Russia

So we just got back from Russia, me, Emily, Rose, John and Kevin. Well Kevin is still there due to return shortly. It was a wonderful week. It started out in Moscow and then we made our way to St. Petersburg. We all went by train from my site in Konotop which is between Kiev and Moscow. We are close enough to the border so we left from here. It was a pretty familiar experience. The trains to Russia are the same that make their way around Ukraine so I have been on them several times. I had an opportunity to go through border control by train when I went to Hungary and this was far better and easier I must say. There were however many more patrol people than last time but apparently they aren't used to seeing 5 American's in one car! But after we advised them we were not bringing in narcotics it was smooth sailing.

We only spent two days in Moscow but that was probably enough. We headed straight for Red Square after dropping our bags at the hostel. We took the metro which looked awfully scary at first glance. It is one big circle with 15 different lines sprouting everywhere. It isn't nearly as complicated as it looks. I am pretty sure Manhattan's metro was scarier for me. But Rose and I did a fine job of getting us where we needed to be the first time around.

Once in Red Square we took some photos of the surroundings (St. Basilics Church, Lenin's tomb and the History Museum). The church was quite candylandesque but very pretty. Apparently, there are many of those churches in Russia. Lenin's tomb was interesting but we couldn't take photos inside. He was laying in a glass case for all to see. I am sure that was not him as he is in perfect condition but he must be in there somewhere.

We walked the streets of Moscow for several hours since the sun shines on Russia for most of the entire day during the summer. There are only really 2 hours of darkness and it is more like a twilight. It was difficult figuring out how to sleep or what to do with yourself when you have sun light for so many hours in the day. Everything is just off. We checked out a bazaar and stayed there for several hours, had some shashlick and looked at old antiques and books. Monday it was off to St. Petersburg.

We walked around the streets here too. Hanging out in coffee shops, checking out bazaars, took a walking tour around the city, saw the Fortress of Peter and Paul and the Great Palace of Peter Hof. I forgot to mention the mall! There is something to be said when PCVs travel they spend quite some time in malls. Checking out stores that they haven't seen since they left America or their last trip somewhere out of Ukraine. There was a dunkin donuts in one mall which I haven't seen since February 2010! We had lunch a few times at subway also a rarity. Before Peace Corps I used to travel and I couldn't wait to try the food of the country but now I travel and I end up eating things that I miss in America. However, most of the countries I have visited since I have been here haven't really had the international cuisine that I would travel half around the world to eat. I love Ukrainian food and after a lot of traveling and eating whatever I can get my hands on I miss grechka and cutlets but I don't want to go to Russia and eat that! Apparently, they have a very similar cuisine.

We spent our last night on a pub crawl because why not! Have to see the bars too. During this crawl we were told that June 23rd was one of the longest days during the white nights and that at 125am the drawbridge would open up and it is a beautiful scene. We were told to take a boat tour in order to see it and I assume you go under it as well but since we were low on funds we decided it would be just as beautiful to see it from the side of the river. So we walked to the Hermitage to see the bridge and it was in fact pretty amazing. There was only twilight at this time so it was pretty light out and the lights on the bridge and around the city were gorgeous. It was also nice to share that moment with some good friends and some strangers we just met at the hostel!

It was a good trip to Russia. It feels as though we never left Ukraine. There are places in Ukraine that take longer to get to than Moscow and St. Pete combined. I am glad I paid the $250 for the VISA there. And for those who joined me thanks for the great memories!