Day 6 - Sept. 26 - Saturday

MOSCOW - RUSSIA

The day started with a nice swim at the hotel's pool. The breakfast was amazing, a very complete buffet. At 10:30 -after a bit of delay - we left the hotel with the group and the guide, called Oxana. Our first stop was the Kremlin.

THE KREMLIN

I didn't know the Kremlin was so big! It was built in the 1150s and it actually means 'citadel'. It was like a fort across from the Moscow River. There are many buildings at the Kremlin, but the most astonishing ones are the presidential office, the 3 cathedrals and the Armoury Museum.

Me, in front of the Kremlin's entrance.

The security is also tight here.

This used to be Lenin's residence. Today is one of the Russian president's office.

This is suppose to be the biggest canyon of the world.

These are the cathedrals.

You can't take pictures inside the most important cathedral, the Assumption Cathedral, but I can tell you that it is absolutely beautiful inside. It has the walls, the columns and the ceilings completely covered with paintings. Each one has a meaning.

This is the Grand Palace with 700 rooms. During the communism regime, it was used as office rooms. Now, it is a palace for official ceremonies.

Garden outside the Kremlin.

The Kremlin's exit.

RED SQUARE

I had tears in my eyes when I entered the Red Square. For me it represents all the excitement and fear of the cold war. I remember being a child and see pictures of it on television and wonder if the enemy was really that bad. I remember of the nuclear threats and how fascinated I was by this mysterious world. Now I am here trying to understand it better, even though this world does not exist anymore. But the walls are still there. Lenin rests on there. The world still looks at it with a bit of suspect. Anyway, maybe it is all in my little mind, but the fact is that the Red Square fantasy turned real for me today.

Here I am, where the Russian Revolution of 1917 started.

This is the St. Basil's Cathedral, probably Russia's most famous picture.

The square is huge. It has been for decades the stage for many public gatherings and manifestations. Lenin is Buried here, but I did not visit his grave.

The Red Square entrance.

A bit of humour where is used to see very serious events.










Do you recognize this?

MOSCOW' S SUBWAY

In the afternoon we took another tour (15 euros) in Moscow's subway system. It is suppose to be the most beautiful in the world. The subway is the nerve system of this city. In weekdays, about 9 million people take the subway everyday, according to our tour guide. She also said that traffic is really bad and there are not enough parking spots, especially downtown, therefore the subway here is also the best way to get around.



You touch the dog 's and make your wish come true. At least that's what some people believe. It doesn't hurt to try!

Th stations are like museums or theatres with mosaics, stained glasses, sculptures, marble walls and other amazing features. I recommend a tour in the subway, for sure.

This one pays tribute to Ukraine.

Here, a picture of Lenin on the wall, one of the very few remembrance of the regime in this very modern city.

CRYSTAL BRIDGE

The day ended with a walk outside of the hotel, on the Crystal Bridge. The sun was setting and the lovers were coming out. Probably because it is Saturday, many young people hang out. Beautiful evening!