Reblogged from different outcomes:

If you enjoyed the charming young detective, Jade Snow, in Stepford, USA, you will absolutely love her next adventure in Gold Train. Jade travels to Russia to do a piece for Time magazine and the second she steps off the plane the excitement, and magic, begins. This thriller has it all! It has the two romantic locations of Moscow and St. Petersburg for its backdrop. It has real princes and princesses, who may or may not be undercover agents and spies. It has the whisperings of revolution, deepening …

New FIVE STAR review of Gold Train by Author Jason Sullivan

As a linguist, I often get asked about best ways to learn languages. This post is in response to my friend Rachel’s question on how to begin learning Russian.

First, the Big Linguistic Picture: all languages in the world are divided into Language Families. The largest such family is the Indo-European Family of Languages originating from Sanscrit. It includes Hindi, MOST European Languages, Persian, etc.

Which means that we all – the English speakers, French Speakers, German Speakers, Spanish Speakers, Russian speakers, Hindi speakers and… Persian speakers (in other words, Iranians,) belong to one huge family. Kinda makes you pause and think, doesn’t it?

The Russian Language is part of the Slavic group of languages, specifically, the Eastern Slavic sub-group, together with Ukrainian and Belorussian.

Russian Language is one of the 4 official UN languages and one of several principal languages on the planet. It is spoken as the first language by 170 mln people in Russia and abroad, and several times as many, as a second or additional language.

Russian is considered a difficult language to learn by Westerners, based on its relatively complex grammar and different alphabet. But take it from someone who mastered several different languages – I can tell you from personal experience that English is a much crazier language than Russian, yet scores of people around the world learn it and speak it every day.

So no worries! Just take a deep breath and use my formula for learning any language: CONCENTRATE ON SIMILARITIES RATHER THAN DIFFERENCES, and I promise, your language learning experience will be a breeze!

I’ve done some research for you on ways to learn Russian, based on what’s available on the market today. These seem to be the best options, both paid and free.

1. PAID: Berlitz is an old and reputable language learning company. They are not cheap, but here is internet option – it may be quite affordable. They require filling out a form in order to get a quote. This is a more serious program.

http://www.berlitz.us/Core/Display.aspx?pageId=269

2. PAID: This seems like an interesting and affordable program:

http://russian-accelerator2.com/?gclid=CJ23r4W1pK4CFcjc4AoddCurSg

They have beginners (Russian Accelerator) and advanced (Accelerator II) courses. This is a simplified program and may not offer reading ability. But I like their methodology and approach.

TIPS: Here are some tips on learning Russian fast

http://learnrussianfast.com/how-to-learn-russian-fast.html

3. FREE: This site has free insights and examples, including Russian alphabet, common phrases, numbers, etc.:

http://russian.speak7.com/

This is a good reference site. It’s a good idea to read through all the available info here to get a frame of reference. However, I’d recommend to combine it with an interactive online (or in person) course, so you could also hear how words are pronounced, otherwise, it may be a bit confusing.

TIPS: in order to be able to read, it is a must to learn the Russian alphabet, which is available at the above free site.

To me, learning the Russian alphabet to be able to read, is very important, since all signs in Russia would be in Russian and you really don’t want to feel handicapped.

I noticed that many American programs skip this step and try to teach you how to learn to speak phonetically without anchoring it in written language. To me, it’s a one-sided approach. But, perhaps, for those who want to just get the flavor for the language, it’s a justified shortcut, which will allow you to start using the language quickly. It may be easier to learn how to speak first and then, eventually, take the next step and learn how to read as well.

That said, when I taught my students, they learned Russian alphabet in 45 minutes and could read in Russian within 2-3 lessons. All, because I concentrated on similarities instead of differences.

So, don’t let them scare you by saying that Russian alphabet is difficult. The look and roots of the Russian letters are much the same as Latin letters. Both alphabets originate from Ancient Greek. Some letters may sound different – so what? It’s not Chinese, after all, with its several thousand written characters. It’s just 33 letters! No big deal!

In fact, as a linguist, I am trained to spot similarities and common roots among words of different languages. You’d be amazed how many similar roots there are in Russian and English as well as other European languages. All because, as I pointed out earlier, they are all part of the huge Indo-European Language Family. Which means that even Hindi language roots will be similar.

4. FREE: Another Free program – I think, it’s a good one! Worth checking out.

http://www.russianlessons.net/

5. PAID: Also, check out this interesting program – could be fun and relatively affordable – which will be available in May.

http://www.languagemetropolis.com/?gclid=COC9lpS6pK4CFYeK4AodCAu8TA

6. PAID: new, very promising course, which combines audio, visual and interactive capabilities. They call it Dynamic Immersion program. Worth checking out!

http://www.rosettastone.com/learn-russian

Hope all this helps and please leave your comments to let me know how you are progressing!

Wishing you much fun and best of luck on your new language adventure!

Lada

Posted on December 30, 2011

Review by J.J.Collins

This first instalment by Author – Lada Ray introduces us to brilliant investigative journalist – Jade Snow. Jade Snow we learn, is a twenty eight year old all action investigative journalist used to dodging straying bullets in Afghanistan, before a near death experience throws her into the arms of her soon to be husband Paul. What Jade doesn’t realise is that her days of investigative journalism and an all action career are about to come to an abrupt halt when motherhood dawns or is it?

This thriller is set in the sleepy surroundings of Stepford, Massachusetts, a small town community in America that hides a deep dark secret. Jade finds herself in this sleepy town against her wishes following her husband’s insistence on finding her a nice, quiet and calm environment for her to remain fit and well during her pregnancy. Jade Snow we learn is no ordinary young mum to be. It is not long before her inquisitive mind and investigative instincts, lead her onto the trail of a devastating dark hidden secret within the community. A crime so horrendous and brutal, it lives on in the lives and happenings of this sleepy hallow even until the present day.

Jade’s loneliness and love of quality company finds her being introduced, and soon becoming part of the social set-up of this most picturesque of American town’s. The intimate circle of six women Jade would join, unbeknown to her, will transform her time in Stepford from a peaceful relaxing stay into an intriguing web of lies, deceit and mystery. The pursuit of the truth will not only put Jade Snow and the life of her unborn child in grave danger, it will have a profound impact on the lives and community of this most fascinating of small towns for years to come.

This story of a horrific crime, a victim, an accused person and powerful local interests, desperate to keep the truth hidden from the larger world, only makes Jade Snow throw off her restrictive temporary physical shackles and risk all, to unravel the truth. The pursuit of truth among the complex personalities of this town, and an eagerness for someone to keep it hidden at all costs makes the challenge appear impossible.

Stepford USA takes us on a journey with this charming, sharp minded young journalist in a race to reveal the truth before someone else is killed, will Jade succeed? Can she protect herself and the life of her unborn child? Who can she trust? Anyone? Will she manage to discover the facts before it costs someone their life or even her own?

On the face of it, Stepford is a thriving small town community the likes of which are splattered across the American continent however, the deceit and manipulation facing Jade threatens not just people, it threatens the very way of life of this beautiful town. Undeterred, Jade Snow takes us on a gripping, dark psychological adventure, where unrealised talents may be the difference between life and death for Jade and others.

Does the answer to the secret rest within the group of six ladies “Knitting Club”? All women of varying ages and loyalties. We are introduced to Lady Adelaide Paphos, an elegant motherly like lady, who develops a fondness and close bond with Jade during her time in Stepford. Her son Jason who harbours a long held secret. Then a chance lunch time meeting with the power players of the local community that introduces us to the young police chief – Chief Nordini, Judge Bowman, Lawyer Marc Catcham, Banker Peter Burns and the quiet Jack Maloof. These men all with varying interests and knowledge of the comings and goings of the town extend an invitation to the elite Rotary Club to Jade. How will this innocent invitation propel Jade into an even more intricate web of unimagined deceit?

Jade’s investigative journey takes us to a “Hidden Lake”, a chance encounter with a friendly neighbour and his dog, a virtual reality experience and observing one of the married town influencers groping a woman out of sight of others. How does all this relate to the truth? Can it be found and who is watching Jade’s every move?

This page turning thriller is exciting, full of suspicion and possesses excellent character development throughout. It challenges the reader to consider the glaringly obvious and not so obvious, reality and challenge their own perceptions of reality and illusion in the pursuit of destroying the prejudices found in every small town. Will Jade and her soon to be born baby survive the small town experience?

The author has managed to develop a character with a fascinating thoughtful purpose. The brilliant combination of plot, character development and unexpected twists and turns, keeps the reader addicted to the next turned page. Once you start reading this book, you will not put it down such is the perfect pace and flow of words in which the book is written by the author.

Psychological thrillers don’t get much better than this.  Excitingly and yet chillingly gripping, it’s the sort of plot line that surprises you at every turn and absolutely does not let you go.

A highly recommended read for anyone.

via http://booksreview4u.wordpress.com/ STEPFORD, USA – A Mystery By Lada Ray – Book Review by J. J. Collins

Guest Post By M.G. Edwards

My wife Jing, son, and I spent the 2012 Chinese New Year with Jing’s family in Shanghai, China. It was a special New Year’s for us, not only because it ushered in the auspicious Year of the Dragon but also because it marked a first for our family—the first time we had been together with Jing’s family in China for the holiday. My wife had not spent New Year’s with her family in almost two decades, and it would be the first time my son and I joined them. The happy hearts and big smiles of my in-laws when we arrived January 21 foretold a joyous reunion.

We arrived in Shanghai the day before New Year’s Eve. We spent some time January 22 getting ready for the evening’s festivities, which promised to be the grandest of a week’s worth of New Year’s celebrations. We went shopping and bought fireworks and red and gold holiday decorations, including the “Come Luck” (fu) symbol, to enhance the festive atmosphere. The weather hovered below freezing in the urban confines of Shanghai, where concrete buildings with ceramic tile façades sucked any vestiges of heat from the air, but the holiday buzz warmed our souls.

We spent New Year Eve’s with family at my in-law’s home. Her father, mother, sister, brother-in-law, and nephew joined us. When we arrived, my brother-in-law, Song, took us outside to blow off a string of firecrackers and light up some sparklers. My son and his cousin had a blast.

My mother-in-law, Ma, prepared a cacophony of Chinese dishes that ranged from fish in sauce for Song to soy sauce meatballs for my son. The meal was delicious. My father-in-law, Ba, Song, and I offered toasts with shots of Maotai baijiu, a 120-proof Chinese liquor, and wished each other and our families health, wealth, and love. The others sipped Changyu, a Chinese brand of red wine.

After dinner, the family moved over to the couches to watch the annual New Year’s variety show broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV). The glitzy show beloved by many Chinese featured over five hours of skits, songs, and other entertainment, a tried-and-true formula used for years. The quality of the production had undoubtedly improved and become more “hip” than it had been when my wife was young.

An hour before midnight the fireworks started in earnest. We took a break from the TV show to give gifts of hong bao (red envelopes with money) to the children. The adults took turns sitting in chairs as my son and his cousin each bowed to us and politely asked for envelopes. My nephew recited a common Chinese New Year phrase, “恭禧發財, 紅包拿來?” (in pinyin, “gongxi fai cai, hong bao na lai”) roughly translated as “Wishing you a prosperous New Year. May I have my red envelope?” I enjoyed the ritual of the hong bao and thought that it trumped Christmas gift giving because the kids had to pay homage to their elders before getting their gifts (not to mention that it’s easier to give cash in an envelope than buy and wrap a gift).

Just before midnight, Ba and Song ignited a long string of firecrackers outside the apartment that exploded with deafening pops, adding to the sound of the fireworks booming around us. Thankfully, they did not blow off the remaining packages of firecrackers until the fifth day of the Chinese New Year.

At midnight, we looked out the bay window of my in-laws’ home and watched the most amazing fireworks display I’ve ever seen. Fireworks were exploding everywhere—on rooftops, out the windows of high-rise buildings, and on the ground in the streets and alleys between buildings—everywhere. It was a beautiful 360-degree, three-dimensional light show unlike any I’d seen in the West. We heard the sounds of pop, pop, pop in all directions! Considering that the Chinese invented gunpowder and fireworks, it’s understandable why they went over the top using pyrotechnics to ring in the New Year. The din of the fireworks died down around 12:30 in the morning. We finally left the in-laws at 1 a.m. and headed back to where we were staying, picking our way carefully in the streets to avoid being hit by stray fireworks.

On New Year’s Day, after we had recuperated from the previous night’s festivities, we visited the Temple of the Town God (Chunghuamiao) to see the lighting of the lanterns that adorned the decorated floats in a pond near the temple. Dedicated to the protector spirits that guard the city, the temple itself lay in the middle of one of Shanghai’s most popular commercial districts. Thousands of visitors, mostly Chinese, had the same idea as we and converged on this popular area to take in the holiday atmosphere. The strings of lights, red lanterns with gold tassels, and traditional Chinese architecture at Chunghuamiao were simply spectacular, but the place was numbingly overcrowded. I had never seen so many people packed into one place — even considering that China had more than 1.2 billion people! The crowds put a damper on my mood.

On January 24, we visited my wife’s childhood home in northeast Shanghai. This fell in line with the Chinese tradition that a married daughter—my wife—spend time with her family on the second day of the New Year. We arrived at the low-rise apartment, which still looked much the same as it did when my wife grew up there, and walked around. Jing and her sister reminisced about growing up there, showing us where they used to play and some of the fun things they liked to do as children.

My young nephew and son weren’t so interested in the family history but enjoyed Yangpu Park, one of Shanghai’s larger parks located across the street from my wife’s former home. The boys had fun doing on some amusement rides and kiddie activities. Jing and her sister revisited a Chinese pavilion near a pond, a picturesque stone bridge, and other places in the park etched in their memories. I enjoyed watching couples ballroom dancing in the frigid cold.

Spending time with family and friends is an important aspect of Chinese New Year and a major reason why we visited Shanghai during winter. We spent the third day of the New Year, January 25, with my wife’s uncle, Xiao Shushu, his wife, and relatives Erhong Jiujiu and his wife. We gathered around the table at my in-laws’ home for another delicious Chinese spread prepared by Ma and listened to the relatives talk about the past. They told touching stories of how difficult it had been for them in the old days. Life was better now.

On the fourth day of the New Year, January 26, we went with family to the self-proclaimed “Venice of Shanghai,” Zhujiajiao, a beautiful village not far from the city. Founded over 1,700 years ago, the village was a smorgasbord of traditional Chinese architecture, including a Buddhist temple and a Temple of the Town God, canals and waterways, stone arch bridges, and wooden oar-powered tour boats. Dragon boats sailed in the canals and red lanterns festooned the streets. While we enjoyed the festive atmosphere, the crowds were horrific. We thought we were going to be crushed in an alleyway but eventually wiggled our way out of town.

Following our tour of Zhujiajiao, we met some cousins for a meal at the Xibei Oat Noodle Restaurant in Shanghai. Influenced by flavors from the Middle East brought to China via the Silk Road, the northeastern Chinese cuisine served was simply delectable. My brother-in-law noted that I enjoyed the roasted lamb, green salad, and pita bread more than the sweeter and seafood-laden Chinese cuisine preferred by Shanghainese.

After dinner, we went to the cousins’ home, where we joined them for a traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The oolong and barley teas were soothing to the tongue and light on the stomach.

On the evening of the fifth day of the Chinese New Year, January 27, the fireworks started again in earnest as the residents of Shanghai welcomed the arrival of the god of wealth and success, Guan Yu. Some believed that making noise would attract his attention and bring them prosperity, so the fireworks continued unabated for the next 24 hours. I did not sleep well that night, tossing and turning as the noise makers rattled outside our window all night long.

We concluded our seventh and final day of the Chinese New Year shopping and spending time with family. My wife bought some nice New Year’s decorations for our home. In the evening, my brother-in-law took us for a family meal at a Korean restaurant that he thought would satisfy my western tastes. The Korean bulgogi, kimchi, and other dishes from the Land of the Morning Calm hit the spot. Jing’s family joined us for one more meal before we headed home.

We returned to Bangkok on January 28 exhausted from a week’s worth of celebrating the Year of the Dragon. The intensity and excitement of the occasion was unforgettable. Through the family gatherings, traditions, foods, fireworks, and trappings of the season, I glimpsed the heart and soul of the Chinese people. The experience was so profound that I spent the next couple of weeks at home in peace and quiet contemplating what it all meant. I will never fully understand this cultural event, but it is now a part of me.

M.G. Edwards is a writer of books and stories in the mystery, thriller and science fiction-fantasy genres. He also writes travel adventures. He recently published a collection of short stories called Real Dreams: Thirty Years of Short Stories available as an ebook and in print on Amazon.com. His upcoming travel novel, Kilimanjaro: One Man’s Quest to Go Over the Hill, will be available in March 2012. He lives in Bangkok, Thailand with his wife Jing and son Alex.

For more books or stories by M.G. Edwards, visit his web site at www.mgedwards.com or his blog, World Adventurers. Contact him at me@mgedwards.com, on Facebook, or @m_g_edwards on Twitter.

© 2012 Brilliance Press.  All rights reserved.  No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted without the written consent of the author.

Read Lada Ray companion posts:

How My Family Celebrates Chinese New Year of the Dragon! (includes Shanghai New Year Fireworks video by M.G. Edwards)

Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Secret of True Prosperity

Ultimate Energy & Power: Chinese Dragon

Secrets of Effective De-Cluttering: Reclaim the Health of Your Space

Year of the Dragon Extravaganza Complete Schedule

Above: Bankovsky Bridge

Below: the famous singing gold fountains of Peterhof

Year 1703. During the Northern War with Sweden, Peter the Great stands on the wind-swept bank of the Neva River, amid mosquito infested swamps and desolate landscape of the north, and declares that he’ll build a city of unrivaled splendor, to become Russia’s first sea port and maritime window to Europe.

Years later, his vision became a reality – and then some! Above: Medniy Vsadnik (Bronze Horseman.) Monument to Peter, the city’s founder. The inscription says: To Peter – the First, from Catherine – the Second.

Presenting St. Petersburg, Russia‘s second capital, unique cultural phenomenon, UNESCO World Heritage site and the most beautiful city on planet Earth!

The entire center of “Peter,” as it’s affectionately called by the Russians, or St. Pete, as it’s called by the expats, is the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The unbelievable beauty of its many exquisite buildings, bridges, palaces and statues can awe even the most seasoned world traveler. Despite its harsh northern climate, it can be incredibly romantic, and it always is unforgettable.

Some of the most important episodes in GOLD TRAIN take place in St. Petersburg. The GOLD TRAIN heroine, international journalist, Jade Snow, stays at the Duchess Vera’s house, in the very heart of the historic center, not far from Nevsky Prospekt and the Hermitage.

Above: Romantic couple by the Anichkov Bridge. One of Nevsky Prospekt‘s most popular sights, Anichkov Bridge across the Fontanka River is particularly famous for the four equestrian statues – “The Horse Tamers” – which stand at each corner of the bridge. 

Try visiting St. Petersburg in the summer, during The White Nights, a unique phenomenon, occurring when the Northern Lights illuminate the sky, making a night almost as bright, as day.

The mood during the White Nights in indescribable! No one in this city of 5 million sleeps, and scores of people wander the streets, marveling at its monuments and watching the drawing of its amazing system of draw bridges.

Above: St. Pete’s bridges being drawn during the White Nights. Notice, how bright the skies are even after midnight!

Above: Dvortsovy Bridge (Palace Bridge) next to the Winter Palace – The Hermitage

All St. Pete’s bridges are incredibly beautiful and unique. Above: Probably the most famous of its pedestrian bridges, Bankovsky Bridge - Bank Bridge, which is just a few meters down the Griboedov Canal from Kazan Cathedral, owes its reputation to its four beautiful golden-winged griffons.

The Lion Bridge, another gorgeous bridge along the system of St Pete‘s canals

Above: Trinity Bridge

Below: Winter Palace, former residence of the Russian Tsars, the most magnificent palace in the world. Now, the Hermitage Museum.

Inside The Hermitage Museum:

The Throne Room

The Grand Stairs

Tsar’s Gold Coach

Above and below, The Hermitage Galleries

Below: The Ballroom. When I wrote the Menshikov Mansion ballroom scene in GOLD TRAIN, I imagined something like this.

Some of the most dramatic scenes in GOLD TRAIN take place at the Menshikov Mansion. Prince Menshikov (Duke Menshikov in GOLD TRAIN) was a real historic figure. As Peter the Great’s first lieutenant, originally a commoner, the Prince rose to prominence during Peter’s reign. Peter relied on him for reform ideas, staunch support and execution of his grand plans to re-shape Russia for the modern age.

In GOLD TRAIN, I thought it was especially fitting – and ironic – that the Menshikov Mansion would be owned by the infamous Russian oligarch, a nouveau riche and prince-wannabe, Yury Gurevich, who would be instrumental in plunging the country into darkness as a result of the conspiracy… But… I don’t want to spoil your reading experience, so let’s not reveal the plot.

Of course, the real Menshikov Palace is now a museum and is owned by the state.

Below: The Menshikov Palace, now Menshikov Museum

More beautiful views of St. Pete:

Below: Peterhof, Peter’s Summer residence and its magnificent gardens, complete with the system of gold singing fountains. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and my personal favorite.

The Grand Cascade

Above: Famous gold mythological fountains in Peterhof’s gardens

In GOLD TRAIN, Jade is supposed to visit the town of Pushkin, near St. Pete, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its connection to the Russian writer Pushkin, as well as for magnificent Catherine the Great’s Palace.

Above: Monument to Pushkin, who was born in St. Pete and went to school in Pushkin, originally called Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s Village)

Below: Catherine Palace and gardens

The Amber Room (Yantarnaya Komnata) at Catherine Palace – considered by some the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” The Amber Room had been carved from top to bottom out of precious Baltic amber and presented to Peter the Great by the Prussian king Friedrich, who went bankrupt to make it happen. The room was later expanded and perfected by the Russian craftsmen.

According to the historic accounts, Catherine could sit in the Amber Room for hours, meditating. Those who’ve been in the original Amber Room described the feeling, as being entranced and transported to another dimension. Catherine would forget about everything, including pressing state affairs, when she was in that state.

Unfortunately, the original Amber Room was stolen by the Nazi Germany during WWII. It was dismantled and taken to Prussia, where it had vanished without a trace. Its whereabouts are not known to this day.

Starting in 1979, the new Amber Room had been painstakingly re-created from the origianl photos and drawings. It took many years to complete the project and several years ago, the Amber Room reopened for the public.

Below: re-creating The Amber Room

Below: the magnificent Amber Room

Below: another room at Catherine Palace with Empress’ images

And now, back to the city center.

The grand St. Pete Metro stations, much like Moscow’s, resemble underground palaces.

Below: One of such palacial stations.

One of the most dramatic scenes in GOLD TRAIN takes place at the Sportivnaya Metro Station. The incredibly deep metro escalator, much like the one, Jade took in GOLD TRAIN.

Below: Sportivnaya Metro Station with its Ancient Greek Olympics theme

For more about stately St. Pete Metro and Sportivnaya Station, check out my post

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

Above: The famous Church of Savior on Spilled Blood, featured on the GOLD TRAIN cover. The name of this church is highly symbolic, as those who read the book, would recognize.

Read Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

“Want to talk about Russian history? Got a Millennium?” – Anthony Bordain, TV show host: No Reservations.

Russia‘s history is overflowing with revolutions, wars, change, as well as incredible achievements in science, technology, art, sport and literature. And its capital, Moscow, has always been at the forefront of it all.

I was born in Moscow, but my parents moved a lot for work, and so, I spent part of my childhood in Kishinev (Chisinau) Moldova, and Odessa, Ukraine. However, I always maintained close ties with Moscow.

My aunt lived on famous Tverskaya Ulitsa (Tverskaya Street,) Moscow’s principal street, starting at the Kremlin Wall and Red Square, and stretching all the way to the outskirts, where it would become the highway to St. Petersburg. Lined with posh hotels, restaurants and homes of the rich, it was the street used by the Russian Tsars and dignitaries on their visits to Moscow. More about Tverskaya here.

In GOLD TRAIN, Jade Snow walks along the “always noisy Tverskaya Street,” until she makes a sudden turn onto a quiet alley, leading to the fateful encounter with a mysterious and handsome stranger, which would forever change her life.

Upon arrival, Jade and her Russian journalist friend Svetlana take a tour of Moscow, including the Red Square, complete with Lenin’s Mausoleum (above.)

Above: The iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square. The most photographed building in the world.

Above: One of the Golden-domed Kremlin cathedrals

Above: Russian Tsars’ crowns and scepters, adorned with priceless furs, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. From the Kremlin’s Armory exhibit.

Alexander Gardens by the Kremlin Wall, named after Russia’s Emperor Alexander.

Above: Spasskaya Tower with its famous clock. Kremlin’s main tower

New Year’s on Red Square

Above: British Buckingham Palace Guards marching in the Victory Day Parade, May 9th, Red Square.

Below: For the winter months, part of the Red Square turns into the giant skating rink. Here you can skate to your heart’s desire, while enjoying some of the most dramatic and magnificent views in the world.

Together with Svetlana, Jade also visits Moscow’s pedestrian artists’ district, called Arbat.

It is here, on Arbat, that Jade hears the strange and disturbing predictions of the clairvoyant Gypsy, called Rada. These predictions will set the wheels of Gold Train’s fast-paced action into motion.

Above: historic pedestrian street Arbat

Alone in the unfamiliar country, Jade unwittingly finds herself embroiled in the net of lies, glamour, intrigue and alien ideals. In fact, she becomes so popular, that it may be hazardous to her health. And Jade deals with this unwanted and dangerous popularity in the way that is guaranteed to surprise even the most seasoned reader!

Above, the FSB Building (former KGB,) the infamous Lubyanka, which plays no small part in the book.

Later, Jade and Alexei take a stroll in the ancient city’s new attraction, the Sculpture Park, where scores of Soviet statues, monuments and plaques, complete with the statue of the KGB”s infamous first boss, Felix Dzerzhinsky, have found their final resting place.

In Gold Train, Jade says: “Moscow was indeed the city of contrasts. Noisy and quiet, in your face and retrospective, old and new – all at the same time.”

More views of Moscow – old and new, noisy and quiet – all at the same time:

Above and below: modern Moscow

Below: Beautiful Novodevichy Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Below: Moskva River

The famous main building of Moscow University

The Friendship Fountain, The historic All-Russia Exibition Center, formerly VDNKH (USSR)

Famous Bolshoi Theater, which just re-opened after a major renovation

Bolshoi Ballet

Dancing in Alexander Gardens

Moscow has so many facets and attractions, that all I can do here is barely scratch the surface. But I hope you enjoyed this post and I hope it will come handy when you decide to visit Moscow.

Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

I love celebrating Chinese New Year! My husband’s family is from Hong Kong, so Chinese New Year has a special meaning for us. My husband’s parents always have auspicious red Chinese envelopes, stuffed with money, waiting for us, when we visit.

The family dinner includes fish, shrimp and lots of auspicious vegetables – the symbols of prosperity. The house has to be brimming with red lanterns and envelopes, as well as oranges and mandarins, also, symbols of prosperity and abundance.

Whenever we get a chance, we go to New York Chinatown to watch the Dragon and Lion Dances. All Chinatown restaurants are packed, reservations being made well in advance, each restaurant trying to outdo themselves and each other with the most creative and prosperous dishes imaginable. In addition to sharing the New Year’s festivities with family, it is also a fabulous idea to share your New Year’s meal with close and dear friends.

Above: Dragon Dance

During the Chinese New Year Celebration, various ceremonies are conducted to ensure the fortunate year ahead. This includes New Year’s parades, as well as Dragon and Lion dances. My personal favorite is the Prosperity Cart Ceremony, which I learned from my Hong Kong Feng Shui teachers.

Above: Lion Dance

Traditionally, the New Year’s celebrations last 15 days. Therefore, this year, the celebrations will continue from 1/23 through 2/6.

The year 2012 is very special, as it is the year of the Dragon, considered to usher in a very powerful energy of prosperity and renewal.

During the New Year, Chinese people will greet each other with pleasant words like:

Xin nian kuai le  – Happy New Year in Mandarin. Simplified Chinese: 新年快乐; trad. Chinese: 新年快樂.

Hao yun  – Good Fortune. Simplified Chinese: 好运, trad. Chinese: 好運,

Kung Hei Fat Choi  – Happy New Year in Cantonese (Literally: Congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous New Year!)

Cantonese language: shares the written word with Mandarin, but sounds different in its spoken version. It is the #2 dialect of China, spoken in Hong Kong and south of China.

Finally, Gong Xi (or ‘Gong Hei’ in Cantonese) means ‘Congratulations’, derived from the legend of ‘Nian’, congratulating each other to have escaped the harm of the beast.

Also, read my special posts:

‘Ultimate Energy and Power: Chinese Dragon’

‘Feng Shui Master’s Advice: Secret of True Prosperity’

Watch live! January 23 2012 Year of the Dragon Fireworks – Shangahai, China. Courtesy, Michael Edwards, who resides in Bangkok, Thailand and is currently visiting Shanghai for Chinese New Year.

I am very pleased to announce that Michael Edwards will be doing the eyewitness guest blog on 2012 New Year’s Celebrations in China right here, on Lada Ray Blog! His post will appear in the beginning of February! Don’t miss this very special event!

From our family to yours: Have a wonderful and prosperous 2012 – Year of the Water Dragon! Xin nian kuai le! Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Lada Ray

Author and Feng Shui Master

January 24, 2012

If you liked this post, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Above: Komsomolskaya Metro Station, Moscow

If you are used to the gloomy, dungeon-like New York Subway (sorry, dear New Yorkers,) as I am, absolutely nothing can prepare you for the gorgeous Russian Metro! Don’t get me wrong – I love New York, and it is my second home, but the City’s unbelievably ugly and outdated subway is a different story all together.

When I complain about it, my husband – a consummate New Yorker – just shrugs his shoulders: “It gets you from point A to point B!”

Yeah, right… Point A to point B. But what about beauty? Style? Aesthetics?

Well, in all truth, even if you come from Paris, London, or Vienna, with their much nicer underground transportation systems, you’ll still be amazed at the Russian Metro!

One of Moscow’s most popular tours is “A Day in the Moscow Metro.” I am not kidding! They actually take you on a day-long tour to ride from station to station, during which time they tell you all about the history and art featured in each. And the day, spent doing that, is likely to become one of the major highlights of your Russian trip!

Can you imagine doing something like this in New York? Ouch! Not a chance! The best I can do, if I have absolutely no choice, but to take subway, is to try and get in and out as soon as possible. And I’d gladly ride it with my eyes closed, if it wasn’t too risky to walk up and down the stairs without looking.

In GOLD TRAIN, Jade Snow also samples the sumptuous Moscow Metro on the day of her arrival. But it is the St. Petersburg Metro, that has special significance in the book.

Without further ado, presenting The Magnificent Russian Metro! 

Moscow Metro (Moskovsky Metropoliten) first opened in 1935. It is the second busiest metro system in the world after Tokyo’s twin subway. Length, 305 kilometers, 185 stations. Moscow Metro carries 7 million people per day!

Are you listening, New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York Mayor and City Council?! Not only they get 7 million people from point A to point B each and every day, but also do it on time, in style and much more affordably, than New Yorkers could ever dream of! How do they do it? And why can’t you?

Above: Arbatskaya Metro Station, Moscow. As on this picture, tourists happily snap pictures of beautiful statures, chandeliers, frescoes and paintings.

Above: Kievskaya Metro Station, Moscow. One of the original stations, built in the 1930s. As in this mosaic, exquisitely performed Soviet art dominates some of the historic stations.

One of the absolutely amazing facts about the Russian Metro is that during WWII, it doubled as a giant bomb shelter – by far the most luxurious, comfortable and spacious bomb shelter in the world.

Above: Another historic Moscow Metro Station, complete with beautiful marble paneling and bronze statues. Take a look on the right! See the famous statue of the “good luck dog?” Notice his nose? It’s almost white. That’s because everyone who passes by this dog, rubs his nose for good luck.

More magnificent classic stations:

Below: several newer Moscow Metro Stations.

Below: One of the Museum Metro cars, complete with art, decking its walls. No cattle car here!

And now, the beautiful St. Petersburg Metro!

Rivaling Moscow Metro in its splendor, and mainly built in the 1950s, it’s the 5th busiest metro system in the world. In addition, it is also the deepest underground system in the world, with some stations placed well beneath the Neva River bed.

Above: Pushkinskaya Station, St. Petersburg. Monument to the Russian writer, Alexander Pushkin.

Above and below: more palacial St. Petersburg Metro Stations.

One of GOLD TRAIN’s most dramatic and crucial episodes takes place at  Sportivnaya Station. “Sportivnaya” translates as “Sports,” and the theme is that of the Ancient Greek Olympic Games.

I chose Sportivnaya Station for a reason. I don’t want to give away the plot for those, who haven’t read the book yet, so I’ll just remind everyone that Ancient Greece is considered the cradle of democracy and that all wars stopped during the Greek Olympic Games. Both of these facts have special significance, as those, who read the book, would recognize.

Below: Sportivnaya Station with its Ancient Greek theme.

More images of Sportivnaya Station.

  The incredibly deep Metro escalator, reaching all the way under the Neva River bed, much like the one, Jade Snow boarded in GOLD TRAIN.

One of the St. Petersburg Metro entrances, much like in the dramatic GOLD TRAIN episode.

Companion posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: the World of Russian Trains and My Childhood Memories

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray

There is a huge train-centric culture in Europe in general, and in Russia in particular. Something, that is probably very difficult to understand in the US, with its car dependent culture. There is always something romantic and breathtaking about a train journey through the night, when everyone’s asleep and the rythmic song and sway of the rails makes you think about far away lands and the fascinating discoveries awaiting you at tomorrow’s destination.

Trains have always had a soothing effect on me and when I was little, I loved sleeping on a train. In GOLD TRAIN, Jade rides on a sleeper express from Moscow to St. Petersburg, sharing a compartment with a retired Russian teacher. This scene resonates deeply with my childhood memories.

The idea for the Gold Train took root, when I first heard the story of the lost Russian Imperial Treasure. I knew right away that it was my book to write.

It starts in 1918, during the Russian Civil War, as the special steam engine train, carrying the Gold Reserve of the Russian Empire by Lenin’s personal decree, is attacked, and the treasure disappears into the night.

Then, the action fast forwards to present day New York, as international journalist, Jade Snow, prepares for her unexpected and exotic assignment to Russia, to investigate the mystery of the Gold Train.

Action steams full speed ahead, as Jade arrives to Moscow and finds herself a pawn in a deadly game – the game, she is forced to play.

Various trains play a big role in the story, including the high-speed train Sapsan, the Moscow-St. Petersburg sleeper express, as well as the luxurious, one-of-a-kind Russian Metro. I’ll have a separate post for the Russian Metro, with beautiful pics and videos – well worth watching – in  a couple of days.

But today, let’s talk about the fascinating world of Russian trains!

Russia is a relative new-comer to the high-speed train market. Its new high-speed train is called Sapsan (Moscow-St. Petersburg-Moscow.) The name was chosen well, as “Sapsan” is a variety of hawk, considered to be the fastest bird in the world.

Sapsan, the first Russian bullet train, currently shares tracks with regular train traffic and because of that, “only” achieves speed of 250 km/hr. It is also larger, than its European counterparts. New tracks, being built now, will allow it to travel at its optimal speed of 360-380 km/hr. More high-speed lines are porjected to be built in the next several years.

It takes 3 hrs 45 min to get on Sapsan from Moscow to St. Petersburg, while an overnight express takes 7-8 hrs.

Check out these cool videos:

Sapsan at High Speed http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay?feature=mhee#p/f/83/MqtWZZDxqes

Another video ‘The Fastest Trains of Russia’ starring the cutest kitty  http://www.youtube.com/user/LadaRay?feature=mhee#p/f/82/9eURuvwG3Lo

Moscow – St. Petersburg trains:

Nikolayevsky Express

Red Arrow Express

First Class compartment, much like the one in which Jade traveled from Moscow to St. Petersburg

 Russian express train corridor

Companion Posts:

GOLD TRAIN Magical Setting: Moscow, Russia

GOLD TRAIN: Amazing Russian Metro

GOLD TRAIN: Meet Jade Snow, heroine of the Jade Snow International Adventure Series

GOLD TRAIN: Who is Alexei?

Check out GOLD TRAIN ebook on:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble Nook

Smashwords

GOLD TRAIN paperback is coming on April 25, 2012. More: http://ladaray.wordpress.com/blog-tours/

For descriptions/excerpts/trailers from GOLD TRAIN and other Lada Ray’s books: LadaRay.com

If you liked my posts, please comment, RT, share and follow Lada Ray Blog!

Till next time,

Cheers!

Lada Ray