We have left Russia behind us. After managing to convey through sign language, written notes and a little interpretive dance to the Russian ticket lady what we wanted we found ourselves on the train to Helsinki.
Our time in Moscow was great. Due to the cost of staying at hotels in Moscow we stayed in an apartment home share type place. It was good and quiet centrally located. On the first night the rest of our tour group went out for a expensive meal – but being money concious we decided to find somewhere cheaper. We found a beer cafe and had possibly the fattiest meal ever consumed. It’s hard to describe deep fried cheese with a cheese sauce but we could feel our arteries hardening as we ate it.
On day 2 we went and did a tour of the kremlin and the armoury. The kremlin was fairly non eventful but the armoury was great. I now know why diamonds are so expensive – the Russians have them all in their museums! It houses an amazing array of Russian historical items from crowns to dresses and of course the world renowned faberge eggs – way more impressive than I was expected – and I never knew there were only 46 in the world – and we got to see 10 of them! The only other notable kremlin items were the world’s largest canon (that has never fired) and the world’s largest bell (that has never rung) they would have been more impressive if they worked.
Our time in Moscow was great. Due to the cost of staying at hotels in Moscow we stayed in an apartment home share type place. It was good and quiet centrally located. On the first night the rest of our tour group went out for a expensive meal – but being money concious we decided to find somewhere cheaper. We found a beer cafe and had possibly the fattiest meal ever consumed. It’s hard to describe deep fried cheese with a cheese sauce but we could feel our arteries hardening as we ate it.
On day 2 we went and did a tour of the kremlin and the armoury. The kremlin was fairly non eventful but the armoury was great. I now know why diamonds are so expensive – the Russians have them all in their museums! It houses an amazing array of Russian historical items from crowns to dresses and of course the world renowned faberge eggs – way more impressive than I was expected – and I never knew there were only 46 in the world – and we got to see 10 of them! The only other notable kremlin items were the world’s largest canon (that has never fired) and the world’s largest bell (that has never rung) they would have been more impressive if they worked.
we call this photo: "the 3 biggest canons in the world"After the Kremlin we went to Red Square. It was amazing! Without doubt the most impressive place we have been so far. St Basil’s is now top of my list of favouriter buildings (and no its not weird to have a list of favourite buildings!) The square itself is beautiful and we spent a fair bit of time just wandering around it. We didn’t get time to go to Lenin’s masoleum but the idea is just a little creepy anyway if you ask me.
This pose seems to be all the rage in Moscow ast the moment
St Basil's from Red Square
The spires of St Basil's
St Basil's looking towards red square - my favourite view
Ben in Red Square
The cathedral of christ the saviourDay 3 we wandered around and tried to find the KGB museum. Obviously they are very good at their job as we couldn’t find it anywhere and can only assume it is accessed through a phone booth or a large ornate fireplace. After the dissapointment we decided to spoil ourselves with the most expenzsive beers we’ve ever had. $16 corona’s on the roof top of the ritz carlton overlooking red square. Worth every cent if you ask me.
In front of the kremlinThat night we boarded the last leg of our Russian train adventure – the night train to St Petersburg. Not the best nights sleep and everyone arrived in St Petersburg a bit worse for wear. We pushed on regardless determined to make the most of every minute in St Petersburg. First was the canal cruise. A great way to see the city. Such a beautiful city.
On the canal cruise
Peter and Paul FortressNext Ben and I headed for “The Hermitage”. Despite being warned we could line up for over 2 hours we were through the door within 10 minutes. It was really interesting, with a large collection of greek and roman sculptures, paintings by a whole heap of people we’ve never heard of (who is this Rembrant guy?) and a few Egyptian mummies. After about 2 hours we had had enough of navigating our way through the many rooms and tour groups and headed back to our lovely air conditioned room.
After a little nap we headed out to meet some of our group at a bar. I’m not sure if something was lost in the translation but it was called “the pregnant spies luggage”. Quiet an odd place. There was a pregnant spy who danced and added a bit of atmosphere. We were then treated to a Russian comedy show – needless to say it was a bit over our heads as it was entirely in Russian. I did feel a bit sorry for them – must be a tough crowd when they can’t understand a word you say but we just tried to clap when everyone else did.
Day 2 in St Petersburg was spent walking around looking at the buildings. The highlight was the cathedral of spilt blood – but I still think that St Basil’s is a lot more impressive. Dinner that night was a farewell to our travelling companions. After dinner we wandered down to the river bank to see the “white nights” festival. The sun sets after midnight and rises again not long after – so for the few hours of darkness everyone gathers on the river banks and all the bridges are decorated in lights and opened up. It was beautiful – the sunset was amazing and apparently the sunrise was even better – or so a drunk person who stumbled home from the bar at about 4am and woke me up tells me. He shall remane nameless.
Church of the saviour on spilled blood
Church of the saviour on spilled blood
Church of the saviour on spilled blood
White nights bridges decorated
Clare! I'm loving your blog! So fun, I can hear your voice in the writing. St Basil's looks very neat, but a bit like it should be made out of gingerbread & gum drops. :) Hope you continue to have an amazing time!!! Much love from California.
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