Russia 1 – Moscow

There is an efficiency and kindness about Russians.

The Russians in Moscow appear not to be a physically large race.  they have delicate, pointy bones and an ascetic look that suggests they don’t have a western diet.  One of the guards at the tomb of the unknown soldier today looked like a woman.  Their army uniforms don’t look very heat effective.

When I saw the massive stone human statues it made me think that they choose them in stone to make their small, compact selves look more imposing.  Putin is not a big man.

They really don’t smile a lot, but I sense a kindness in them.  They are there, on time, don’t say anything, but just made me feel safe.  Maybe it’s the complete lack of flashiness that makes me think of Luton.

 

The sky is vast grey and there is a light rain that is snow, but not really settling.  it’s cold enough to wear two coats, but inside they keep roasting temperatures.  I had to sleep on top of the covers at the hotel.  The churches are warm.  The underground walkways are warm.  Maybe they don’t have to worry about the cost of fuel because they have so much gas.

Today I walked to the kremlin area from the hotel.  I went into St Basil’s cathedral which was full of exquisite altar paintings.

 

The food so far has been very good – high quality, beautifully presented and not vast portions.

Something I learnt today – kremlin means fortress which is why there is a kremlin in Moscow, St Petersburg and other historic places.