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Published: August 7th 2007
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St. Basil's on the far side of Red Square.
This was as close as we got to Red Square today. Today and yesterday are big holidays here. They are the Independence Day celebrations when the USSR broke up and the CIS was formed. We went as close to Red Square as we could. Today it was roped off awaiting the evening's festivities. We could see the famous churches, Kremlin, etc. from a block or two away. But our object today was to get Metro subway tickets and to start to learn how to get around on the subway. It was hot for me (Nancy) in the sun. But Alexander had on his winter long sleeved sweat shirt and a jacket. I noticed some Russians think they will get cold and wear jackets, etc. when as far as I am concerned it is either warm or hot. But most were in summer clothes. It was about 25C which is in the 70's F.
Bill -- There were hundreds if not over a thousand policemen lined up near Red Square. I suppose they were receiving their instructions for the evening. The policemen do not have a reputation of not being above asking for a bribe on a tumped up charge. Here is a Russian joke that confirms this. A young policeman
A
fountain near Red Square
did not appear to pick up his first months paycheck, nor his second paycheck, nor his third paycheck. His boss called him in asking why he had not picked up his salary. "I didn't know I had a salary. You gave me a pistor and I thought it was up to me on how I collected money."
We came home partly by ourselves. Alexander was sure we knew how to go but went with us most of the way back here. The subway is quite lovely inside. No pictures are allowed and it is a pity. They look like special ball rooms in many places!
A later added note to what we wrote several weeks ago. In addition to other new statues which Moscow residents think are ugly and do not like, this nice horse statue in the fountain is new and disliked. I think it is not because these new statues are ugly but just because they are not in the old style and they are in places where nothing has changed for a long time. I predict that almost all will become beloved parts of the city in a few years.
Bill -- Moscow
Former home of a rich nobleman
is huge and it is a long distance between subway stops. I did not time how long it took between stops, but I'd bet most were two to four miles apart. Though this was a holiday the wait for a subway was very short.
The seminary building is all one, dorm, library, offices, classrooms, etc. all in one. It is really really well planned and lovely inside. The walk to 'work' is about 2 or 3 minutes. No stairs up the hill here.!
We feel settled in after about 24 hours here. I am pooped from walking all over the Red Square area of downtown. Things there are quite nice and I can't wait to go back and see inside some of the buildings which were closed today.
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Bev Dahlman
non-member comment
Moscow
Love the pictures of Moscow. Stan and I had quite a trip there. It was the 850th anniversary of the city and it was all decked out!! thanks for reminding me.