So, I have to admit my first impression of Moscow was not that great! After an 8 hour train journey from St Petersburg I arrived in need of a bottle of water. Going to the first stall I could find I tried to purchase said bottle of water. However, after getting over what I thought were language barriers I was informed that the woman on the stall would not serve me as I was not Russian!!!! I was outraged and took my money elsewhere! I am pleased to say that it has only got better since then, I think I favour St Pete to Moscow though, but it is still a really interesting place.
I have been to the Kremlin and visited all the Cathedrals, which were lovely. Red Square was amazing by night with all the lights and the backdrop of Moscow city centre. St Basils Cathedral was as stunning as I thought it would be. Apparently Ivan the Terrible had the architects eyes removed when they had finished St Basils so they could never create anything similar anywhere else... a little harsh I thought!!! Unfortunately Lenin was not at the Mausoleum, he is on his holidays so I couldn't see him, gone for a face lift I believe!
I have met a number of people that are getting the same train as me through Russia into Mongolia which is really good and we have been exploring together. There are about 13 of us altogether, needless to say I am the grandma of the group as the majority are between 18-24! But I figure it will keep me young!!
The vodka situation has been dramatically improved, we visited a vodka museum last night and obviously had to sample the goods! Very good indeed. We even learnt how vodka was made, I was more interested in the sampling though! We then went to a local bar where the vodka tasting continued through most of the night, needless to say I am feeling a little rough today!
I am just waiting to get the train across Russia now into Mongolia. It will be a long 4-day journey with not much else to do but eat, sleep and be merry... I have bought 2 bottles of vodka to help with the merriment! There are showers on the train but you have to pay about 5 pounds for the privilage, so dont think I will bother... I am backpacking! There is also a resturant carriage but it is meant to be really expensive so I have been to the shop today and stocked up on the noodles, cheap and cheerful!
Well I am not sure when I will be updating again as I dont think there will be any internet cafes in Mongolia!! I am due in China on the 19th April and the bikini will be coming straight out!
Speak to you soon xxx