We had a busy Sunday. We toured the Kremlin, it’s many small and beautiful cathedrals the Armory, it’s gorgeous Faberge eggs, Cathrine the Great’s golden embroidered gowns etc., the giant Tsar Cannon and 220 ton Bell (minus the 12 ton piece that broke off) and the rest of the fortified and heavily guarded property. We will have to visit the Diamond Fund next time as it was sold out. Truth be told, it was a full day even missing it.
I was surprised by how tiny the golden onion domed cathedrals were! I suppose they were meant to be very exclusive venue. One of them was so small that when exiting down the stairs, it almost tossed us out its tiny little door. No comments on our sins please… The frescos were bright and plastered all over the wall (pun intended). The gold work and iconostasis* was all very impressive.
After lunch at the entrance to the Kremlin near the Red Square, we analyzed the statue of Marshal Zhukov astride his horse raising his hand as a symbol of his defending the Kremlin. We looked, pondered, laughed, yes laughed, and debated. We decided Evgueni’s diagnosis was right: the horses’ legs are unnaturally straight and left it at that.
Following the great analysis, we passed under the Resurrection Gate to stroll through the Red Square. Having already been in the Red Square already a number of times didn’t bother me as I really enjoy the vibrant architecture, the atmosphere and the people. We took some photos of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Historical Museum, the wall graves and Lenin’s Mausoleum, the GUM façade etc. It’s pretty amazing how many locals are regularly spending time visiting cultural landmarks, museums and historical monuments. It made me very happy. The first time I noticed this interest in history and culture was a couple of years ago in St. Petersburg, however, having grown-up in North America, I’m not really used to seeing this “spectacle” and I was surprised again. I know this sounds terrible, but sadly, the “classic” upbringing is not nearly as popular in NA as it is in Europe or Russia – or Asia for that matter. Could it be simply a lack of cultural riches or the "melting pot"? I digress.
On the subject of analysis, I’ve got some other personal observations/discovery. Or perhaps this next section is simply a bit of a “moan”…
I experience challenges with constant travel. I am a creature of routine with sporadic bouts of spontaneity. A fall back routine always comforts and recharges me. Also, being alone isn’t a problem for designated periods of time, as long as I am doing something that can stimulate my brain and is pertinent to me. Having said all that, tourism isn’t always fun (especially alone) and in a country where I have no language skills it can be quite exhausting and difficult. I don’t expect sympathy as people often express “jealousy” for my life style. And knowing that at some point, I may look back longingly for this time in my life, although not always easy, I try to enjoy even the difficult times.
On a more positive note: I was happy to notice that my culture shock is not as pronounced as before. I believe I owe thanks to Germany where I’ve lived this past year. I’ll make a generalization here: Some places I’ve visited and locals I’ve encountered in Eastern Europe (Germany, Czech Republic and Russia) are quite abrupt and direct (in crowds (non-conversational interaction) and in casual communications). But this time, I quickly overlooked this stereotype and got straight to enjoying the local way of life embracing it much more than before.
Now exhausted and back at the hotel, we ended the evening by some seriously trashy TV. We watched a movie we borrowed from the hotel: “Meet the Fockers II”. It had me laughing hysterically and probably waking-up the neighbours. Suffice to day, I felt like I digested dinner properly before falling asleep.
* www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iconostasis
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