The Four Corners: Russia Rewind: Part Two

I already gave the basic rundown of what transpired during the second day in Moscow, but here's some more detail (with accompanying pictures):

We started the day fairly slow, rolling out of bed and then taking it easy over breakfast. We set out into the already hot late morning, with the security guard at the construction site giving us an inquiring look as we exited the premises. A metro stop was located about a 10 minute walk from our accommodations, so we headed in that direction.

Our first stop in the center of the city was Mayakovskaya Metro stop. For those not in the know, Moscow's metro is famous for the eye-catching design of some of the stations. Mayakovskaya was one of those listed as the most interesting. The defining feature at this particular spot are the mosaics on the ceiling, depicting various elements of the glorious Soviet Union, mainly the famous sickle-and-hammer in some form or bomber planes flying in formation. It may be a bit Stalinist-kitsch, but it beats the drab that is common to most metros.

From there we emerged onto Tverskaya Ulitsa, as I mentioned in the post on that day. It lives up to its name as one of the city's most expensive streets, as its lined with all kinds of famous designer labels. While I wasn't so concerned with that, walking Tverskaya was handy, as it leads right into Red Square and the Kremlin.

So, being summer, Red Square was packed with tourists, many of them Chinese (Vanya's friend, Gresha, who you will hear more about in a later post, informed me that estimates are that 60% of tourists to Russia are from China). Despite the hustle and bustle, Red Square is still a sight to behold. Personally, I think the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral makes the scene all by itself, but the Kremlin walls and towers and the imposing State History Museum complete the picture. We popped into St. Basil's, the interior of which has an interesting design for a cathedral, with numerous alcoves and a narrow winding staircase leading to a top floor. I don't think mass is held there, but we were able to catch a tenor group belting out 16th-century church hymns.

From there, as some of you may remember, we passed on the Kremlin, the thought of queuing in the oppressive heat was not a pleasant one, and, like I said, I didn't feel the need for more cathedrals, so we moved onto Arbat Street. Well, one should actually say Old Arbat street. There is now a new Arbat Street, which is a massive, traffic-choked boulevard. Old Arbat is a famous pedestrian street in the city. We caught a Russian-style lunch at a local chain known as Moo-Moo and then walked with the crowds, checking out a few of the tourist-trap souvenir shops. There are also a handful of cafes and restaurants on the street (including those good old Russian past-times, Wendy's and Starbucks). Street musicians and street artists can be found there as well.

Walking to the end of Old Arbat took us to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, one of seven massive structures done in a distinctive Stalinist style that dominant the city's skyline. To English speakers the seven buildings are known as the Seven Sisters, while Russian's just call them the Seven Skyscrapers. We took that in and, tired from the heat, headed back for a rest.

The evening wasn't completely done though. After taking it easy, we again hopped into the Daewoo and Stas drove us to an area south of the city center known as Sparrow Hills. Its a raised area where couples and others like to gather and take a stroll in the evening, and it offers a great view over the city. It is also across from Moscow State University, the administrative building of which is another of the Seven Sisters. From there, as the sun made its way behind the horizon, Stas gave us his own tour of the city at night, driving us past the lit-up Kremlin, Moscow's main cathedral, Christ the Savior, Hotel Ukraina (another Sister), an arch commemorating triumph over Napoleon, Victory Square (again, more on that later) and others. It was a whirl-wind night-time journey, but a good time, albeit with some shaky photos. There was of course stunt-style driving to go along.

So that was the first full day in Russia's capital. I'll have more tomorrow. Until then, I leave you with images: