Russia Research Trip Day 1.5

Saturday, October 12, 2019 12:01 a.m.

Moscow, #Russia, Viking ship Rurik lounge.

Today was a very full day. After lunch (see Day 1 for before lunch), we took a walking tour of Moscow. First, we walked through a picturesque park, full of Autumn-colored leaves. Our tour guide feed a squirrel with nuts straight from his hand!

Then, we got on the famous Moscow metro. One of the stations we stopped at is called Mayakoskaya. The tour guide told us that the metal arches in the station were actually repurposed zeppelin ribs from when the world discovered zeppelins were too dangerous.

After getting off the metro, we walked to Red Square, stopping nearby to see a changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

This is where the group had free time. We didn't go into Red Square. John (my husband) said he wanted to see Lenin's tomb, and it wasn't open today. So we are planning on going back tomorrow. There was a Golden Autumn Festival happening in Red Square. I think I will go and see that while he goes to the tomb. Near Red Square is Nikolskaya Street, which was all decorated with lights and ornaments.

Next, we went into GUM, which is the state department store, but it seemed more like a mall to me. I got a fruit smoothie, which was served in a light bulb shaped bottle, and then I went to the nicest toilet I've ever seen in my entire life. It's called the historic toilet. I didn't believe my tour guide when he said it was like a palace, so I paid my 200 rubles and went to see for myself. He was right after all.

After we met back up with the tour group, we visited the prettiest church I've ever seen. In my opinion, it was better than Westminster, Notre Dame, and the Dom. It's called the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to take pictures inside.

After the church, we walked past the Russian State Library and its statue of Fyodor Dostoevsky. According to the website, the Russian State Library holds more than 46 million items! If only I had time to go inside!

Finally, we got on the bus and went to a folk music concert. It was so fun to see the traditional instruments. The accordion player was jamming so hard I thought he was going to smash his accordion and light it on fire!

One of the songs I liked best was called Moscow Romance. I will try to find it later and share it.

Well, it is very late, and I have another full day tomorrow. See you soon!