Today we visited the Kremlin and Lenin's Tomb. They wouldn't let us take our cameras in, but it was totally worth the experience. You enter on the far end of Red Square and walk down the wall. There are a number of black and gold plaques on the wall memorializing cosmonauts and scientists that died. Vladimir, our driver told us that many cosmonauts died because their "space program wasn't that successful". I thought his comment was funny or sarcastic...he didn't. As you enter the tomb, there are guards at every turn. Each one of them direct you either around a corner or down the stairs. The tomb itself is amazing. Lennin looks like he's made of wax. It's very quiet, very respectful. When you leave, you proceed down a row of former Soviet leaders memorials, with Stalin being the next to last. It was a crazy, amazing experience that I thought I would never have in my life. Thank you Jenny and Maddux! It was like I was in high school studying soviet history all over again. I'll remember today for the rest of my life. No way in a million years did I ever dream I'd be there.
After that we went to the Kremlin. It's like a little city. Vladimir said that Stalin wanted to build a tram from one end to the other, but died before he could make it happen. Walking from one end to the other took a little while, but was totally worth the trip. The churches there amazing works of architecture and more amazing on the inside. It's worth the 350 rubles a piece to see.
Many people commented before we left that it was "dangerous" or "crazy" for us to come here. I think it's a generation thing. We saw the wall come down. We saw capitalism invide Russia. Jenny and I ate at a McDonalds yesterday in downtown Moscow. McDonald's! The very symbol of the modern western world. The Russia we have experienced is more like America, and nothing like what it once was. I stood in the very spot where Life Magazine in 1969 put the fear of God in the western world. I stood in that spot with my son today and smiled as my wife took our picture. I'd encourage anyone that had the chance to do the same thing. It's something you'll never forget!
Rich
Yes, that last picture - that's how you get into the Kremlin :). Glad you guys were able to find it (where was the entrance, if you don't mind me asking?).
ReplyDeleteI completely get what you're saying - we didn't think it was a scary/dangerous choice at all (we felt quite safe, actually) but it was very surreal.
Glad to hear you guys are having such a great time.
Congrats again!
Entrance is on other side, past tomb of the unknown soldier.
ReplyDeleteOur driver took us and the other couple around for the day so it was neat. We learned more than we would have trying to go through alone.
Yes we leave tomorrow! We have had a great time but glad to be going home!
Thanks!
Jenny