On the way to Moscow

Day 3 Novgorod

We had a guided tour of the immediate area of Novgorod which included the Kremlin - another name for a fort. This city is over 1000 years old and all the buildings used to be made of wood but obviously burnt down on  regular basis. It became a big trading area and because only churches could be built of stone the traders started to build their warehouses to look like churches. They didn’t like the idea of them being made out of wood for fear that they would lose their goods if a fire started.

There was an interesting monument which depicted the history of this area. We learnt many interesting facts.

We then caught a local bus to see a very old monastery and an area where ancient houses were being preserved.

In the afternoon we went to a public Banyo where we stripped off and initially covered ourselves in a large sheet - modesty but all the Russian ladies were naked & we soon got over ourselves. You went into the sauna and then went to another room where you washed and showered. One time I ventured to the sauna by myself & a lady started talking to me but obviously I didn’t understand her so she pulled my ‘modesty’ sheet from me laid it on the bench and indicated that I had to lay on my front. She then proceeded to beat me soundly with birch leaves!! It was all very invigorating and definitely a great interaction with local people.

I’m now on the night train to Moscow. I’m in a compartment with three Russians but all is well. Arrive Moscow at 5:30am so am about to go to sleep.

June 12th Independence Day in Russia

Good sleep on train - was impressed with the clean linen and comfy bed.

Had to catch the Metro to our hotel & then walk a fair distance & it had started to rain!
Too early to check in so we went in search of breakfast. We then headed towards the Kremlin stopping at The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour - has to be the most beautiful church I have ever been in & 13 years ago it was actually an open air swimming pool after Lenin had told the people to tear the church down!

We tried to get into Red Square but everywhere was blocked off for the Independence Day Celebrations. We ended up at a park to watch some folk dancing & saw the most incredible group of dancers - famous around the world so we were told.

Dinner in a local restaurant where I tried a local Vodka.