Moscow, Day 1 of my Trip to Russia

To the hostel.

The Aeroexpress train round-trip ticket costed 900 RUB (13,76 USD); you get 100 RUB (1,53 USD) discount if you buy it in advance. It made sense since I knew that I was coming back in three days.

After I bought the ticket, I headed to the train and I saw in the waiting line, two men kissing each other as a farewell. Definitely, something that I don't see in my homeland. When I stepped in and I sat, I was very excited to see the city for myself. It was 8am, the train was already moving and I couldn't see too far away because it was as dark as you can imagine. The dawn was still yet to come.

I got out in the Aeroexpress trainstation “Belorusskiy“, which is already in Moscow and I was so happy! The next metro station wasn't too far away, according to the pocket map that I got. But in the way, I saw the very first orthodox church that I have ever seen. It's called the “Old Believers' Church in the Name of St. Nicholas”. Unfortunately, it was closed and I couldn't see anything inside.

Recharging batteries before spending them in Moscow.

Before going any further, there is something very important to do after you wake up. Something you desire since the very moment you open your eyes. If you didn't answer “breakfast”, then I can imagine there is nothing important for you in the morning hahaha.

Just outside the metro station, I saw a “shawarma/kebap” fast food place and it didn't need a second thought. I supposed they will speak Turkish, but instead they spoke me in English. I haven't eaten in many hours so I needed to eat a small meal before continuing. We had a small talk where I was from and what I was doing in Moscow. I also gave a beggar that passed by, a few coins of rubles.

Christ the Saviour Cathedral.

I bought the ticket for 3 days for the entire metro station for around 438 RUB (6,66 USD). I can't remember exactly the price but it is quite a good deal considering that you can move anywhere in the city unlimited times.

Finally, I got out of the final metro station. I turned around just to see a colossal white building: the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. I was “too early” for the check-in in my hostel; despite they told I could go there just to leave my suitcases. That's why I went to visit this cathedral to “make some time”.

Viewing Moscow's skyline.

Inside you can't take pictures. But try to get a audioguide or a tourist guide because there is plenty of details and stories behind it that you can't miss it. You can also access the roof but this has a cost, around 400 RUB (6,66 USD).

It is interesting to think about the place where you are standing. The church was built in the 19th century, apparently inaugurated in 1883. Then demolished during the Soviet Union to be a public swimming pool. There were plans for making a “Palace of the Soviets” which never occurred. The cathedral was there reconstructed in the year 2000. Unfortunately, the Soviets didn't quite value the heritage from the orthodoxes because of their political decisions.

After I exited the cathedral, I went to the statue of Engels, across the street just to take a picture.

Don't forget to go to this useful links as well for more information (Link 1, Link 2).

Now it was already time for me to go to the hostel. What I really wanted to do was to sleep just 1 hour. Yep, just 1 hour. My flight was from 2:30am to 6:15am, so I couldn't sleep much. Thanks to the enormous Kutuzov painting, not far away from the Kremlin, I found the hostel. I checked-in and I went straight to bed… just for 1 hour…

I woke up and I walked away as quickly as I could. You know why…

I was in Moscow!