Readme before you journey
After greeting Moscow with "Privet Moskva" (Привет Москва) in the previous episode,
This morning marks our first in the heart of Moscow, the capital of Russia. Looking out the window, it seems we'll have to contend with the sun, as the sky is clear and the sun is shining brightly. This season requires a bit of preparation, as the photos will be stunning, but the sun is just as strong.
After the host returned our passports, we set off on foot to Red Square. We were able to walk easily from our accommodation because we were staying on Tverskaya Street (Тверская), which leads directly to Red Square (Кра́сная пло́щадь). This street is one of the most important in the city, and we were lucky to have booked accommodation on it. The accommodation was not too expensive, and it was very convenient for getting around.
As we walked down Tverskaya Street, most of the shops were still closed. This is likely because it was still early in the morning, as most shops open around 10:00 AM. We were only able to window shop and admire the large buildings. The size of the buildings made us wonder why they were built so large.
Stalinist-style buildings are ubiquitous.
A monument to someone by the roadside
Why are the buildings so big?
These shophouses are all beautiful.
2018 FIFA World Cup souvenirs are also available.
This is a seasonal product.
We finally arrived at a vast open space known as Manege Square (Манежная площадь), which was teeming with various structures.
The State Historical Museum (Государственный исторический музей), also known as the National Museum of Russia, is a prominent landmark with a distinctive red facade and traditional Russian architectural style. It houses millions of artifacts related to Russia's history, spanning from prehistoric times to the Romanov dynasty. Visitors are advised to allocate at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a comprehensive exploration of the museum's vast and captivating collection. We only managed to capture a photograph of the museum's exterior and did not have the opportunity to enter. In front of the museum stands a monument to Marshal Georgy Zhukov, a pivotal figure in World War II.
The red building on the left is also a museum, the Museum of Patriotic War. This war museum showcases the relationship between Russia and France, from their amicable ties to the Napoleonic era when Napoleon's army invaded Russia and was ultimately defeated. The museum exhibits paintings and war weapons used during that period, all meticulously preserved.
We decided to skip both of these attractions and save our money for other places, as there were many other attractions with entrance fees. Even though the RUB exchange rate was quite favorable during our visit, we still opted to skip them. Since we weren't planning to visit either of these attractions, we walked through the Voskresensky Gate and headed towards Red Square. Before passing through this point, there is a marker indicating Kilometre 0, which signifies the starting point for all major roads in Moscow that radiate outwards from Red Square.
Voskresensky Gate
The golden circle on the ground, surrounded by a large crowd, is believed to grant wishes. If you stand within the circle and toss a coin over your shoulder, and it lands inside the circle, legend says you will return to this place again. The atmosphere here is reminiscent of Thailand's Loy Krathong festival, with elderly people holding magnetic sticks to collect coins. As soon as you toss a coin, they extend their sticks and effortlessly retrieve it right in front of you. However, they are selective; low-value coins are ignored and receive no attention.
Kilometer 0
We have checked in, but no one is willing to toss a coin.
Upon entering from the left, you will encounter the Kazan Cathedral (Казанский собор), also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. Admission is free, but photography is prohibited inside. We simply passed by without entering.
Because we were aiming to reach Saint Basil's Cathedral (Собор Василия Блаженного) and it was nearing its opening time, we ended up getting separated without realizing how.
A roadside shop next to GUM department store
The rest of our group wandered off to explore the GUM department store, leaving my older brother and me to wait for our entry time to the cathedral. It was no problem, as we had agreed to meet back at the department store if we got separated.
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Spasskaya Tower, the eastern tower of the Kremlin Palace
At 11:00 AM, the staff opened the iron gate for tourists to enter. All tourists must purchase tickets at the ticket office on the side. After purchasing tickets, tourists must have their belongings checked by the staff before entering. The staff informed us that photography is allowed inside, but flash photography is prohibited.
Saint Basil's Cathedral: A Monument to Victory and Cruelty
Saint Basil's Cathedral, commissioned by Tsar Ivan IV, commemorates the conquest of Kazan and Astrakhan from the Mongols. Its unique architecture, a blend of ancient Russian and Western European styles, features an octagonal base adorned with nine onion domes. This striking design evokes a cluster of burning candles or, perhaps more aptly, brightly colored mushrooms.
Upon completion, Ivan IV, captivated by the cathedral's beauty, questioned its architect, Postnik Yakovlev, if he could replicate such a masterpiece. Yakovlev's affirmative response sealed his fate. The Tsar, fearing the creation of another architectural marvel, ordered Yakovlev blinded, ensuring his unique talent remained exclusive to Saint Basil's. This act cemented Ivan's infamous moniker, "Ivan the Terrible."
Facing the cathedral stands a bronze monument dedicated to the valiant warriors, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, who led the Russian resistance against the Polish occupation of the Kremlin following Napoleon's defeat.
Upon entering the interior of each dome, visitors are greeted by a vibrant tapestry of colors and intricate patterns, each dome boasting its own unique aesthetic. The connecting pathways are adorned with captivating murals, their enigmatic designs creating a sense of being lost in a labyrinth. As one navigates through these spaces, the experience evokes a feeling of wonder and disorientation, akin to traversing a maze.
All of these are prayer halls, which currently serve as museums showcasing the history and various artifacts related to the cathedral. In addition to exploring the ground floor, there are old wooden stairs leading to the second floor. A must-see is the altarpiece in the central chapel, depicting Jesus and his disciples in a Baroque style dating back over 200 years. However, all other elements are equally captivating and fascinating, offering a glimpse into this unfamiliar artistic and cultural tradition.
After Big Brother and Little Mouse had wandered around both the inside and outside to their satisfaction, we returned to our friends who were waiting for us at the GUM department store. Besides wanting to admire the beauty of the store, our goal was to eat the famous ice cream, which is said to be a recipe from a hundred years ago when the GUM department store first opened.
GUM: A Historic Department Store in Moscow
The GUM department store, located in Moscow, boasts a rich history and impressive size. Established in 1895, it stands on the site of a former market dating back to the reign of Empress Catherine II. Designed by Alexander Pomerantsev in the Russian Revival style, the building features a curved glass roof and a steel frame that allows natural light to illuminate the interior, promoting energy efficiency. Throughout its history, GUM has undergone numerous renovations, including after the Russian Revolution, when it became known as the Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín (main universal store), or GUM for short. This name aptly reflects the vast array of goods available within its walls, making it a true "department store of the universe."
The three-story department store boasts a stunning and distinctive design, housing over 1,000 brand-name stores from countries like the United States, France, and Italy. It offers a wide variety of products, including clothing, cosmetics, perfumes, bags, shoes, souvenirs, and gifts, as well as restaurants, cafes, and dining establishments. Despite its long history, the department store maintains a contemporary feel while preserving its historical charm. The prices of the goods are equally impressive, with the supermarket's items being approximately 10-15% more expensive than those found elsewhere. However, the products are presented in a highly appealing and tempting manner.
Here is a picture of the shoe-shining service. It seems they won't stop polishing until it's perfect.
Upon arrival, ice cream was the first order of business. There were several shops, strategically placed throughout the mall, tempting every passerby. The ice cream was the same at every location, priced at 50 RUB. It was a good value, with a dense, smooth texture that melted slowly and wasn't overly sweet. There were many flavors to choose from, and there was no wait, as the ice cream was already scooped into cones, ready to be grabbed and served upon ordering.
Caramel flavor.
Another must-see is the preserved old restrooms, both male and female. The entrance fee is a bit expensive, but if you just want to take a look, there is no charge. You can just walk around and have a look.
Let's take a look at some beautiful bathrooms.
After browsing the expensive items in the mall to satisfy our curiosity, it was time to find lunch. We headed to the Okhodny Ryad Shopping Center to see what we could eat there.
My eyes fell upon the My My shop, which is actually the Mu Mu shop, meaning "cow." If you look closely, you'll see a cow statue in front of the shop.
Upon entering the establishment, patrons are greeted by a bovine head adorning the wall. This self-service eatery, boasting a Russo-European culinary style, operates under a franchise model with numerous outlets scattered throughout the city. The menu offers a variety of affordable dishes, allowing diners to select their desired fare.
The buffet experience: A step-by-step guide
Upon entering the buffet area, proceed to the designated queue and collect a tray. Next, select your desired dishes and place them on the tray. For main courses such as steak, ribs, or barbeque chicken skewers, indicate your choice to the staff who will serve the desired portion. After selecting your main course, you will be asked about your preferred side dishes, such as mashed potatoes or french fries. Subsequently, choose from a variety of desserts, including cakes, and beverages, including fruit juices dispensed from designated containers. For coffee or tea, self-service machines are available to prepare your desired drink. Once you have gathered all your desired items, proceed to the cashier at the end of the counter for payment. Upon completion of payment, you will receive a complimentary chocolate as a sweet treat.
Lunch for a little mouse.
After finishing lunch, we took a leisurely stroll around the Kremlin. We didn't dare to think that we could buy tickets to enter and see it today, even with the short queue, as it was already afternoon. Visiting the Kremlin would take a considerable amount of time. We decided to soak in the atmosphere instead, as preparation for a future visit.
The building of Okhodny Ryad Shopping Center
As we walk through Alexander Garden of the Kremlin, we will pass by an area called the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a war memorial.
The monument was built to honor the Soviet soldiers who died in World War II. The central part of the monument resembles a torch called the "eternal flame," with a bronze plaque inscribed with the words "Your name is unknown, your deed is immortal." The flame for the torch comes from the Field of Mars in Leningrad. On the left wall of the cemetery is a message that reads "1941 - To Those Who Have Fallen For The Motherland - 1945." On the right side of the cemetery is a black and red stone platform containing soil from various cities. Honor guards are on duty at this site and change shifts every hour. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard ceremony. I also stood and watched with them.
Upon reaching the Alexander Garden (Александровский сад), we were discouraged by the long queue to enter the Kremlin Palace and decided to abandon our plan.
As the afternoon wore on, the crowd waiting to enter remained very large.
Visitors are advised to arrive early as there are numerous attractions to explore, requiring a significant amount of time, potentially an entire day.
The ticket booth is located inside the Alexander Garden. Please proceed inside.
As a result, we could only stroll through the garden and surrounding areas, taking in the ambiance while we could. We wouldn't have much time to visit the palace on the day we came, but because Thursday is the palace's weekly closing day, we'll undoubtedly encounter a throng of people when it reopens on Friday. We should brace ourselves for that.
These sculptures appear to be animals from Aesop's Fables.
After spending time relaxing in Alexander Garden (Александровский сад), strolling through the gardens near Manege Square (Манежная площадь), and exploring the park above the Okhodny Ryad Shopping Center, which was partially decorated for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, we decided it was time to head back to our accommodation and rest. The next day, we had plans to venture outside the city.
The countdown clock for the 2018 FIFA World Cup has been installed.
Before reaching our accommodation, we took a detour to admire the beauty of the most magnificent supermarket on Tverskaya Street. The store, known as Eliseevskiy grocery store, boasts a Neo-Baroque design with dazzling chandeliers and a wide array of high-priced goods.
I can only walk around and take in the atmosphere of the beautiful shops, unable to buy anything. This is probably because the shops themselves are so luxurious, and perhaps also because they are located on this particular street, where it is said that all the shops are expensive. If I were to buy something, I would have to brace myself for the high prices. So, if I can't bring myself to do that, I'll just have to come and enjoy the atmosphere.
Taking too many pictures wouldn't be appropriate since I didn't buy anything. Plus, there were guards stationed at various points in the store. It's not a tourist attraction. In the end, I left empty-handed but with a sense of wonder. That's enough for me.
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Piyai&Noolek
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 6:34 PM
