1st Preview from Moscow

Brian and I took the night train on the 19th to arrive in Moscow to pick up my mom at the airport. She arrived with no hitches and made it through customs with all my cooking spices that I had ordered. (And peanut butter). Thanks goodness!!

Then, we headed off to our hostel to drop off our bags and dragged my mom out to wander the streets of Moscow. My mom was a superstar, she survived the whole day on NO sleep. Plus, being completely jet lagged, she walked along and enjoyed the sights. First up: Saint Basil's Cathedral in Red Square. This is what I think of when I think of Russia. 

Saint Basil's Cathedral, erected in 1555-1561

We walked through this square all three days we were in Moscow; each time was just as enjoyable as the time before. It is a huge square, and each side of the square is a feast for the eyes. 

Another building in Red Square, this is the history museum on a sunny day. Fantastic red color!

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world. This is actually a newer church, built in the 1990's.

A view down the river towards the red Kremlin walls.

Here is Brian, sitting in our hostel with a garmoshka (Russian accordion). As some of you know, he brought TWO home last year after staying in Moscow for two months. This particular day, he had gone back to the little shop where he had bought one of his first garmoshka's. There, the owner just gave this one away for free. Brian was so excited to get it! But, why free you ask? Well, it doesn't work. It does give Brian a project for the next year though. 

The Bolshoi Theatre, built in 1824. 

The Moscow Metro system is very extensive. Including 186 stations and over 190 miles of track, there are, on average, 6.6 million passengers on one day. WOW, that is a lot of people. It was our main form of transportation while in Moscow and really was a wonderful way to get around. Many of the stations that are underground are beautiful! The hallways are almost like you are in a museum or grand theater. 

The prettiest metro stop in my opinion. 

Many more pictures yet to come!!!