Gum from the inside. It actually isn't that unusual, having seen similarly impressive supermarkets!


The Kremlin from across the Moscow river

The view from the Sparrow Hills across to the stadium (wherein England recently disgraced themselves - I was in Berlin at the time).


The bus tour I would say was not an essential element, and especialy not this time of year. I felt tired today and lacked the gumption for anything too extravagant (needing my initiative for tomorrow) so I found myself doing this. The traffic is not conducive and the short days are a limiting factor. It is good and the guide is knowledgeable, but there are other ways to see much of this.

One quick note about Russian women - nothing seedy I promise. There is something about the fur, the boots and the cold that seems to enhance the sensuality. Although as one acquaintance put it, it could just be the tight trousers. Yes, I suppose so.

Brisk

It's a special place this. I've probably said that before, though. I keep getting told how crime-ridden it is and it puts me in something of a quandary. If I relax too much it adds a risk element and if I don't relax I don't enjoy! So far I am finding a balance, but the train journey will no doubt test that further.


But, as promised, the Kremlin!

Gum (the department store) and Red Square

Red Square (that's Lenin's tomb in front of the cupola)

The place is indeed geared up for massive parades

St Basil's (the Tetris Cathedral)

Are you wishing you hadn't asked for pictures yet? 'Cos here come more!

The tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tsar Cannon - biggets in the world but never fired as it would probably have broken

One of the many cathedrals in the Kremlin


Simply put, if you are in the area, get to the Kremlin, it is a tribute to power, authority, majesty and (where Ivan the Terrible gets in) monstrosity.

Early piccies

There will be more...


The view from my hotel room

Very high and very cold. But dead nice

Moscow

I am sure you were all most concerned, but worry no longer! I am in Moscow and all appears as well as usual. There is snow on the spires and ice underfoot, but it is as beautiful as you might think. There will have to be photos at some point but I have not taken any yet.