So didn't pull a Matthias Rust (google it) but we have been in Moscow for a full day, got our bearings and been exposed to yet more gold. Our concept of scale have been destroyed yet again and we've been left perplexed at Russian administration.
We began by going to the hotel to drop our bags, to discover what bore a fair resembelence to pandemonium. Any actual employees were away and a foreign student had been drafted in to cover, something he did admirably, despite clearly being in over his head. Added to this the 2 small children running around and various antipodians trying to get out of the door didn't give the best impression. Where MIR Hostel seemed like a student flat, Apple seemed like someone with too many friends over to stay. Thankfully upon returning from our day's excitements the place appeared to have calmed down and we have got a bit of peace (against the wishes of the Kiwi children).
We began by going to the hotel to drop our bags, to discover what bore a fair resembelence to pandemonium. Any actual employees were away and a foreign student had been drafted in to cover, something he did admirably, despite clearly being in over his head. Added to this the 2 small children running around and various antipodians trying to get out of the door didn't give the best impression. Where MIR Hostel seemed like a student flat, Apple seemed like someone with too many friends over to stay. Thankfully upon returning from our day's excitements the place appeared to have calmed down and we have got a bit of peace (against the wishes of the Kiwi children).
But what were the day's excitements you ask? Well we began with the walking tour of the city, or rather the central part of it (within 500 metres of red square), taking in the huge scale and riotous colours of Red Square, St. Basil's and the Kremlin Walls. From there we headed into the heart of the Russian state and into the Kremlin itself. We're not sure what we were expecting, but what we got wasn't it. The main state buildings weren't open to the public, the buildings that were open were churches, which were beautiful, and of which we have seen lots. We then tried to get ourselves into the armoury, where treasures such as Fabergé egg and the Romanov Crown Jewels. We'd been told that there was a ticket booth inside, as the tickets only go on sale 45 minutes beforehand. If there is one, we couldn't find it, so gave up and went to hang out in the hostel with the Aussie, the Kiwi children and their parents. Our fault for not researching properly in advance, however at least we know for next time.
All in all it was a good day - it got us out and we saw the main sights of the city (and a glass of kvass, which is delicious) but left us wanting more and feeling like we still needed to get to know Moscow.
Expensive shopping...but refreshing drinks.
Our Introduction to The Kremlin
More Gold
The Giant Bell (no longer in use)
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