Beautiful Stockholm

We arrived in beautiful Stockholm on 9-2-2009. Up at 4 am to catch our flight from Moscow. Time is really irrelevant when you are traveling - it is always changing.
Stockholm was a welcome contrast from the regulated Moscow. Just breeze through passport control and into the country. Our hotel is located in old town - Gamla Stan - on an island in the heart of the city. Water surrounds Stockholm - lots of islands (14) compose the city of Stockholm.
Our son-in-law Lars Wennborg is from Stockholm. His mother and sister live here. We have learned much about the city from Lars and can't wait to experience all the things Lars has told us. Of course - Darrell has been here before - but it is my first visit!
We start off by wandering the city. We check out the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace - quite an elaborate event. The military band comes marching into the square at noon - a huge crowd awaits. Many announcements - then the formal changing of the regiment. The palace has been on this spot since the 15th century. The palace is used for many state functions. Sweden has a royal family - but they reside in an estate - Drottingholm - a little outside city center. We will tour the royal apartments, the treasury (a vault (huge room in the lowest part of the palace) with the crown jewels of Sweden, and the armory - yes - suits of armour, swords, carriages, etc.

Wrapping Up Moscow

I am adding a few random photos from our visit to Moscow. 1. Huge statue to Peter I as a navigator - alongside the Moscow River 2. Lock on the bridge at Novodevichiy - It is tradition for bride and grooms to fasten a padlock on the bridge - close the lock and then throw the key in the lake - to signify they have locked their hearts together. 3 One of the 7 sisters buildings - thee are 7 buildings built by Stalin - located thoughout downtown Moscow. - they are huge and identical. I though I was going crazy whatching them appears as we turned a new corner 5. Another wedding tradition in Moscow is for the bride, groom and wedding party to travel all over town to signifant and scenic spots for photos! They were everywhere - Red Square, GUM (Mall), on the river, in parks, etc. Having just been involved in Matt and Lauren's wedding - I can appreciate this gestures even more. 4. Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknow Soldier - these "high kicking" steps makes this ceremony interesting to watch. A hugh crowd appears every hour to observe the ceremony.

Moscow's Metro (subway) Stations and High Heels

The subway in Moscow is noted for its "fancy" subway stations - some are works of art. Our guide Irina - gave us a wonderful tour of these beautiful - but incredibly crowded stations. In Moscow - the metro is incredibly crowded but the metro is very efficient. (No signs in English - we made a couple of wrong turns - but we didn't ever get on the wrong train.)

The women in Moscow are very "into" fashion. Being the metropolitan city of the country - it is also the fashion capital. If it had been appropriate - I would have made photos of the women's shoes (no I don't have a fetish) - but 4" heel is the norm. It seems every girl (30 and younger) had on these extremely high heels! My feet hurt wearing normal shoes - wait until they are 50!

Churches in Moscow

The Russian Orthodox church is noted for his beautiful churches and Moscow has the top of the line. The colorful and the solid gold onion domes are seen in the skyline everywhere you look. The churches are as beautiful inside as they are outside. Some of churches are museums - but many of them are used for worship. We enjoyed photographing and visiting many of these masterpieces.

The first area we visited was Cathedral Square in the Kremlin - I have already talked about that area - there were at least 4 churches in one square inside the Kremlin - used for different purposes by the Russian Tzars and their families. While we were inside the Church of the Archangel - a group of 4 were singing - fabulous music and wonderful accoustics

My favorite church that we visited was the huge church of Saint Savior - located on the Moscow River - a church that had been blown up by the communist government - then later rebuilt as a replica of the original in the 1990's. We visited on a Sunday during services. The church was packed - every one stands to listen to the priest. Candles were burning and the fragrance was one I will always remember. It was a very moving experience.

Of course - Saint Basil's in Red Square is the signature church of Moscow and easily the most recognizable. Restoration continues with Saint Basils. Our Lady of Kazan church is also in Red Square and serves people living in the area. The beautiful orange/peach color was stricking.

While we were visiting an area of Moscow called Sparrow Hills - outside the Moscow River and the "ring road" - on one of the highest hills - we visited another very small village church - Trinity. We were also there on Sunday - the priest was baptizing the babies. Babies were crying and parents were proud!

We also visited the Novodevichiy Convent a compound stated in 1524. There were several churches inside the convent walls with the most significant being the Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. Very beautiful icons inside.

I am attaching several photos of these magnificant churches - the photos are beautiful - but the experience of visiting these churches was something I will always cherish.

Our new Russian friends

Ok so we are making friends. The big guy who says he is the "driver" brought Darrell a cohbia cuban cigar. He sent me tea made from a 100 year samavor. They are burning pine cones for fuel for the samavor. Now the manager has sent us blinis - like a crepe - incredible desserts! One table is playing blackgammon. The big group is still toasting! It is after 9:00 and is still light outside. We are enjoying our last night here!
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Gogol restaurant and general thoughts about Moscow

Our last night in Moscow enjoying dinner in a courtyard restaurant. A big group of Russians celebrating some important event are at next table.

We have had weird food in Russia: Tongue, podzarka of beef, shaslhik (kebab), pickle pie, pork trotter (pigs feet - aweful), blinnis (really good)! Tzarskya vodka, bulgar vodka, with a toast - to your health. We didn't even know what we were ordering part of the time!



The people of Moscow were great! We never felt unsafe anywhere. We have been all over the city including many rides on the metro (subway). We loved our guide Irina! She made everything so special. Her knowledge and perspective really enhanced our visit!

People seem happy. Today is the first day of school and the tradition is to take flowers to the teacher - so the flower sellers are happy! People carrying flowers are everywhere.

One of the guys from the big party just brought Darrell a "fat cat" cigar so he is happy.

It seems we have just figured out Moscow and it is time to leave!

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Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

We really enjoyed the masterpieces in the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts! 1. Old Woman by Rembrandt; 2. Le Grenouilere by Renior; 3. The Nude by Renior; 4. Bathers by Matisse; 5. Plowed Field by Van Gogh; 6. The Museum; 7. Treasure from Troy = gold headress; 8. Assyrian Relief; 9. Portrait from Fayoum in Egypt.

The Kremlin

The Kremlin is such an imposing fortess - especially when viewed from the Moscow River. We took a river cruise today on the Moscow River - the lifeblood of the city.

Darrell meets Vladimir Putin

What a coincidence - we ran into Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia, in Red Square. He shook Darrell's hand and took a few moments to chat!

St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square

Quite easily the most recognizable church in Russia - St. Basil's is located in Red Square. The beautifully colored onion domes are unique to the Russian Orthodox Church. We were able to also go inside where restorers are working on the frescoes. This church is an important symbol of Russia.

Angels

These angels were in Novodevichiy Convent - with very beautiful grounds and historic buildings.

Red Square and Kremlin

August 30, 2009 Moscow – Full Day – The heart of Moscow and the seat of power of the nation – The Kremlin and Red Square: Started the day with a gallop through Alexander Gardens – trying to beat the lines to enter the Kremlin to tour the Armory! Security check points are necessary. Many, many guards/soldiers – but surprisingly – no AK47’s.
The Kremlin – a triangle shape fortress dating back to 1100’s along the banks of the Moscova River – huge walls and towers surround the fortress. The Kermlin is the seat of the office of the President – Dimity Medvedev. Patriarch Palace is where visiting dignitaries and ambassador meetings are held.
The Armory – holds the treasures of the country – many dating to the Romonav’s. The most important treasures are the Diamond Fund with the Crown Jewels. The Orlov Diamond is the largest. Also the Fabrege’ eggs, carriages, coronation dresses, armor, many gold pieces are here.
Many churches in Cathedral Square. We toured the Cathedral of the Assumption and the Cathedral of the Archangel. Both churches had walls in front of the altar with iconostasis – individual paintings (icons) of important church and local people. These icons are incredibly beautiful – with beautiful golden frames.
Red Square – is impressive – huge! Adjacent to the Kremlin Wall with Lenin’s Tomb along side – is used for military and civic functions. Part of the square is gated in preparation for a huge celebration on September 5th.
The most recognizable building in Moscow is St. Basil’s Cathedral – with its colorful onion domes. It is spectacular!
What a coincidence – we run into Valdimir Putin, Prime Minister of Russia in Red Square. Darrell was lucky enough to shake his hand!

Novodevichiy Convent

Novodevichiy Convent and bell tower. Our Lady of Smolensk Cathedral.
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People Watching at Red Square

Moscow at Red Square. The skies are clearing. Nice evening!

Darrell enjoying a cigar and a Stella Artois! Slept well on the flight. Should be ready to go in the morning! Time is 9 hours forward -so it is 6 pm here and 9 am in Jackson.
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Bonvoyage! Flying out from Atlanta to Moscow

Bonvoyage! We are on the airplane in Atlanta about to fly to Moscow, Russia. Here's to you!
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Packing

The suitcases are out, lists are made and the packing is getting started. I'm not sure all of this "stuff" will fit into the suitcases!

Travel Itinerary

27-Aug -Memphis to Atlanta. Fly to Moscow
28-Aug - arrive - Moscow, Russia
29-Aug - Moscow
30-Aug - Moscow
31-Aug - Moscow
1-Sep - Moscow
2-Sep - Moscow - Fly to Stockholm
3-Sep - Stockholm, Sweden
4-Sep - Stockholm
5-Sep - Stockholm - Board Oceania Regatta
6-Sep - Stockholm
7-Sep - Tallinn, Estonia
8-Sep - St. Petersburg, Russia
9-Sep - St. Petersburg
10-Sep - St. Petersburg
11-Sep - Helenski, Finland
12-Sep - Sail Baltic Sea
13-Sep - Gdansk, Poland
14-Sep - Copenhagen, Denmark
15-Sep - Berlin (Rostock), Germany
16-Sep - Kiel Canal Transit
17-Sep - Amstredam, Netherlands
18-Sep - Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium
19-Sep - London (Dover), England
20-Sep - Le Havre, France (D Day Beaches)
21-Sep - Saint Malo, France(Mont St. Michel)
22-Sep - Sail Bay of Biscay
23-Sep - Bordeaux, France
24-Sep - Bordeaux, France
25-Sep - Biarritz (Saint-Jean-de-Luz) France/ Bilbao, Spain
26-Sep - Sail Bay of Biscay
27-Sep - Oporto, Portugal
28-Sep - Lisbon, Portugal
29-Sep - Seville (Cadiz) Spain
30-Sep - Cruising the Mediterranean Sea
1-Oct - Valencia, Spain
2-Oct - Barcelona, Spain
3-Oct - Provence (Marseille) France
4-Oct - La Spezia (Cinque-Terre), Italy
5-Oct - Civitavecchia, Italy/Disembark Ship - drive to Siena, Italy
6-Oct - Sienna, Italy - Volterra
7-Oct - Sienna, Italy- Cortona/Montelpunciano
8-Oct - Sienna, Italy - Train to Florence
9-Oct - Sienna, Italy - Chianti Region
10-Oct -Drive to Rome
11-Oct - Rome, Italy
12-Oct - Rome
13-Oct - Rome - Fly to Atlanta/Memphis - Home Sweet Home

Trip Itinerary

We will visit 14 countries in Europe over 49 days!  Our trip is part land/hotels and part cruise.  (This is similar to our trip to Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East in 2008 while traveling 50 days.)  We will be seeing most of these cities for the first time with only a few exceptions.  Darrell has spent some time in Stockholm, Sweden as our son-in-law Lars Wennborg is from Stockholm.  We will get to visit with Lars family while in Stockholm and are looking forward to seeing them. 

Bonvoyage Party -August 18, 2009 at Amy Dietrich's home

Thank you so much Amy Dietrich!! What a wonderful Bonvoyage Party - the food was great! The menu selections featuring the countries we will visit were really neat and creative! It makes us even more excited about our upcoming trip! We love all our wonderful friends who joined us for the evening!!