturally enriching life in the Russian capital.

The General Manager of the hotel, Gerhard E. Mitrovits, also addressed the guests and expressed his satisfaction with such an important event being held in this hotel and invited the IWC to organise other activities, promising his full co-operation.

Everybody present at the General Meeting was pleased to enjoy the nice atmosphere, good quality of wines and snacks served, as well as well trained personnel of the hotel helping the guests to feel comfortable.

Text by Alla Zenkovich All photos of the event by Marzena Dybowska, and may be viewed at: http:// s1207.photobucket.com/albums/bb463/iwc_moscow_newsletter/General%20Meeting% 20June%202012/.

YOUR CLUB

Meet Your Steering Committee 2012/2013

As you all know, the IWC is run by a steering committee voted by all members once a year. All members of the Steering Committee work as volunteers and are responsible for running the affairs of the club. The steering Committee is led by up to three presidents, all of whom are ambassadors or the spouse of an ambassador. This year our president is the spouse of the Polish ambassador—Izabella Zajączkowska.

As a matter of fact we had to say good bye to a lot of members this summer. As you can see, there are several vacancies - so we are waiting for YOU !

Klynn Lochhead Izabella Zajaczkowska Marianna Aslamazian General Officer President Recording Officer

Agata Pasek Anna Lech Inez de Nijs General Meetings General Meetings Interest Groups

Jan Friedrick Shelley Gaglia Alla Zenkovich Treasurer Embassies Dinner and Ball Public Relations Assistant YOUR CLUB

Cecilia Wettstam Lisa Bushby Therese Plappart Website Editor Website Assitant Newsletter Assistant

This could be You !!

If you consider to become part of our Team please contact: the steering Committee. You will than get any further information and you will be asked to send in your CV.

Breda Faus Fundraising

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. ~Henry Ford

Adieu!

We wanted to take this opportunity to recognize the stand-out contribution that Anna van der Meer made to our Steering Committee as Charities (Co-Chair) for many years. Anna was integral to our team, she put her heart and soul into the role, and she will be sorely missed by us all. We wish Anna all the best as she returns home to Holland. YOUR CLUB

Volunteers needed! Please, join our team

We have a number of positions open on our both our Steering Committee and our Charities Board. The IWC is run entirely by volunteers and we rely on your help to keep it going.

Current vacancies on our Steering Committee are:

• Membership/Newcomers Co-ordinator

• Membership/Newcomers Assistant Co-ordinator

• Public Relations Chair

• Interest Groups Assistant Co-ordinator

• Assistant Treasurer

• Newsletter Editor

• Fundraising and Membership Rewards Assistant

• Winter Bazaar Co-Chairs (2)

Current Charities Board vacancies are:

• Charities Co-Chair (2).

• Assistant Lead Co-ordinator (Children in Families)

• Assistant Lead Co-ordinator (Volunteers)

• Lead Co-ordinator for Elderly and Destitute

• Donations-in-kind Lead Co-ordinator

• Project Co-ordinators

• Project Information: Rodniciok

• Project Information: MPC Children Hunger Assistance Program

• General Volunteers

There’s lots more information on the role and responsibilities of the charities positions available on our website at http://iwcmoscow.ru/how-to-get-involved/charity-volunteering.html. If you are interested in joining the Steering Committee, please send your cv to [email protected].

The nice thing about teamwork is that you always have others on your side. ~Margaret Carty EVENTS

Let’s get prepared for the Winter Bazaar 2012

The Winter Bazaar of the International Women’s Club (IWC) has a long history dating back to 1988. The Winter Bazaar is not only a major charity event of the IWC, it is also one of the biggest fundraising events in Moscow. The embassies of more than 60 countries from all over the world offer their typical goods and food in an exotic shopping atmosphere. All proceeds go to benefit over 50 charity projects in Russia.

Imagine vast halls in a hotel filled with laughter and fun, where visitors pass from one stall to another, each studded with local products and goodies from all over the world, enjoying serendipitous discoveries and purchases. Some will make a stop to enjoy cultural performances offered by embassies while others satisfy their palates by a wide-array of snacks. What better way to enjoy an event while contributing to a meaningful aim to help the needy?

The IWC Winter Bazaar 2012 will be held on Saturday 1 December 2012 from 10am–4pm at the Radisson SAS Slavjanskaya Hotel.

As you can see from the photos, last year’s event was a resounding success and not to be missed. But, we needed your help to make it happen: we had 60 volunteers working on the ground level. This year, we are also seeking ground-level volunteers, but we also need volunteers on a task force to assist the chair in co-ordination, outreach and logistics activities.

Please sign up to volunteer, either by e-mail: [email protected] or in person at any of our upcoming General Meetings.

We appreciate your help! Every person counts!

Looking forward to working with you to make this event a great success.

Winter Bazaar Team A BITE OF TRADITION

Apples, honey and hazelnut Spas

BY ALLA ZENKOVICH

August is a generous month for harvests. In Russia, August is the last month of summer which is rather short and sometimes cold, so Russians have always tried to celebrate this beautiful epoch of the year.

Russian pagans would dedicate the harvest to Spas — one of their Gods. They would bring their fruit, berries, honey and mushrooms to Spas as a gift. This tradition began in the 8th century, when many such holidays existed. However, when Russia converted to Christian Orthodox, only three of these holidays remained — the apples’, the honey and the hazelnuts’ Spases. Spas also means in “Saviour”, or Jesus Christ.

This year, the honey Spas was celebrated on 14 August, the apples’ Spas on 19 August and the hazelnuts’ Spas on August 29.

On Spas days, Russian Christians would bring these products to churches to be sanctified after the Divine Liturgy, and following that moment they can be eaten. Even today, in Russian villages people believe that it is forbidden to eat apples before the apples’ Spas. But after this day, a real festival of apples begins and many Russian dessert dishes are made with apples. If the birch tree is the symbol of Russian trees, the apple clearly is the most popular Russian fruit. Since very old times, the apple is considered the symbol of knowledge, wisdom and sunny warmth. In Russian fairytales the apple is given a miraculous force to rejuvenate people. Women since the Renaissance epoch used apples for cosmetic purposes. Indeed, the word pomade comes from the French word pomme .

The British saying “One apple a day – one doctor away” also attaches to apples’ curative qualities.

The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

Our brandbrand----newnew Interest Groups booklet for 20122012––––1313 is now out and can be picked up at any of our meetings! A BITE OF TRADITION

Apples, honey and hazelnuts

GIVE

Toffee apples

Ingredients BAKE • 8 Granny Smith apples • 400g (golden) sugar • 1teaspoon vinegar Apple Sharlotka • 4 tablespoons golden syrup

Ingredients Method 6 large, tart apples, such as Granny Smiths, peeled, cored • Place the apples in a large bowl and cover with boiling water and cut into chunks (work in batches). Dry thoroughly and twist off the stalks. Push a 3 large eggs wooden stick into the stalk end of each apple. 200g granulated sugar • Place apples on a sheet of baking parchment. Heat sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 100ml water in pan over a medium heat until sugar dissolves, then stir in the vinegar and syrup. Test the toffee temperature by pouring a little 125g self-raising flour into a bowl of cold water. It should harden instantly and, when removed, be brittle and easy to break. Method Carefully dip and twist each apple in the hot toffee until covered, let Preheat oven to 180C. Line the bottom of a 9-inch any excess drip away, then place on the baking parchment to harden. springform pan with parchment paper. Butter the You may have to reheat the toffee a little if the temperature drops. paper and the sides of the pan. Cool before eating Pile the cut apples directly in the prepared pan. Beat eggs with sugar until thick. Beat in vanilla*, then stir in flour with a spoon until just combined. The batter will be very thick. Pour over apples in pan, and spread batter so it covers all exposed apples. Bake 1hr, or until a tester comes out free of batter. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool fully on rack. Dust lightly with ground cinnamon and icing sugar. Serve warm or cool with sour cream. PRESERVE *Ed: A bit of honey, some raisins, ground ginger and ground cinnamon sound good too Apple chutney

Ingredients • 1½ kg cooking apples, peeled and diced • 750g light muscovado sugar • 500g raisins • 2 medium onions, finely chopped PLAY • Pinch mustard powder

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger Bobbing apples • 1 teaspoon salt

Fill a large container with water, and float a number of • 700ml cider vinegar eating apples on top. • Rules of the game: use your mouth not your hands to get Method an apple. Combine all the ingredients in a large, heavy saucepan. Bring the Add kids! mixture to a boil over a medium heat, then simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, for 30-40 mins, or until thick and pulpy. Remove from the heat, leave to cool and transfer to sterilised, clean, dry jars and seal. CHARITY

Charities Committee to the rescue!

BY IANDRA TCHOUDNOWSKY

Though many of you will already know about the IWC Charity Committee and the various organisations we support, what you may not know is that we always keep aside a small percentage of funds to deal with one-offs and emergency requests. It is often these request that throw up some of the more interesting stories we deal with in the year and it is one such request that we will tell you about now. We have, as a Committee, for some time supported the Speransky Pediatric Hospital — Moscow's and probably Russia's foremost pediatric hospital and one that specialises in many sectors not covered (or not well covered) by other hospitals in the country.

One of the departments we help and provide funds to is the neurological department and we have a very good and long-standing relationship with the department and the valiant doctors who work there. One day last May, I received a call out of the blue from the head of the neurological section, telling me about a 6 year old Tadjik boy, Muchamadsobir Sabirov, who was being treated at the hospital. This lovely young boy has spina bifida and needed a series of operations at the Speransky, which was the best place to deal with them. The parents had saved up sufficient funds to cover the treatment and hospital stay — the hospital, as is the norm in Russia, does not receive funding to treat non-Russian nationals.

The problem that had arisen was that the family had run out of funds and Muchamadsobir still needed to stay in hospital and receive a final corrective surgery — the wound on Muchamadsobir’s lower back, where he had received the surgery, was not healing properly. This is a common occurrence in spina bifida where the protrusion in the lower back often weakens the skin making the post-surgery healing process very difficult. The procedure to correct this, involving a plastic surgeon and an extra week’s stay at the hospital, would not be expensive (48,000 roubles in all), but was way beyond the funds the family could raise, having already spent all their savings and more.

The doctors were in a terrible quandry. The hospital had no funding to give them and if, by some stroke of luck, the hospital could release some extra funding for the boy, it would mean cutting funds to some other desperately needed and underfunded service. The doctors even considered taking money out of their own wages. And so they turned to us for help.

The usual process by which the Charity Committee releases funds is that a proposal is submitted to the committee at one of our monthly committee meetings where the proposal is debated and put to the vote. Clearly we did not have the time to do this in this instance as the funds were required immediately. In this case, therefore, the proposal was sent out to all Charity Committee members by email with a request to vote electronically.

I am very happy to say that the funds were voted through immediately and within 36 hours I was able to go the hospital with the necessary funds for the family. I went to see Muchamadsobir, his mother and grandmother in their small hospital room with the head surgeon to let them know we had raised the money. It is impossible and way beyond my abilities to put into words how grateful and overwhelmed they were that we had managed to help them.

What is very clear is that this was definitely one of the times when you truly realise that we, as the IWC, can really make a difference in someone’s life with the funds we raise. I am delighted to tell you that the follow-up surgery for Muchamadsobir went very well and that he is now back home and thriving — thanks in no small part to the funds raised by each and every member of the IWC.

The purpose of life is not to be happy - but to matter , to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you have lived at all. ~Leo Rosten CHARITY

Cash Cow! Our donation to Orion Children’s Community

BY EKATERINA GURKINA Kitezh is a network of therapeutic communities that give children from orphanages loving foster families. Its aim is to create a developing environment for the education and care of orphans and children in crisis. Orion Village, is Kitezh’s second community, with residential buildings, an education centre and a farm for adoptive parents, adoptive and natural children, as well as volunteers (volunteers) to live together in the short or long term. Orion’s main farmer and animal expert, Alexandra Strukova, has recently been attending a special training course on how to keep cows. Why? Because, courtesy of two generous donations, Orion village is now the proud owner of two cows: Ying (Isha in Russian) and Yang (Yasha in Russian). Yasha, known to be “quite naughty and stubborn”, and with a strong character she’s not afraid to hide, was purchased by the International Women’s Club of Moscow. The teacher at Orion explained that as the cows get accustomed to their new environment, so the kids are getting accustomed to making friends with Yasha and Isha – something they are still getting to grips with. In general, the children adore the animals, they love rabbits and chicken. Children from the kindergarten and pre-school group (on photos: Sonya, Dariona (with black hair) and Danya (the boy) love to feed rabbits and change water for them. They also collect the eggs from the hen coop every day. Although small, Danya is very brave. He was the only child who wasn't afraid to ride Rigel, Orion’s horse. "Myself!” he said and took the reins from an adult. Two years ago, Danya was taken from the orphanage by Orion’s foster family. At that time he hadn't even seen a flower and couldn't talk. Now he is developing well, he is confident, happy and loving. On behalf of all adults and children of Orion we cordially thank you for your help!

More photos can be viewed at www.orionfuture.org/the-news/news-of-orion/153-news-of-the-cow.html . CHARITY

Donations: Want to help?

Dear IWC members!

Every Tuesday up to five IWC supported projects visit us at the Donations Office and get clothes, shoes, toys, kitchen appliances, sport equipment, books and much more . To check and get all items ready for our recipients we sort them out carefully every Monday. Our team welcomes helping hands!

We’ll be glad to see those who want to help every Monday from 11am till 1pm. The main job is to accept and sort out the donations — we believe you’ll enjoy the time spent with our team doing very necessary job!

The IWC charity has its table at the Winter Bazaar. We sell a lot of new and used stuff and our table is one of the busiest at the Bazaar! If you are interested to work with us on 1 December at the Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel, please, let us know.

We can be reached at +7 916 410 1366 Mondays 11.00-13.00 and Tuesdays 10.00 – 12.00, or any time via e-mail [email protected] .

If you want to donate, you are welcome at the Donations Office every Monday from 11am till 1pm.

Our address is: Gruzinsky Pereulok, Dom 3, apartment 1A.

It’s near Belorusskaya metro station, about 5 minutes walking.

We accept clean stuff — clothes and shoes without stains and holes, and the electric appliances in a working condition. Currently we are in great need of a baby pram and microwave oven for one of our projects.

We are very grateful to all our donors over summer 2012 for the help which your donations provide for children and adults in need.

Thank you! DO team Evelyne, Marina and Julia

HISTORY

1812 : 200 years ago

BY LISA BUSHBY

At 6am on 7 September 1812 (26 August according to the Russian calendar of the day), a crucial battle between French and Russian forces took place near the town of Borodino, about 110km west of Moscow near the river Moskva. Now celebrated throughout Russia as one of the key turning points of the Napoleonic campaign in Russia, this year marks its 200th anniversary.

Commanded by General Kutuzov, the Russians hastily built fortifications at the site to block the French advance to Moscow. Fearing an attempt to outflank the Russians might fail, Napoleon executed a crude attack.

The fighting extended along a 5km front until noon, when the French artillery began to tip the scales, but successive French attacks were not strong enough to overwhelm Russian resistance. Uncertain of the actual situation on the smoke-filled battlefield, Napoleon refused to commit any additional troops. Because Kutuzov had already committed every available man, Napoleon forfeited his chance of gaining a decisive victory.

Both sides became exhausted during the afternoon, and the battle subsided into a cannonade, which continued until nightfall. Kutuzov withdrew during the night.

The Russians suffered about 45,000 casualties. The French lost about 30,000 men. The Russians then set fire to Moscow and evacuated the city, paving the way for Napoleon. After a month of waiting for an armistice in the smoke filled and empty capital, Napoleon realised it would be impossible to survive the winter with no hope of supplies. On 19 October, the French retreat from Moscow began.

The powerful 1812 Overture by was written to commemorate the Russian victory. Famous for its climatic volley of cannon fire and ringing chimes, depicted as a celebration of church bells which pealed across Russia at their deliverance, it is still a fitting tribute.

Out and about in Moscow

Kolomenskoe

Featured in Phoebe Taplin’s winter edition of Moscow Walks , Kolomenskoe — on the green (no. 2) metro line — is one of the jewels of Moscow’s estates, and is also perfect for a day out in early autumn, when it’s still mild enough for a picnic lunch.

The vast — 390-hectare — Kolomenskoe estate grounds, which skirt several acres along the Moskva River, south of the city centre, are renowned for their centuries-old oak trees. They also contain churches and historic wooden buildings, apple orchards and a beekeepers cottage with a honey-tasting hall. PAINTING THE ANCIENT TREES OF KOLOMENSKOE Among the churches are the Church of the Ascension, built by Vasily III in 1532 to commemorate the birth of his son, Ivan IV (the Terrible), which has a breathtaking white façade, and the Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan (1644–1670).

In addition to these 16th and 17th century stone structures, several examples of Russian wooden architecture were moved to Kolomenskoe from other locations in the 1930s. Among them is the simple wooden cabin of Peter the Great, which dates from 1702, from which he directed his northern campaigns.

Leisurely boat rides along this stretch of the river can be accessed from the river quay located in the park. If you can, stay for sunset, when the park is enchanting, and the congregation of the Kazan Church gathers for evening prayers under its deep blue azure cupolas.

CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION WITH VIEW ACROSS MOSKVA RIVER

Lomonosov Moscow State University and Sparrow Hills

With the 36-storey main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU) behind you, the view from Sparrow Hills is nothing less than spectacular offering the full panorama of the city.

MSU is the oldest and largest university in Russia. Founded in 1755, the university was renamed in honor MOSCOW STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN BUILDING of its founder, Mikhail Lomonosov, in 1940. The university’s impressive main building is one of Stalin’s “seven sisters”, and was the first of his skyscrapers to be completed in 1952.

The site, known as Vorobyovy Gory, or Sparrow Hills, is one of the highest points in Moscow and offers an incredible view of the Olympic stadium, the Moscow skyline, with the other Stalin skyscrapers, and the Church of Christ our Saviour.

Out and about in Moscow

At weekends, the vantage is frequented by newlyweds who stop by after their ceremony for photos and Champagne. The park area linking the university to the viewpoint is perfect for a Sunday morning stroll, for rollerblading or biking. Souvenir vendors are always on hand. The wooded area below leads to Gorky park and is great for a more strenuous walk.

SOUVENIR VENDORS

All Russia Exhibition Park

If you were in any doubt as to the purpose of this place, Lenin greets you on entry through the massive gates, and there is a remarkable resemblance of the lampposts to wheat sheaves. Exiting the metro at VDNKh, you can’t miss the awesome, powerful and striking imagery of the soviet monuments in this grandiose park, formerly the Exhibition of Economic Achievements.

Of any place you can visit in Moscow, this park will transport you to another era, another reality. Of course, it is the immense achievements in science, agriculture, industry and technology of the soviet state that are celebrated here: centre stage is a stunning fountain with 15 gilded statues RECOGNISING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SOVIET STATE of women representing the 15 former soviet republics.

Some of the original state pavilions are now packed with vendors selling DVD players, cell phones, in-line skates, matrushkas, etc. In the fairground, Russia’s largest Ferris wheel, celebrates 850 years of Moscow. But there is so much to see and do, from people watching in a café to rollerblading around and around, from amusement park rides, go-karting, a plane that you can go on board and press buttons in the cockpit to pony rides, this is a great day out for adults and children alike. The monumental rocket launching into space above the cosmonaut museum opposite the park only adds to the impressiveness of this site.

FAMILY FUN IN FOCUS

Welcome to Sweden!

Just back from a long summer in Sweden – the best time of the year according to most Swedes. This is when we like to spend time outdoors and enjoy the wonderful summer that includes traditions, family holidays and for many of us getting to know new parts of our beautiful country which is the third largest in Western Europe by area. With only 9.4 million inhabitants, Sweden offers lots of space to enjoy nature that is available to all thanks to the very special law “Allemansrätten” (the right for everyone) which allows for example the public to visit any forest for mushroom picking or just wandering around.

Our coastline stretches from the North-East side of Sweden at the border with , down to Denmark and all the way up on the West coast where Sweden borders Norway. The West and South coast offers many ways to discover beautiful beaches and holiday towns such as Båstad and Bjäre peninsula , Fjällbacka, Falsterbo-Skanör. In the South-East there is beautiful Österlen area and on the East – the famous islands Öland and Gotland which share the first place in Sweden in terms of number of sunny days per year.

If you have never been to Sweden, I recommend starting off with with a long weekend in our capital Stockholm, a truly beautiful city with islands and water all around a truly beautiful city with islands and water all around. Stockholm that is located close to a fantastic archipelago often ends up at the top of the rankings of the best cities to live in the world. Here you will find many interesting sights such as the Wasa museum, the Modern Art Museum, Nationalmuseum (classic Swedish art), Nordiska Museet (Nordic culture) etc. Interesting are also Thielska Galleriet, Millesgården and Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde. Best place to visit with kids is Stockholm Junibacken where you will see Pippi’s house and meet other interesting characters from the Astrid Lindgren stories. And don’t miss the Royal Castle - you might even catch a glimpse of our Royal Family - King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia and Crown Princess Victoria with her newborn Princess Estelle.

My favourite restaurants in Stockholm right now are Matbaren (The Food bar) and its fine dining “older brother” Matsalen (The Dining Room)- by Mathias Dahlgren, one of Sweden’s top chefs, both located in the Grand Hotel. Prinsen, right in the center, serves great classic Swedish food and so do Bistro Jarl and Teatergrillen. For fish, check out the lively brasserie Melanders at Dalagatan or the more classic Wedholms Fisk. Some other good ones are Fredsgatan 12 and Esperanto – and then there are tons more. Also try to visit Östermalmshallen – the old fashioned food court full of delicious products that you can take out or eat right there.

In the last twenty years Sweden’s reputation as a food country has grown immensely and we are now enjoying many famous chefs and great restaurants and the magazines and books about food are also many. I am sure you are familiar with the very popular ‘Scandinavia’ restaurant in Moscow that is run and managed by Swedes. The traditional food around the important holidays such as Midsummer, Christmas and Easter are constantly updated and modernized. Below I have listed a dish, the ‘Gravlax’ that with its sauce is a real staple of the Swedish buffet at practically all the above mentioned holidays. Try also the right now popular and healthy ‘Swedish crisp bread’ that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner or just as a snack with drinks.

For those of you who want to find more Swedish recipes, I recommend visiting two of the most popular websites for recipes in Sweden: www. alltommat.se and www.tasteline.se. With some assistance from Google Translate I am sure you can find much inspiration. IN FOCUS

Country in profile: Sweden

Check out an interesting blog in English called www.stockholmtourist.blogspot.com for ideas on what to do, where to stay and where to eat in Stockholm. And don’t miss great shopping with many interesting new Swedish designers such as Filippa K, Acne and J Lindeberg – start out at the top department store, NK at the very center of the city. If design and furniture is for you – don’t miss the top floor and shops like Svenskt Tenn, Nordsika Galleriet and Asplund - all located in the fashionable Östermalm neighborhood.

The flight from Moscow is only two hours and everyone speaks good English so foreigners do just fine. Much more information about Sweden is available at www.sweden.se or www.visitsweden.com or by contacting the Tourist Office in Stockholm, [email protected]

Anna Gustafson Bril, President of the Scandinavian Women’s organization, SWEA Moscow www.swea.org/moskva , www.sweamoskva.blogspot.com

Smaklig måltid! (Bon apetit!)

Gravlax is a popular dish at the Swedish buffet or 'smörgåsbord', a global delicacy and not that hard to make yourself. It can also be served in smaller portions as a starter together with a slice of toast for example. You need to start four days in advance in order to have time for the freezing and preparation of the salmon. But the whole thing is quite easy to do once you plan.

Gravlax with mustard sauce (serves 10) 3 table spoons red vinegar salt and pepper 900 g/2 lb of salmon fresh and of the highest quality 200 ml oil (olive or other) 2 teaspoons oil 100 ml chopped fresh dill 4 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons salt Mix mustards with sugar/honey and vinegar. Mix in the 1 teaspoon crushed white pepper corns oil under constant stirring – not too much at the time - 1 big chopped bundle of dill with a fork or similar. Finally when it looks like a thick sauce, mix in the dill and add salt and pepper to taste. Start by freezing the piece of salmon for 48 hours to make sure that it is totally good to eat. Thaw slowly. Serve the gravlax slices with small potatoes boiled in dill, preferably new or a potato salad. Buy a large filet with the skin and start by taking out the bones with a plier. Leave the skin on and cut it into two Swedes like to eat healthy and why not offer this great pieces. Moisten the salmon with oil, mix the spices with crisp bread that is easy to make as an addition to the the dill and rub the mix onto the salmon. Place the two drinks. It can be done well in advance. sides without the skin towards each other with dill in between and place in a plastic bag, aluminum foil, jar or similar. Put a cutting board or similar light weight on top Swedish Crisp bread of the package and leave the salmon in the refrigerator 200 ml flour (wheat) for 12 – 24 hours, depending on consistency and taste. 50 ml olive oil or similar Flip the salmon a couple of times during the time in the 100 ml sesame seeds fridge. Just under 24 hours should be right, leaving the 100 ml sunflower seeds (without the peels) salmon for too long will make it hard and dry. 50 ml flaxseed (can be found in the pharmacy in Russia) 200 ml hot water Scrape off the herbs and peel/cut off the skin preferably Salt for sprinkling with a file knife. Cut the salmon in thin slices or 2.5 inch thick straight cuts. Mix everything except the salt. Smear the dough thinly on baking paper in a baking tray. Bake in oven but take This sauce is a must in Sweden and goes very well with out after 5 minutes and sprinkle generously with salt and the mild taste of the salmon. put back in again for 55-65 min depending on what color you want. Mustard Sauce ‘Gravlax Sauce’ 150 degrees C. 3 table spoons mild/sweet Swedish mustard (can be found at IKEA) alt try Russian style mustard After taking it out from the oven - leave on paper to dry 3 table spoons French mustard and cool down for some hours. 3 table spoons sugar (or honey) IN FOCUS

Дмитров (Dmitrov)

Яхрома (Yakroma)

Сергиев Посад (Sergiev Posad)

Архангельское

(Arkangelskoe)

Mocквa (Moscow) IN FOCUS

Moscow is surrounded by a series of towns at the very heart of Russian history. Each can be reached on a day trip from the city.

ростов великий (Rostov Veliky )

Боголюбово (Bogolyubovo)

Суздаль (Suzdal) MOSCOW AFFICHE

Farewell and Bon Voyage! A PEEK INTO MOSCOW AUTUMN AFFICHE

18–21 September Household Expo 2012: Crocus Expo 21 September 2012 Lenny Kravitz: Crocus City Hall 22 September 2012 Jewels: 22 September 2012 Kasabian: Stadium Live 6 October 2012 Waltzes, Tangos and Foxtrots: Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre 8 October 2012 Cinderella: Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre 11 October 2012 La Traviata: Bolshoi Theatre 13 October 2012 O Mozart! Mozart: Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre 15 October 2012 The Nutcracker: State Kremlin Palace 20 October 2012 Eugene Onegine: Helikon Theatre in Arbat 24 October 2012 Ballet Metropolitano de Buenos Aires: International House of Music 25–30 October 2012 Stomp: Cosmos City Hall 29 October 2012 The Snow Maiden: State Kremlin Palace 31 October–5 November 2012 Notre Dame de Paris: Crocus City Hall 1 November 2012 Pat Martino Quartet: Igor Butman Club 6 November 2012 Tosca: Bolshoi Theatre 10 November 2012 Jennifer Lopez: Crocus City Hall 19 November 2012 Suzy Quatro: Crocus City Hall 21 November 2012 Swan Lake: Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre 1 December 2012 Boris Godunov: Bolshoi Theatre 5 December 2012 Giselle: Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Theatre 9 December 2012 Vanessa May: Crocus City Hall

Our brandbrand----newnew Interest Groups booklet for 20122012––––1313 is now out and can be picked up at any of our meetings!