Going from the warmth and light of Rome, to the dismal cold of Moscow was actually more of a relief than you’d think. Having grown up in New England, I miss having real winters, with snow and bleak days. (although I do wish there had been some clearer skies for the sake of photography)
Our first night there, we went out for a fantastic meal at one of Moscow’s best restaurants, and so it was with a still somewhat full stomach that I woke up the next morning to explore the city. I was met by a graduate student who was voluntold to show me around, but if he minded, he did a great job of hiding it. We walked around for several hours, with him explaining each cultural and historical landmark along the way.
Sadly, you’re not allowed to take pictures inside orthodox churches. You’ll have to take my word for it that it was beautiful.
The following day, we revisited some of the same spots, but this time with my husband his friend Nina, who quickly became my friend as well. We took the obligatory pass through Red Square, but also veered off onto many side streets, and into neighborhoods I could probably never find again.
In the span of less than an hour, the weather went from what you see on the left, to completely overcast again.
In between these two pictures, we ate dinner. It was a great meal, but not really a photographic event.
Of course, no trip to Moscow in December would be complete without checking out the New Year’s lights at Red Square. We took the subway back, and mingled with what may have been the entire population of Moscow among the beautiful lights.
