Russia.. :) (Moscow)

ok, this is my second attempt to post this.. SO... moscow!!

So, we start this journey on March 7th at approximately at 7 AM, where my leader knocks on my door and says, "Abby, you coming to Russia?" to which I respond.. WHAT?!? you mean I'm not up already! (I was supposed to be on the bus at 645.) Woops!! After that whole scene was over, I got into the bus with the rest of the on time students and we were off towards Riga. On the way, we stopped at the Hill of Crosses, which is on the Lithuanian side. It has 500,000 crosses or so that were placed there by citizens of the Baltic States that started during Soviet times. Incredible how this simple act brought hope to so many!

Then, we finished our drive to Riga, Latvia, where we got on the train towards Moscow. This train ride was 17 hours. We reached the Russian border at 12 midnight where we showed them our passports and we were officially in RUSSIA! (new stamp in passport if ya want to see it!!) Anyhow, we went to bed on the train and woke up to get ready for our new adventures in russia. When we arrived (March 8), we got on the Metro and headed to the hostel. (Godzillas Hostel) We dropped our stuff off, divided into smaller groups and left for the Red Square.

When we got off of the train, the sight took my breath away. I am really in a place with so much history and splendor. I couldn't even believe it. We had time to stop and stare while taking lots of pictures of course and then we were obligated to go on a group tour through the Kremlin. We met our tour guide and she explained to us many of the historical details of Russia that I was completely ignorant about (now I'm slightly less ignorant than before). We went through the Museum and several other sights inside the Kremlin. Then, we collected tickets and grabbed a bite to eat on the way to the Circus. The circus was such a fun experience with many acts from people all over the world. Animals and people alike with many talents. So much fun! Then, we were all exhausted and headed back to our hostel for a good night's sleep.

Day two (kind of 3/ March 9), started off by going to Christ the Savior cathedral, which was an incredibly beautiful orthodox church that was used as a swimming pool during soviet times. Then, we went to St. Basil's in the Red Square, which is famous for the onion shaped domes. Completely beautiful on the inside with handpainted details everywhere you look. Then, after we grabbed a bite to eat, we headed to the Vernishazh market, where we bartered our way around to buy souvenirs. (Bargaining like this is not my best talent that is for sure) But I did get some pretty good deals if I do say so myself. This was followed by a tour through the State History Museum. Then, we headed to Arbat Street for dinner and hang out time. This is the street that many tourists go to because it has two Starbucks, Hard Rock Cafe, and McDonalds.(All of which I avoided like the plague) But walking up and down the street for a while was quite relaxing and the food at a Russian style barbaque was delicious. Then, we finished our evening back at the Red Square to see the buildings all lit up at night. So beautiful. The evening was gorgeous and the weather was quite nice (for Mosocw in March anyhow) and so we spent plenty of time taking pictures and dancing in the square! This was of course followed by more sleep.

March 10, last day in Moscow. We walked over to see Lenin's tomb, but he was on vacation until April... so unfortunately, we did not get the chance to see dead Lenin. :( But we did get to go to the New Tretyakovskaya Museum, which houses lots of propoganda posters from Soviet times, etc. However, a large portion of it was being renovated, so we didn't get to see much there either. But we did get to eat before we got on the 5 hour train to St. Petersburg! The train ride was deifnitely needed because so many of us were worn out by the hustle and busyness of Moscow.

Next post will be St. Petersburg. It's way too much for one post...enjoy lots of pictures!!