Sightseeing

We spent last night walking around Arabat street and looking at Russian eggs, fur hats, traditional dance outfits, nesting dolls and amber jewelry. Some purchases will have to wait for the next visit as I have too many things I like. We drove by the hockey arena where the Canada vs. Russia 1972 series was played and the soccer stadium. Our driver showed us some of the architecture here including some of the buildings called “the seven sisters” very beautiful with spire tops much like you would see in London.

It is 34 C today plus humidity what a great day for sight seeing! (sarcasm). Our translator and tour guide Elaina started at St. Basil’s Cathedral and walked all the way around the outside of the Kremlin. We saw Red Square, Lenin’s tomb (closed), fountains, statues, a mall and a statue of “the unknown soldier” with a flame and guards. We then went into the Kremlin but all the Cathedral’s were closed for renovations. Since Jason’s beloved camera is “too professional” looking we where not able to take it into the Kremlin and had to check it with our back pack in a locker so we didn’t get any pictures of it. Big isn’t always better! She took us for Japanese food for lunch and then through the subway (which is beautiful with statues and history) back to the hotel. Moscow is 860 years old and has so much history it is hard to take it all in in one day. Especially since Jason is a history buff and wants to see everything.

Tonight our driver is taking us to Victory Park to see it at night is very beautiful he said with the fountains all lit up with different colour lights. There are Russian tanks and memorials to those millions of Russians who died in WWII. Tomorrow we plan on shopping and relaxing. We wanted to go to the ballet but I don’t know if I could appreciate it as I should and they are renovating the Bolshi ballet stage so it is on the student stage right now anyway which the building was one of the things we wanted to see. We decided that we would rather spend that money on keepsakes. Everyone we have met and everywhere we have gone have been so great. They all want to make sure we are well taken care of, going over itinerary’s, and informed of safety issues. Even with us being hot and sticky with sweat they are welcome to hugs goodbye and can’t wait to see us again on our next trip. Sunday we stay an extra night in Toronto to see an old friend I haven’t seen in 12 years! Boy time fly’s Kristina.

See you all soon Tonya and Jason

P.S. this post is from yesterday but McDonald's is not known for reliable internet service so we are posting 2 entries today from Starbucks...