Sunday, June 26, 2011

A Day in Moscow

After 13 hours of uninterrupted slumber, our group got to take the Metro into Moscow.  I immediately realized I had made a huge mistake in my preparation for Moscow:  I had not bothered to look up any information whatsoever on any of Moscow's remarkable, beautiful landmarks.  Therefore most of my day was spent staring at these amazing works of architecture and art and having no idea the importance or history of any of them.  Next time I go into Moscow, things will be different. 

St. Basil's Cathedral is easily one of the most fantastic buildings you can ever see in your life.  How the Russians were able to make such a colorful, interesting building is beyond me.  It is the first thing you see as you pass underneath the Voskresensky (Resurrection) Gate, and keeps your eye the entire time you are on Red Square.  Lenin's Tomb closed right as we arrived, but it is my goal to see the body of Russia's historic leader. 

Leaving Red Square, we passed by Russia's version of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and JFK's Eternal Flame together.  A goofy, newly wed Asian couple was allowed to pass the gate line and place flowers in front of it, which surprised me because I have never heard of anyone being allowed to do that in America.  Another surprising detail about what Russians allow is that we were allowed to climb all over a water fountain sculpture of four horses.  It was a lot of fun and made me sort of wish that America wasn't as concerned with our well being. 

After a few miles of walking around the southern side of Moscow, we looped back to Red Square, did some souvenir shopping, and made our way back to the University.  It was a fantastic way to start off our Moscow stay.  Classes start tomorrow which will finally show me if I do belong here or not, and I can only hope for the best!  Talk later, пока!

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