Days 1 thru 3 Moscow

Note from Mel---If you want to skip all my ramblings and just look at the pictures....go to the bottom of the post and click the hyperlink.

It's hard to sum up my feelings about our whirlwind peek at Moscow. It was a massive, confusing city. I've never been to a country before without knowing at least some of the language, or being around someone that does. Before our trip started I spent time learning a little bit of Mongolian, not Russian. I figured that since we were staying for such a short time, just under 30 hours in total, combine that with the fact that we were going to the super touristy Red Square and Kremlin, that we'd be able to get by .

So. Dead. Wrong.

First thing, everything was in Russian, and Russian only. I'm really not (or at least thought I wasn't) one of those "Why doesn't anyone speak English while I'm in their country" kind of people, but I had counted on some information being available at the tourist hot spots. Hell it didn't even have to be English---French, German, Japanese, anything to show that people from other part of the world came here. But nyet! In fact the only real English we did see, outside of our Marriott Courtyard Room guest services book, was hand painted on a van. It said "F@?K FUEL ECONOMY" Which brings me to my next observation, the vibe of the town....

You know how certain cities have a feel? Seattle actually feels cool. New Orleans feels alive...and a little tipsy. Moscow feels......dour. We were totally invisible there. Not a single person tried to speak with us while we were out. Really, no one would even look at us. I didn't feel necessarily disliked, but ignored. A first I thought it was because it was so obvious we weren't from there. But then I realized, no one really talks to anyone there. There was no small talk in lines, not a word exchanged on the subway platform----nothing outside of the small group that one is hanging out with. I don't think I saw anyone smile. My theory is that it's a holdover from the cold war era, you know, don't talk to anyone because you don't know who they may be sort of thing. Whatever the reason though, the only advice to people I'd want to give that are planning a trip there would be, definitely get some language under your belt, even better go with a Russian, and get out of the city : )

I'm not going to end on a low note---Red Square and the Kremlin (at least the bits we saw) were absolutely beautiful. The crazy colored St. Basil's Cathedral was a huge highlight. We were exploring inside, climbing up some insanely tall stairs, when we entered a large chamber. The timing was perfect, a Russian quartet started signing a traditional Orthodox hymn. With the height of the room, the acoustics were amazing. Combine that with the talent of the group and I can't begin to describe the beauty of the song.

Also learned on this trip that Terri's talent to annoy local law enforcement extends beyond the borders of the USA. We were heading down into Lenin's tomb. To see Lenin. A guy who has been laying embalmed under glass since 1924 against his wishes (he wanted to be buried with his Mama at St. Petersburg). After security, bag check and a bit of a wait in line, we entered the tomb which was unbelievably dark. Black walls, black floors, black stairs, dim lights. As we descended we were all having a harder time seeing---I reach out for Terri's hand, so we could steady each other. Terri let out one small nervous laugh. And then that's when she was SHHHHH'd by one of the Military guards at the tomb. The shhhh worked, hell, I think we all stopped breathing until we left place, Oh and for those that want to know---Lenin looks OK for a dead guy that's been sitting under glass for over 80 years, all things considered.....creepy but OK.
If you want to check out any more pictures from Russia. Check out the album on my picasa page by clicking here.