peacetraveler22 | Distant Moscow Memories...

Ah, another bright and cheerful Muscovite. Perhaps she was frozen. It seems like years have passed since my visit to Russia, but in fact it has only been a few months. I was going through some photos tonight and realized I never wrote a proper post on Moscow. Everyone knows how I feel about this city and it's not worth repeating, but here are a few photos I never posted. It's a mix of camera and iPhone pictures, so the quality isn't always the best. Maybe you will enjoy them.

1. This Moscow metro station is fabulous! I think the name of the stop is Revolution Square. I admired various statues but remember this one best because of the dog's faded bronze nose. Yes, I rubbed it for luck. I'm always a fool for these gimmicks all over the world, having rubbed that plaque on the Charles Bridge in Prague and Buddha bellies all over Thailand for luck.

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2. Late one afternoon we took a stroll around the Moscow State University area. It was insanely cold and windy, but what beauty in the sky as the sun began to set. So rare to actually have clouds and color in the grey winter sky. I remember the university was founded in the mid-1700's, before America's birthday! Great historical traditions at this place.

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3. There's a nice lookout point in this area where you have views of the city, some big futbol stadium and smoke stacks. But mostly I remember this colorful sign with the bird. I think it's advertising some type of ski lessons. In fact, there's a huge ski platform in this area but I couldn't tell if it was still in use.

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4. Pindos and other holders of tourist visas are required to "register" upon arrival in Russia. We went through an acquaintance at a hotel who registers visitors at the local police station. On the walk over the hotel owner showed me this mural. If I recall, it's a tribute to a famous singer who died very young. I don't remember his name? There's a tiny picture of him in the center of the mural.

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5. After registration, we took a walk on famous Arbat Street. Full of tourist shops and interesting characters!

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6. Hats! :)) What a pity that I didn't buy one during my visit.

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7. I think these are traditional Russian costumes, though I don't know from what era. They're quite colorful and eye catching from the street. The woman inside saw me taking a photo and immediately waved me away so I didn't go inside to investigate the costumes or head wear closely. But I'd like to wear that princess-like and ornate tiara.

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8. The outfits reminded me of the traditional shirt Ukrainian boys wear. I purchased one for my nephew a few years ago when I visited my friend in Kyiv. I remember joking that it looked like a Mexican shirt. Here we are in August 2011, shortly after my Ukraine journey.

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9. Perhaps you're curious what types of souvenirs foreigners purchase in Russia and drag home to distant lands. Here's a picture of all my treasures. You'll see the usual things like matryoshka dolls and vodka but also lots of tasty treats and other oddities.

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10. I can read Cyrillic so I recognized that the sign says "Wendy's." But even those Americans who don't know the Cyrillic alphabet will immediately recognize this as the fast food chain due to it's distinctive design and the red-haired girl who serves as the fast food chain's mascot.

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11. Another famous American brand - Campbell's soup stand in Gorky Park. The park was completely empty during a winter weekday afternoon. Absolutely nothing going on, but we ate some tasty roasted corn. I imagine the park is very festive, vibrant and active during the summer months.

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12. Speaking of food, at Cafe Mu-Mu Sasha threw this monster on my plate. What is it? Oh, something very scary and gross. :)) Some type of minced meat in a cold, slimy jelly mold.

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13. These traditional Russian pancakes were much better and very tasty, especially the cream sauce.

14. Horror! Some type of canned Russian chicken product covered in fat. I'm sure there must be normal, white meat canned chicken. But not this brand.

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15. Russian sweets were the saving grace. So delicious! It was in Moscow that I celebrated my birthday with cake and this box of candies given to me by my host. And dinner at a nice Italian restaurant.

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16. Of course we also visited Red Square and the surrounding area, but I don't know what happened to my photos!?! Sadly I couldn't stop and view grandpa Lenin's mausoleum because it was undergoing repairs. I'll admit I had some morbid curiosity about it and was upset I couldn't see the spectacle. Instead, I watched happy families skate around the rink in Red Square. I wanted to take a spin but my host didn't. So I passed, because it's no fun falling on your butt alone.

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17. Here it is - the Red Square cover photo from my "Russian Impressions" post. The fake American smile that sent Russian Internet trolls into a feeding frenzy. The cathedral, which from a foreigner's perspective is probably the most recognized site from Russia, is really beautiful and stunning in person.

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18. Animated Russian women enjoying an afternoon chat.

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19. Young Russian soldier, standing at a memorial to fallen servicemen.

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20. Countdown clock to the Sochi Olympics. Will any readers go to the games? It will be very interesting to see how Russia is portrayed on the world stage during the games.

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21. There's something very curious in Moscow. When riding on this big red tourist bus, pedestrians stop and stare at you as though you're an alien sitting atop a spaceship. Anyone who has traveled even a little knows that these buses are common in most major cities. Apparently in Russia they're relatively new and locals, like these men viewed through the bus window, aren't accustomed to their presence.

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I will say once again that it's a real pity there's no tourist infrastructure in Russia. It's an interesting, diverse and strange country. For me, there's a real desire to return and explore other areas. I have only one more report to write - Novgorod - and will try to publish it in the next few weeks. Moscow, it will likely only be an arrival and departure point for me in the future. I don't like the city, but it's home to a close friend I greatly miss. Far away, but close in thought and spirit.

Btw, a quick follow-up on the Boy Scouts post from earlier this week. It was announced today that the organization did in fact lift the ban against gay scouts. Some religious organizations and churches even supported removal of the prohibition. I'm honestly shocked by the decision, but very pleased as it's a real sign of progress. Certainly a lot of you will disagree and see it as further evidence of the moral decay of America. It's fine, you're entitled to your opinion. :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend. In America, we begin the official start of the summer season with a three-day weekend to celebrate Memorial Day. Looking forward to some rest and relaxation!