Out Into The Snow

[lupestripe]

Rusfurrence is going incredibly well so far. The Russian furs are all incredibly friendly and even though there is an occasional language barrier, generally we can communicate just fine. Many of the events are in Russian, which makes things a little difficult, but Alex Vance is the guest of honour so there are panels in English too. And of course fursuiting and general japery is an international language so things have gone quite smoothly so far.

Speaking of fursuits, I have seen my new one and it's absolutely gorgeous, even more gorgeous than I had hoped. It has sparkly pink bits for a start. Unfortunately I haven't been able to wear it yet as one glove still needs to be completed but I'm hopeful it will be finished by the weekend. Pictures will be uploaded as soon as I have them.

One thing I didn't realize is just how tired I am. Most holidays I tend to want to see the sights but this one is different. We are in a hotel surrounded by beautiful countryside, deep in a forest with fir trees to which the snow majestically clings. At the back of the complex is a huge lake, which is completely frozen over right now, while the paths and walkways are fringed with huge snow drifts and lit by coloured lights. There's even a huge Christmas tree outside the residential complex, making the scene exceptionally magical. The hotel is one of those adventure retreat places, offering a sauna/spa, Go Ape style climbing area (called Panda Park) and watersports too. Disappointingly, it's only -1C here, the same temperature as it was in Britain a fortnight ago when we had all that snow. I'd like to experience really cold temperatures although the biting blizzard when we arrived on Monday as we dragged our cases through Moscow we could have done without.

Anyway, there's not a lot to actually do here outside the con and as events don't start until 3pm, we've largely been sleeping during the day and partying at night. This is just as well really as I've been invited to three room parties now and last night I stumbled back in at 4am so the long lie-ins are less of an issue. There are a handful of events, less so than at other cons I have been to, but there is a dedicated furry only bar which serves drinks three times cheaper than the hotel so socializing is clearly the main focus. Again, I like this.

I have always said I prefer smaller cons and at 200 people, this is a nice size. It allows you to frequently bump into people and continue friendships, which adds to the nice intimate feel about things. There are a few westerns here - Alex (who it is great to see again after many a drunken conversation at previous EFs) and a Frenchman who has already invited us to Paris. We'll probably take him up on this.

Aside from this, the food here is exceptional and everyone is doing their best to make us feel welcome. They are really delighted to have westerners at the con and are hoping for more visitors from afar in the future. Hopefully they can achieve this.

The opening ceremony night, Tuesday, was our first here having eventually found the fur bus from Slogino metro station in downtown Moscow. Even on the bus, furs started speaking to us and many are interested in the Russian course I'm doing. It was also nice to hear Alex Vance's admiration for our traveling exploits. Tuesday was always going to be a good night after the positive gay marriage vote - I was checking this on twitter during the opening ceremony, which was delayed by two hours - so party time ensued.

The con is split into two parts, with the main two days beginning tomorrow when more people will arrive. Until then, out into the snow for some more furry fun.

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Comments

[doco.livejournal.com]

Sounds rather nice, a shame their country is rapidly declining into a dictatorship again, though. One can only hope they can keep up doingthis sort of event in the future.

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

It's a complicated political situation and one I know very little about. I do hope they can keep on going though, if Belarus is anything to go by, then it is possible.

[adia-wolf.livejournal.com]

Wow that sounds like you're having a great time! And sounds like a stunning setting too - colour me jealous! Can't wait to see the photos of your suit, sparkly pink is just so you it's unbelievable :p

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

It was a truly fantastic venue, deep into nature yet also near civilisation, it was a nice balance. And the scenery was truly stunning too, a brilliant setting for a critter con.

You've already seen the suit now but the images are also on my FA page ^^

[elfasi.livejournal.com]

Sounds Ringberg style :D

[lupestripe.livejournal.com]

It was quite Ringberg style but it also felt far less isolated, which I quite liked. It was a good balance.