Russian Safari- Moscow

Oct 10, 2014:

A 4 hrs journey from St Petersburg by a bullet train has brought us to the Russian capital city of Moscow. 

Moscow  is very different from

Petersburg. It's skyline is adorned with high-rise structures unlike Petersburg where no building is allowed to be taller than the Winter Palace.  The circular planning of this city is another unique aspect. There seem to be 10 lanes of cars on each side of the road. Despite this, the traffic moves at snails pace. 

"Beware of pickpockets", we were warned. 

We visited the Victoria Garden and Sparrow Hill on our way to Dinner at the "Darbar" restaurant. 

Our "Azimut Moscow Olympic Hotel" was not far from here and it was time to check in and have a good night's sleep to prepare ourselves for another busy day tomorrow. 

Oct 11: 

Our first halt of the day was the "Kremlin".  We were lucky to catch the Saturday's Parade. The soldiers marching through with their rifles and the rest on horsebacks followed by a display of guard of honor, is worth going miles to see. 

After the lunch at Fusion Plaza, we

reached the Red Square. It's boundaries are made up by the St Basil's Cathedral, The Kremlin Wall, The Museum and the

St Basil's Cathedral

Gum Departmental Store. 

The beauty of this locale was enhanced  by the sight of brides and grooms in their wedding gowns, tourists clicking away pictures  and girls posing for selfies.  

The shopping store was one of the most expensive ones in Russia. But the interiors were lavishly made and definitely worth a dekko. 

Dinner time at the Khajuraho - an Indian restaurant.  And it was the last night of this Russian Safari. 

Oct 12: 

It was an early checkout on this last day of the tour. An experience of the favorite mode of public transport - the Metro,

Russian Metro

was mandatory. Smooth travel is the word to describe it. Despite changing lines and tracks, the going always is smooth except for the fact that deciphering the Russian language is an impossible task. 

Arbat Street

Shopping at the Arbat street for souvenirs, followed by lunch, thus  brought to an end this highly memorable sojourn. 

It was now back to our homes sweet homes. 

We did learn something new this trip. When the transit in a city airport is more than 4 hrs, the airlines do offer some compensation. For eg, Emirates gave us Meal coupons redeemable at various outlets at the Dubai airport. Singapore airlines too offers some reasonable amount for a long transit halt at Singapore. 

Phew. Two different and contrasting cities in St Petersburg and Moscow. But the soul very much Russian. 

"People who don't travel cannot have a global view, all they see is what's in front of them. Those people cannot accept new things because all they know is where they live."