I was called up for the Moscow-Houston flight. And so, I did not have enough time to research either city, as I usually do before going to a new place. I figured I'd just have to rely on the hotel concierge.
Most large cities (Moscow is the capital of Russia and currently home to the largest number of billionaires according to Wikipedia) would be quite open to the international visitors, so one would think.
From my short Russian experience, I found that a lot more can be done to open up the city to become one that is more tourist-friendly, such as making their currency (rubles) more available outside the country (very few, if any, money changers in Singapore carry rubles). Having signs in English and getting locals into the mindset that having foreigners around is a positive thing, are things that can be done to encourage tourism. Moscow is so rich in history, literature and art, it's almost a waste that non-Russians hardly think of it as a holiday destination in summer.
It took quite a bit of effort on our part to arrange for a group tour (usually, it's pretty effortless since hotels would have a well-oiled system in place for that). And although the Metro system is extensive and well-connected, one has to be pretty good at recognising symbols to get around smoothly. Announcements and signages are all in Russian.
At the Red Square, the most famous square in Moscow, also considered the centre of Moscow (hence, the centre of Russia). The Red Square is surrounded by the State Historical Museum (north), the GUM departmental store (east), Saint Basil's Cathedral (south), and the Moscow Kremlin (west).
Before the reign of Ivan the Terrible, many wooden buildings were based on the Red Square. Ivan had them removed in 1943 as the wooden structures were susceptible to fires. It gradually became Moscow's primary marketplace and was later used for public ceremonies such as coronations, executions (back back then) and parades.
Although some may assume that the Red Square got its name from the colour red representing communism, in actual fact, the Red Square is so named from the word "krasnaya" that means "red" or "beautiful".
Below is the Red Square from the opposite direction, with the State Historical Museum in the background.
Moscow Kremlin is the must-see in the city. "Kremlin", which means "castle" or "fortress", is found in every major Russian city. The Moscow Kremlin the administrative centre for the city and houses old buildings and churches where the former tsars and their family resided. It is very much a city within a city, reminded me of the Forbidden City in Beijing, but not as huge.
The Kremlin has many towers along its wall and each tower has a different design and name.
The double-headed eagle in the Russian emblem signifies power. Many countries use eagles as symbols of administration, but the double-headed eagle bears more than one meaning. Two heads meaning "two heads are better than one" and also that one head looks west and one to the east, keeping a watchful eye over everything.
When our tour guide said she was going to show us the "two most useless icons in the world" in Kremlin, I was curious whether it was a failed translation or she meant it literally.
Here is the largest canon in the world that weighs 50 tonnes. It was built, some suspect, to intimidate potential invaders because it was never used.
The largest bell in the world, weighing a hefty 200 tonnes. It was commissioned by Princess Anna, but due to a fire part of the bell was destroyed and was never repaired to be hung up for use.
One of the churches within Kremlin. You will see many "onions" around Moscow. Not just one per church, but several! And their churches are designed with one cathedral (main congregational area) surrounded by several chaples (small area connected to the cathedral) that are all topped with "onions" and some form of gold.
Outisde the Kremlin walls on the west is a lovely garden with excellent spots to enjoy the sun.
Pushkin Square, formerly known as Strastnaya Square and renamed in honour of Alexander Pushkin, a Russian author of romantic novels and a great poet. This is one of the busiest squares in Moscow. The distance from the Red Square to Pushkin square is walkable.
The Bolshoy Theatre where famous Russian ballets play. Pushkin Square is just opposite the theatre.
The biggest McDonald's in Moscow, located near Pushkin Square.
The Gorky House Museum, bungalow where the famed Soviet author Maxim Gorky once lived from 1931 until his death in 1936. The house, which was built in the early 20th century, is considered a masterpiece of Moscow Style Moderne and is well-known for its luxurious interiors and muriels. It is located along Nikitskaya Ulitsa Road (closed on Mondays, so we didn't get a chance to go in).
View of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the largest church in Moscow, from the Great Stone Bridge. The cathedral, which is also the tallest Eastern Orthodox church in the world, is situated on the bank of the Moscow river. The original building was destroyed by order of one of Stalin's minister, but recreated and reopened in 2000. It has been said that the replica is as close as it could get.
The Great Stone Bridge provides a pretty clear view of the city too. In the distance is a monumen of Peter the Great.
The Lomonosov Moscow State University, built it in 18th century, is one of the oldest Russian institutions of higher education and the largest in Russia.
Right across the university is an open area where people come to enjoy a view of the city. Make-shift stalls are set up selling Russian dolls and other souvenirs.
It must have been wedding season. We saw at least five wedding couples out taking photos and celebrating near the Red Square and the Moscow University.
The bride below and her guests had blasted party music and were carefreely dancing in the open.
If I were Russian, I would be very proud of Moscow's railway stations. Instead of being plasted by advertisements (only seen along escalators), their stations are rich in historical art (tile mosaic and paintings) that tell stories. What's even more impressive is that vandalism is minimal.
Fresh fruits and vegies at a weekend market near the Olympic Stadium (Moscow hosted the 1982 Olympics).
While things are on the expensive side in Russia and language might be a hindrance, I'd imagine there is a lot more of this country to enjoy, especially in summer.
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