Moscow: Day 2
I had a meeting with Maria, the tour lady that would show me around Moscow’s highlights in a 3 hour walking tour. We caught the metro, which is a work of art, and had a nice chat until we go to the station next to the Kremlin.
Whilst we were walking through Alexander’s Garden, enjoying the magnificent weather and sights, she explained to me the history of each thing we walk passed and exchanged a couple laughs en-route! Passing by the walls of the Kremlin, she explained that the walls were originally built from wood, but over time and with the help of two German engineers, it changed to what it is today… spectacular!
We passed by a beautiful collection of fountains and waterworks, overlooking cafes and restaurants with loads of people. It was a pleasant place to walk through, loads of people and things going on, everyone was friendly and you kept on asking yourself, when will the gangs of criminals come up and stuff you associate with Russia… Moscow is quite the contrary, you feel safe, everyone is out to have a good time, its tidy, hardly any drunks around, absolutely smashing!
Anyway, the next thing we saw on our left was the domes of a massive underground shopping complex, which we later visited. Very nice indeed, but the next bit was going to be the treat; the Red Square! As we were approaching it, Maria showed me where Moscow’s Kilometre zero marking was; apparently if you make a wish and stand on the marking, throwing coins behind you, as you might have already guessed, you’re dreams will come true! I did all that with the exception of making a wish! doh! I forgot, since I was thinking whether or not I would hit the old ladies behind me collecting the coins 
Right!! The Red Square! You can’t help but be amazed! It’s not as big as you seen in pictures etc, but it still is big! Loads of people and a massive shopping centre called “Goom”. It had all the designer labels there amongst other things like funky cows (see pic). We walked along side it and up to Lenin’s burial place. Apparently, Stalin was buried there too, until they changed their minds and moved him in a mini cemetery behind Lenin’s burial building. There were other famous Russians there too.
To the left of Lenin’s burial place was St. Basil’s Cathedral! In all its glory! You can’t help but think, hey, am I still dreaming, jet lagged, or high!? Am I really here! Ohhhh yesss! One of my little dreams has just come true 
Next on the list was a trip to Arbat street; a famous place that Russians claim is similar in nature to the covent gardens in London, in the sense of people performing shows; including an old lady (babooshka) singing russian oldies… hehe, must listen to! Arbat is also famous for souvenirs, the things that I can’t resist! Bargain bargain bargain, and I even managed to pay for everything in dollars Got myself a Russian mobile sim card and was off to the Kremlin, once again.
When I got to the Kremlin’s ticket office, the lady told us that it was closed today but that the Armoury was open. Got myself a ticket (student discount also seems to entitle you to a walkie-talkie virtual tour-guide thingy, where you press the number corresponding to the room you are in and get loads of info about the items in the exhibit and history etc.) and made my way inside. It had a huge collection of everything valuable, loads of diamonds and pearls etc. These were all mostly presents from foreign diplomats over time and it completely redefines wealth. There was also a very nice collection of horse-driven carriages/carts; they were all massive and you couldn’t help but feel be-littled infront of them. That’s the effect that they were probably designed to give to passers by at the time I guess.
After the armoury, the prospect of a little rest with a beer (brand “baltika”) and a boring looking and tasting hot dog seemed the right thing to do and boy did I enjoy it or what! Russian beer is really worth trying, you’ll be surprised! Strolled around for a bit longer and made my way to the hotel for a quiet little rest and a shower. An hour or so later, got ready again and as it was getting darker, made my way back into town to have some dinner eventually and to take some photos of Moscow by night. I revisited the same sites again and took some lovely pictures there, then decided to walk around the busy streets of Moscow and pass by Pushkin’s square. It’s a strange feeling, but at all times you feel safe and a different face of Moscow is shown. As it was getting late (metro closes at 1am and stops at 2am) I stopped in Mc Donalds for a little meal and bought myself those funny Russian furry hats. Apparently it was Rabbit fur, but it only cost me 800R which is under 20 quid. No worries, it’s a souvenir innit and you even get those communist logo things with it.
All in all, what a day. So many stereotypes of Russia and the Russians have been made invalid and many questions arrise as to why I had them in the first place. You’ve got to go there!