Second Visit to the Kremlin ...Day 4, Moscow

Photograph: Swan Lake at Novodevichiy Convent



Diary

Saturday, July 23, 2005
I have decided to get back on board with the group; if I don't if will complicate my transfer to the boat. Saw the Church of our Savior, the Kremlin and the Kremlin Armory. Vera (tour guide) quite enthused and knowledgeable

--End of Diary

After my much needed break from the group, I rejoined today. First stop, Moscow State University-one of the Stalinist Gothic Seven Sisters building. Unlike most of my fellow tourists, I found it to be stunningly beautiful. . As with most public places in Moscow there were several wedding celebrations taking place on the grounds.

YouTube
Change your life-come to Moscow State!

From there we visited the Novodevichi Convent and walked around Swan Lake.

Another stop was the Church of our Savior which was torn down by Stalin and recently rebuilt.

At all these historic places, really national treasures, there are plenty of local people, many elderly, quietly enjoying nature, fishing, or sitting and reading. Notice the wedding.




From here we went to the Kremlin, my second day, but my first time inside the Armory Chamber ,a true treasure house of the Russian nation. This is a detail from the exterior of the Cathedral of the Annunciation.





As usual, I spent some peaceful time in the park inside the compound. Next, it was time to check out of our hotel and the bus to our ship. Goodbye to the fabulous Golden Ring Hotel.

I Break Away from Group - Day 3, Moscow, July 22, 2005

Russian Proverb:
Ти́ше е́дешь — да́льше бу́дешь
Tishe yedesh — dal'she budesh.
Ride slower — [you'll] get further.



YouTube Corner- Kremlin

• Kremlin 1908

• Red Square 1941 - May Day

• Red Square 1987 May Day

• Red Square 2005-Victory Day

July 23, 2005
I told Vera (my tour guide)that I needed to break away from the group and explore Moscow on my own.

Getting to the Kremlin by the Metro

• From my hotel I walked to Smolenskaya Metro Station and somehow found my way to Revolution Station .
  
• I should have learned the Cyrrilic alphabet before I came! For example Revolution Station is Ploshchad Revolyutsii in our alphabet but Пло́щадь Револю́ции in Cyrrilic.
  
• What a walk to the Kremlin. There are many new apartment buildings going up, along with old apartments being restored in a neighborhood of churches and church yards. What wealth there is in Moscow!
  

Red Square and the Kremlin

(pre conceptions of Red Square)

What a surprise when I entered Red Square saw the cobblestones, turned left and saw St. Basil's Cathedral. The beauty and vibrant colors were stunning.

Impressions of Red Square:


Beautiful weddings
Alexander Gardens - lovely
Park with winding path leading to Kremlin entrance
Stray dog begging food from troops

Please see my photos from outside Kremlin walls

Impressions from Inside Kremlin walls

• Spectacular church/museums
• Peaceful garden birds, people sitting quietly on benches

Please see my photos from inside Kremlin walls