A weekend in Moscow - most people think I am strange for doing this, but I grabbed Maddie and tore off for a 'quick weekend' in Moscow. The problem with this statement is - it takes 36+ hours to get to Moscow and we only have 48 (exactly) on the ground *in* Moscow...You have to have some dedication to the cause to want to go to Moscow this badly. First - the trip to the Embassy to get the visa is a trip unto itself. They wanted 5 (five!) pages of history, schooling and a listing of the last countries visited in the past 10 years - in no more than 4 little boxes no less. I resorted to country codes and 2 digit year abbreviations (IE - '06-'09 for example). Maddie was freaking out as I waited til 5 days before going to get the visa. Paid an extra $180 (combined) for both of our visas and the guy flipped through the pages faster than I pull away from a stop sign.
Then asked for the check. Get's 'em every time - they wanted the money and 5 pages seemed reasonable to them for the high fee for the visa. They don't care about the info (unless you show some nuclear post-graduate work :-P).
Anyway, we went because United was running a mileage booster (2X eqms) AND this was a fare launch so they had a round trip for under $600 (we were a little late but it was still under $700). So for flying 36+ hours, staying in Moscow for 48 - we rec'd almost 32000 miles and had an experience of a lifetime.
The rain started clearing no sooner we got to our hotel (Hilton Leningrad, in one of the Seven Sisters in Moscow. Recently 'renovated', but really opened recently as the Hilton). We spent the first day (Saturday) roaming around.
We went to Red Square, near the Kremlin. To the left here is St. Basils Cathedral. Yes, those colors are not enhanced, yes this is the quintessential picture to take in Moscow. I was a tourist - what do you want from me?!?
The Metro is something to behold -while the system is a normal metro - many of the stations are a sight - well worth 'touring' them. Here is a picture:
For the rest of the shots, and all there was to behold - visit my picasa web page.
Let me say this - I have yet to find any liquor that is famous from a place (Guinness in Ireland or here, vodka - Russian Standard is the 'brand' of choice) - that doesn't taste soooo much better in its home place. Vodka here was awesome and cheap - but tasted great. They also have Russian Premium - but the standard was alright by me.
Also a quick recommendation - Cafe Pushkin and order the Beef Stroganoff. Its out of this world good. As are the homemade pickles. We had a great time - and every Russian I know says to really visit Russia you have to go to St. Petersburg. Maybe next time - or when United has another special deal - I wouldn't miss the adventure!
