The Kremlin
Wow I was going to the Kremlin....well that was if we could figure out the ticket scheme, what was and was not allowed to be brought in...and if the ink on our tickets didn't wash off in the sudden downpour....we were definately travelled challenged and our proficiency level of the local language wasn't was it could be..well basically we were at no level of proficiency. So we made it in and ran for rain shelter to a cluster of catherdrals, Sobornaya Ploshcad (Cathedral Square) within the compounds...and went from cathedral to cathedral, there were five of them...I thought they were really neat...different from other churches I had been to before and you can't help from having your eye caught by the gold bulb domes.
Next we wanted to find Lenin's tomb, this was before we figured out that it was outside the Kremlin wall. In the process though we were getting a kick out of watching the guard in this picture...they are a little on edge over there. The guard's job was to make sure that everyone stayed on the pedestrian path (within the white lines) failure to do so would get a whistle blown your way and a scolding in Russian, we saw people get whistled at for stepping off the sidewalk...now that's harsh.
Allright next stop...the State Armory Musuem...this is a must see...it's like seeing the Crown Jewels in London. Visitors are allocated specific visiting hours..so make sure to look at your tickets and make sure you've bought the photo taking ticket if you want to take pictures inside...you'll be asked for it. So what do you get to see...oh you know the usual...diamond, ruby, emerald stones, crowns, orbs, throwns....stagecoaches....and there were coaches for all seasons here....Shawn, my travel buddy...of course wanted the biggest, most elaborate, fit for a king and his entorage coach....figures. I was more partial to these two decked out in gold one for spring and summer and the other for winter and fall...oh well these two and the sleighcoach that was on display.
And here is the last cathedral...I promise...Church of Christ the Savior, this cathedral is actually not in the Kremlin but further up the road close to the river. This original church was destroyed by Stalin since he wanted to use the area to build a monument to Lenin...which never happened...and hence the new church...which costs just a little chunk of change - 360 million...that's dollars not rubles and that's just for the outside the interior hasn't been completed yet. The building of the church also highlights the close relationship between the Russian Orthdox Church and the State. It was truly an impressive and massive monument.
Okay what else without boring the reader?
Nightlife: One night we went to the world-known (well known to at least some other Americans) Hungry Duck...I found out just before we went the reason why it's so popular with some is because women get in cheap, drinks are cheap, there's plenty of dancing on the bar and shirts become optional after midnight...well the night we went the first three of the afore-mentioned reasons were true...for those hoping for shirtless people you might want to head to one of Moscow's many other infamous bars..or go on another night...I liked the music.
Beer: You know me I have to mention the beer...it was okay...had some of the local Pils...anyway it's not Pils that they are known for.
Transportation (Metro): Please let me know when you have figured it out...I know they are suppose to have one of the best metro systems in the world...but I'll be darned if I could figure it out...the Cyrillic wasn't helping either.
Would I reccomend going to Moscow? Definately...it's a very interesting place...and huge, lots to see and I plan on going back one day. Probably post-terrorist...it seems that we were in taxi headed for the airport when an attack to place in the southern part of Moscow....I'm glad we weren't deterred though...and thank Shawn for his resolve to go...papers please.....
See you at the next destination. Bye.
