Moscow: Monday, Sep 17

           It was a chilly, misty, overcast day, with quite a breeze, so we piled on all the layers we could.  We stopped on a lakeshore across from Novodevichy Convent for photos, then to a viewpoint n Sparrows Hill.  Next, on to walk near Red Square.  Unfortunately, there was an event yesterday and workers were still removing platforms etc, so we couldn’t go far onto the square.   We could see most of the great sights, though, from behind the barricades. 

 We walked through the Gum Store [ Moscow’s old, main, merchandise-free store of communist days, converted to an ultra-modern shopping centre like a dressed up Eatons’ Centre ] and then rode the metro to 3 very different stations – not like Toronto for sure!  -  Crystal chandeliers, marble statues, beautiful paintings  and very long, fast-moving escalators.  From there we took the bus to Arbit Street where there are small vendors’ stalls, cafés and bars.  Luckily for me there was also a pharmacy. 
With coaching from our guide I was able to purchase allergy drops for my poor, sore eyes.  It was so damp, chilly and windy that we didn’t get too much pleasure from the walk, but we did see the kinds of souvenirs and other goods on offer.  We were then taken to a small boat, where we enjoyed a cruise through downtown Moscow while eating. 

From there we went to the Novodevichy Convent.  Though we couldn’t go inside, the grounds are beautiful and we heard stories of former residents [ mostly exiled aristocracy or unwanted wives ].  Then on to the associated cemetery, where many famous people are buried, and where many of the tombstones are works of art. 

          Back to the ship for dinner where we were happy to learn that the last of our missing group members, Lizzie T, had arrived.  The group of 44 is now complete! ( Lizzie mistook the departure date for Sunday ).  Then out again to see Moscow By Night.  Luckily it had warmed up, so we were very comfortable walking around.  We stopped at a glassed in pedestrian bridge from which we could see the spectacular lights of a new residential/business area that’s being built, and walked to a small park on one of the main streets.  Then we drove to the spectacular 70-acre WW2 Memorial Park with the amazing tall obelisk, beautiful red fountains and gorgeous floral clock.  We walked the length of it, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.

          Finally, we went back to Red Square which was more visible with much scaffolding, etc, removed and quite spectacular with the lights.  We had a much better impression of it than in the morning.  Back to the ship and bed shortly after midnight.

Photos 17 Sep Moscow