The second day in Moscow was the most pleasant from all three. I went to a museum of history (and this was a special one for me), I visited parks, I stood upside down in front of Lenin's Statue and much more (for one day). Keep reading and I will show you.
Back to the Red Square.
4 – I – 2020
Christmas Market and the crowds.
Again, this place was too much CROWDED. Because of the new year celebration, everybody wanted to be around the christmas markets and watch the parades. There were a lot of them.
I passed through the Mall Modny Sezon, in the the Mokhovaya Street. There were snowboarding platforms which I of course find it so rare and interesting because, well, there is no snow in my homeland. Although I did try once in Germany in 2008 without much success, I find it very adventurous and entertained.
I visited the Bolshoi Theater but unfortunately just for the outside. It has been operating as a theater since 1776 and the major theather plays are performed here.
Moscow's Historical Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812.
Now is when I rub my hands.
As I was walking along downtown Moscow, after seeing the Theather Bolshoi, I accidentally spotted the museum where I was going to dive for the next 3 or 4 hours.
Since I'm a fan of Napoleon Bonaparte, I felt that I must visit the museum where it's explained in detailed the invasion of France to Russia in 1812. I was thrilled to see real clothing and weapons from that time.
But not only the invasion itself: there was also a chapter about the coronation and some consequences after the invasion.
Gorky Park. The first of its kind in Moscow.
In the guide of Moscow that I read before coming here, one suggestion was to go to the Gorky Park. I was opened in 1928 and it was named after Maxim Gorky. Read more in this website.
Lenin Statue.
I arrived to the Oktyabrskaya metro station, line 5. As I step out, I saw a small park with a big tall statue. It was no other than Vladimir Lenin, companied by New Year's lighting. It reminded me about the importance of victorious people in the conscience of the habitants of the mentioned country.
Crowds. Again.
It was already 16h30 and the dusk was already coming: it gets very dark much sooner that in my home country. Not to mention the cold outside!
One of the many entrances to park has a big gate with columns. They feature the Hammer and Sickle, nothing unfamiliar here.
I saw that there was a skating track in the park. Would it be possible to rent a couple of skating shoes? I like skating anywhere but doing it in Moscow would be definitely a charming experience. Unfortunately, there were AGAIN soooo many people before the entrance to the ice skating tracks that it would take me too much time to get in.
Winter themed park.
I continued walking around the park, seeing many frozen lakes, some small forests and paths, cafés, playgrounds covered with snow, as well as, wild animals such as ducks and fish. There is many activities to do here but perhaps but I can't cover all of them in this blog post.
After my visit to the park, I went to the metro station for my next destination. I saw a small shop of gloves and other winter related stuff. The cold in my hands was too much so I decided to buy a very simple pair of black cotton gloves. The lady who attended me didn't speak english and it wasn't necessary also; just with hands and signs was more than enough. It costed around 100 RUB (1,38 USD).
I also stepped in a library in my way to the metro called дом книги, which means “book house”. Was I going to read in russian? Haha, funny that you asked! Since Saeli is a huge fan of Russia, I looked for a present about Russia and I found a history novel called “The White Guard”, in english. There were also souvenirs, like matryoshkas and magnets, hurray! It's was easy for me to decide then: I will take this to her.
Foreign Affairs Building.
I like tall buildings and oh yes, this one is huge. With 172m of height, it can me easily spotted from many parts of the city. This place was a must in my list, even if that just meant seeing from outside since it's not allowed to “tourists” to get inside.
Moscow's Arbat Street.
Last, but not least! The street where you fill find all sort of stores, restaurants, souvenirs shops, live musicians and many more. Here you will find the most expensive matryoshkas, as I found out. Vladimir Putin merchandise is everywhere, as he is very famous outside Russia. You should pay attention along this street since everyone have interest for your money, indeed! I got the recommendation that don't get too distracted here (in case of pickpocketing) and that is perfectly fine to say ‘no' when somebody shows up to offer me a silly service.
After this day, I finally arrived to the hotel again! This time like around 10pm. I was exhausted and curiously enough, not too hungry. I really wanted to go next day to the Kremlin, so I needed to rest.
To finish, I want to add 2 pictures of the same place. One was taken early in the morning and the other during the night. Both lighting makes the place beautiful on both times.
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