Moscow

I never imagined that I would happily organise my day around going to see a dead body. Death and tourism is quite a strange mix, but when you are in Moscow you have to go and visit the mausoleum of Lenin, so this is what we did on our first full day. Lenin never wanted to be covered in wax and preserved for eternity, Stalin decided it should happen, and you never disagree with a man who could send you to a labour camp as quickly as he could shake your hand.

The mausoleum is situated near the center of Red Square, which is overlooked by the incredible Kremlin, St Basils Cathedral and the History Museum. You file into the giant stone tomb and walk down into the darkened depths beneath the square, turn the corner and see Lenin face up in a glass box. You walk quickly past the dead leader, prompted by guards to keep moving and suddenly the bizarre experience is over and you are back in Red Square. It was a strange start to the day.

After seeing Lenin we visited the history museum and then St Basils Cathedral. The Cathedral looks like it has been constructed by a a cake maker using colourful icing whilst under the influence of drugs. Many photographs were taken.









(That is one big brass monkey...)


(Broke the bell in the Kremlin)

People warned me about crime rates and corrupt police officers in Moscow but my experience was totally positive. Every time I turned a corner I was faced with a gigantic and impressive church or Soviet era building that forces me to get my camera out and take a photo. We walked into the Kremlin and looked round the extensive armoury which was full of diamonds and weapons, and weapons covered in diamonds. We also visited the Moscow State circus on ice, which was entertaining and something I recall my dad telling me about when I was younger. In the main lobby they had a bear, a camel, baby tiger and a cheetah!


(Churches everywhere)


(Lenin lives here!)

From Russia with love...
bx

PS. If anyone wants to see Lenin in a box then click here.