Before the snow falls

It's expected to snow this weekend and I wanted to give you a glimpse of what the Autmn looks like in Noyabrsk:


Most Russian cities consist mainly of large aparment buldings:


A few have color:


And here in Noyabrsk many have some decoration on the ends without windows (where the stairwells are). This one is celebrating 6o years of victory since the end of WWII:


This one is wishing peace to the earth:


Stray dogs are everywhere (even in the supermarket):


These are some views from the lakeside hotel:


I have never before seen a teepee in Russia (let alone two):


The trees lining the streets have changed color:


The main religions here are Russian Orthodox Christianity:


And Islam:


I went to prayer services in both of these houses of worship before I began working. It was nice to be with other people of strong beliefs. I like how they both approach God. The Russian Orthodox meeting has beautiful music and rich tradition, making the hour and a half of standing worth it. The Muslims have a beatifully active prayer meeting five times a day. They Imam at this mosque is looking for me to come back. I think I will soon.