Natalie wonders why it took so long to realize the beauty that is Russian dessert

My dad told me as I was being shipped off to Russia that there are two things Russia is known for which I must try: their vodka and their ice cream. I have to say....the ice cream is delicious. :P At every corner there must be another lady with a cart selling ice cream bars, and if you go into shops, that's where the real magic is. Their scooped ice cream is to DIE FOR.

I can't recall how many times I've had it (which could be a bad sign), but I have yet to have a flavor I do not like. Even during those times when I had absolutely no idea which flavor I was eating. I just pointed and asked for a scoop. My favorite would have to be the Venetian Evening (Венецианской вечер) which I had in Moscow- chocolate with caramelized almonds. Amazing.

They have other wonders besides ice cream - there is a pastry truck that stops outside the metro station near my apartment every day. Today I decided to give in to its teasing and try something small. I asked for something with chocolate, and I bought a small pastry for 20 rubles (about 65 cents). It tasted like a donut, but much richer. The chocolate on top was amazing, like a mix between milk and dark. Ahh heavenly. I'm going to have to pick one up again soon.

What's even better is the fruit. Fruit isn't too common here, except for apples and bananas, because most things aren't in season or are too expensive. Therefore, what you are able to get is completely worth it. I bought cherries my second week here, and they must have been some of the best cherries I have every had.

Story time: I come home yesterday, extremely thirsty (Russia is having a record-breaking summer at the moment). I head to the fridge because I remembered leaving a bottle of water there to cool over the night. I open the fridge door and what do I see? The entire fridge (not an exaggeration - at all) is filled with pots and pots of raspberries (малина). I was stunned. My hazaika explained to me later that she buys them in bulk over the summer and then preserves them as jams or juices. Raspberry juice - OHMIGAWD so good. It might be one of the best types of juices ever. It is sweet and thick, like nectar, but not overwhelmingly sweet. It has a tangy aftertaste as well.

For tea today (because you always have something sweet to go with your tea. I love this country) I made myself блины with that raspberry jam. (блины are like French crepes - thin pancake made into rolls with a filling that could be jelly, honey, cheese, meat, etc. My mom makes them at home, and I had never realized how much of a delicatessen they are) It got to a point when I was eating the jam straight out of the jar. Self-restraint, Natasha, come on.

To be fair, most sweets anywhere are amazing, but they have just been wonderful in Russia. Annie and I found a cafe/bakery, similar to Panera Bread, that has these gorgeous cakes/pastries/parfait displays. Annie and I had made a plan to sample all the cakes they had, but with only having a week left here (ahh! I don't wanna leave!), I don't see how that's possible.

And on a more simple side - the plan butter cookies here are delicious. I'm going to see if I can bring some home with me.

It might get to a point where I will forego the silly "meal" stuff and head for the sweets. Sounds like a plan.