Moscow

Last Sunday, Brian had the day off so we headed up to Moscow for a one night stay. It was great to get out of Chekhov and into a real city. Moscow is actually a pretty city as a lot of its early architecture was influenced by what you'd find in Paris, France. We stayed at the Ritz in Moscow, right across from the Kremlin and Red Square. Since it was only for a night and we found a good deal we thought we'd splurge, feeling like we deserved it since the rest of our time would be spent in depressing Chekhov.

Brian and Emily in the lobby.

Walking into the lobby of this hotel felt like walking onto the set of a James Bond movie. You weren't sure who might have been an arms dealer, top mobster or Russian oil baron. Mixed in were ladies with their fur stoles in beautiful dresses dripping in diamonds. And there we were. In our Patagonia coats and muddy winter boots with a baby. 

Here we are in front of St. Basil's Cathedral.

I loved seeing St. Basil's. It is a truly unique and beautiful cathedral. The inside had all these stucco walls adorned with different patterns. We actually walked in on Sunday morning while they had a service going on and we could hear the choir singing. (Tourists are allowed in while this is going on. They have a clear glass wall separating you from the inside where the patrons are). 

I don't remember what this building was called or used for. It's pretty though, right?!

To my right (your left) is the GUM, (pronounced goom). It's this gorgeous building that is now a mall. It is huge and absolutely stunning inside and out. By far the most beautiful place to shop that I have ever been to. 

"I got this bed!"

We ate at the lounge on the top floor of the hotel. It was perfect for bringing a baby to, loud music could drown out any of her noises. I'm holding the lion they gave Emily and she's chewing on the scarf that had been on the lion. 

This picture doesn't do justice of the view from the restaurant. You could see all of Red Square lit up. 

Emily loved her luxurious bath that night. Got a little too relaxed...left a little present for us to clean up when she was done. Bad baby!

One day was not long enough to see all that Moscow has to offer. We're hoping to make a return trip if Brian has a few more days off in December. I still want to check out the jewels and precious stones they have at one of the museums. Brian is a great curator too, you never have to read up on anything since he already has and is my personal tour guide. It's great! You can sit back and he'll point out all the points of interest and tell you some little fact or anecdote about it. I should start calling him Fodors or Rick. 

P.S. Moscow is expensive! One cocktail cost $30 US. Another couple said the neighborhood restaurant they ate at didn't have one bottle of wine on their menu under $100. I guess that's one thing Chekhov has going for it. It's cheap!