Last day in Moscow

BTW - I have uploaded the tracking maps from my I-Got-U gps tracker - http://www.a-trip.com/users/home/10338

 you should be able to see where I have mostly gone, but they're not all there as I couldn't find it for the first couple of days, and one day it shut itself off early!

and now I have added photos - so all those loyal fans of mine can see something of Moscow also :)

Day 12:  Moscow by ourselves.

Thankfully Julie felt comfortable with the Metro and we jumped on one that took us into the city.  She then showed me which train I had to catch to the art gallery.  It was so nice to be on my own again.  I hate being rushed here and there.  So I dug out the map and headed off to the gallery.  I did have to ask where the gallery was as although I thought I was there, there wasn’t any obvious grand entrance – because there wasn’t.  Just pull open these wooden doors and in you go.

but which door?  the little one on the right!

The Rider

I fronted up at the Kacca – or ticket counter and thought I bought a ticket for myself and my camera – but later found out that it was only for my camera, so had to go back and buy my own ticket!!  I made use of the clean toilet facilities, checked in my bag and paid up (plus left my passport as surety) for an audio thingo and headed off.  This gallery was purely Russian art – nothing from outside the country.  There were a lot of portraits and it was interesting to see how similar the dress and costumes of the nobility reflected in the paintings, were so similar to the English and French - but then they were sorta friends back then.  The lack of perspective in depicting children was the same as Western art.  Tho one artist who painted 'The Rider' seem to capture the adopted Italian children of some nobleman – the little girl could easily have been a dark-hair Erica – or am I just missing her!!

  Eventually I got into the landscape section and I really enjoyed these.  There were a few scenes from Italy and France – by Russian artists, but generally the landscapes were moody Russian themes – black leafless trees in grey and snow covered land.  But there were some bright summery gardens and some with peasants going about their business.  I found Levitan’s gallery and I agreed with Svetlana that he had the ability to capture the emotion of the land – especially around Suzdal.  It was fun to see some familiar scenes!

I did find a little section of contemporary art – Swirling was a huge red/blue thickly daubed painting, with the faces of gypsy woman – the colourful skirts spinning outwards – a lot of movement in that piece – also the Lilac series by same artist was fun.  There were far too many galleries to see in one day and after about 3 hours, I decided I needed lunch and as I saw an exit, I took it and collected my passport and bag and headed off to the café.  Wasn’t feeling that hungry so took a salad and a cheese pattie, which was pretty bland and planned my exit.

I was going to walk back to the city, according to the map only a block or 2 away.  So I headed off in the right direction this time!  I came to the bridge of padlocks – where there are trees of padlocks – all rusting away.  There were 3 bridal parties there, and I snuck in close to photograph a couple with their bright shining golden padlock they were going to add to the bunch.  There much be thousands and thousands of happy couples in Moscow, their love locked together on the bridge – if only it was that easy. 

their shining lock, ready to be locked on a 'tree'

nearly washed away by those street cleaners again!!  thankfully the beep their horns to let you know they are coming!

St Basil's cathedral - that's where I am heading!

 I headed towards the red square – crossing the river but nearly getting washed away by the street washer!  As I approached St Basils – I was determined to see inside – the square was all blocked off and I could hear Russian military music and singing.  There was some performance (later found out a graduation of some group, maybe military or red square guards) but I was able to access St Basils.  For a small sum of money – 250 roubles = $8 I happily entered the museum space.  Wow is all I can say!  Am so glad I got to go into it.  The frescoes were bright and folk arty – beautiful.  The displays were often with English translation and it was interesting to read about the archaeology of the site.

I climbed up to the top floor and was able to see over the Red Square and watch the military procession happening down below - soooooo Russian.

so many little passages

examples of the tiles and decorations from the exterior

looking up in the main tower

Military graduation happening in the Red Square

the dreaded Metro escalator - escape from the underworld!

 so now it was time to find the Metro - well, I found one but it was the red & yellow line, not the blue one I was looking for.  I tried to ask where to go, but got nowhere there, so came out again throwing my ticket away.  so outside I tried to ask where the Metro stn for the blue line, one lady tried to help, but then she asked a really lovely young lad - who turned the map around and around and eventually motioned me to follow him...  he then walked me across the centre to another Metro - paid for my ticket - I think he had a multiple pass as he just scanned me thru - took me to the correct platform - told me 5 stops!!! then off - gave me a high 5 and away he went to work.  he spoke a little English, but also spoke German and Korean!!  he was a touch juggler and believed in Karma - I said his Karma bank was overflowing and mine was now empty - so I have to work hard at gaining more Karma now.  

and so thankfully got back to hotel.  Julie had got tickets to the Bolshoi ballet so I had the room to myself - very nice - and with wifi - so got down to some serious blogging.

I do hope you enjoy all my news!