Moscow Madness

It may not be a art gallery in the true sense of the word, but the Moscow Subway is a tribute to the visual arts. Many of the stations in the central area, boast some of the most impressive sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, chandeliers and marble. The crowds are overwhelming, pushing, shoving, rushing. Mothers with strollers, lovers hand in hand or beggars with cups. It would have been easy to loose our guide so it was necessary to be vigilant at all times. After all it was Saturday and tourist season is in full swing. 

Have you ever seen a Russian smile? Well neither have I. An exaggeration I suppose but no one seems particularly happy. Sullen and grumpy looking, their unflattering attitude does not go unnoticed despite the streets being extensively decorated. Strings of crystal decorations spanned a number of streets in anticipation of  the festival.

Unfortunately for us, much of Red Square, as was Lenin's Tomb, was off limits due to a military music festival. However even if Vladimir Lenin is in a mausoleum, the changing of the guard takes place on an hourly basis. Click on my short video Changing of Lenin's Guard for a taste. St Basil’s was visible from a distance but again disappointing it was off limits today. We have been assured we will get another opportunity to see this iconic symbol of Red Square on another day. This will be a highlight for me!

Much of our time was spent concentrating around the Kremlin extremities and the GUM department store. I’m not a shopper by any sense of the word, but the GUM walk about was an experience from an architectural point of view. The variety of high end retailers and their brands, along with traditional ice cream and a water fountain filled with watermelons and melons was not a replacement for strolling around Red Square, but it was more or less a replacement itinerary.

The Moscow River which flows through the middle of the city is extremely busy with tourist boats going in every direction. In an attempt to keep the boats sailing through winter an ice breaker is utilized to keep the ice from impeding the ever present flow of river traffic. 

The day concludes with a regional folkloric concert at a small venue. It featured many traditional instruments in addition to song and dance. It was extremely entertaining and you can click on my short video at  Balalaika concert for a taste of the balalaika. Fun Fun Fun!!