Moscow is one of those cities that I have always wanted to visit. I had great fantasies about intrigue and drama, Russian dancing and puppets, food and friendship.
Honestly, I am not sure what I was really expecting, but Moscow did not disappoint. After two rest days in Dubai, we are ready for Russia. We know Moscow is one of the most expensive cities in the world to visit, and we want to see as much as possible in just four days.
We started our visit with a free city tour of Moscow. Like in other cities, the idea is participants tip and the end, paying what they think the tour is worth. It’s a wonderful introduction to the city, and later we took a paid tour of the Kremlin and a self-guided metro tour.
Moscow Tours
We had our first embarrassing moment in Moscow
Our plan was to take the metro train to get to the tour starting point. We purchased tickets for all four of us and were handed one ticket to cover the family. I scanned the card, the gate opened and the number “4” appeared on the little screen. After I went through the gate stayed open. I turned to hubby and said, “I guess we all can go through.” As he crossed behind me the gates closed and grabbing him by the leg. He was stuck and an older guard came out of her booth shouting and waving her arms at him in Russian.
Highlights of Introduction to Moscow city tour
Our free tour also went to Kitay-Gorod, an old city area full of breath-taking churches; Lenin’s Mausoleum; Kazan Cathedral; and, Alexander Garden.
After the tour we had an hour for lunch, then we took a tour of inside the Kremlin. This was a great way to start off our time in Moscow. We still have one more tour, a self-guided Metro train tour, and a visit to both Arbat Street and Novodevichy Convent to look forward to. Probably the most unique thing we did in Moscow was marching in the May Day Parade.
Bastakiya and the Old Souqs in Dubai
Lynne
May 4, 2012 at 9:42 amWe came across buskers in Moscow “Where are you from” “Australia”. They proceed to strike up Waltzing Matilda before stating their required dues. We loved the Kremlin and of course St Basils but never made it to GUM
Rhonda
May 5, 2012 at 12:45 amWe met some really nice buskers too, at Arbat street, a blog post coming soon.
Tony Payne
May 3, 2012 at 9:38 pmI would love to visit Moscow, so much history there and stunning architecture. Plus I love the way the soldiers march, it must be painful.
Rhonda
May 5, 2012 at 12:45 amLOL- where we were standing, we could see them coming up behind the trees, they just walk until they are in the public view, then they march like that. So maybe it’s not as painful as it appears.
stevebethere
May 3, 2012 at 7:28 pmHow wonderful an LOL @ “at this random animal”.
Have a brilliant time 🙂
Rhonda
May 5, 2012 at 12:40 amLive and learn. At least it wasn’t too expensive, and thinking back to it, the random animal was one of the very few that spoke English to us. 🙂
tinafreysd
May 3, 2012 at 6:17 pmMany sights in Moscow can best be viewed by boat from the Moscow River, and a mild temperature is ideal for this type of excursion.
Rhonda
May 5, 2012 at 12:39 amWe did take the river boat later in the week and you are right, perfect time of year for it.
Joyce
May 3, 2012 at 1:31 pmWonderful city. I’d love to go to Russia one day since my grandparents are from there.
Rhonda
May 5, 2012 at 12:39 amPut it on your bucket list, and start saving. It is wonderful, but shockingly expensive.
Comedy Plus
May 3, 2012 at 11:42 amOh how fun. Now this is someplace I would love to visit. Beautiful and such a rich history. Have a ball. 🙂
Rhonda
May 5, 2012 at 12:38 amYea! I agree, I love it here already.