[jroc]

We got our travel dates! We'll be leaving for Kirov on 12/4 and back in Moscow in the morning on the 8th.

DH and I decided to stay 2 extra nights in Moscow (the Marriot Grand) before coming home. Does anyone have suggestions for some things to do while in COLD weather? If you've been in Russia in the winter, I'd love some advice. Somehow, I don't see us just strolling the streets, but I don't want to just sit in the hotel for two days either.

Thanks everyone!

[proudmommyof 2]

My advice is...stroll the streets! You'll be sorry if you don't. On Tverskaya St., and other touristy/rich-ish neighborhoods, we always felt very safe. We were only nervous at one point-at one of the underground road crossings on a Friday night.

You'll be within walking distance of Red Square, the GUM store (the most beautiful mall I've personally every been to), TGI Friday's, Pushkin Square (don't go on a weekend night-lots of drinking and revelry-don't think you'd be in danger, but why risk it). We're from Pittsburgh, where we have pretty cold winters, and Moscow wasn't that much colder than what we're used to. Bundle up, and get out there. We've been to Moscow 5 times for our 2 adoptions, and my only regret is that it took us until Tommy's adoption to get comfortable in the city and explore. Now by explore, I do mean the stuff I mentioned; we weren't adventurous enough to try any of the side streets or anything off the beaten path.

I know Moscow now better than I know Pittsburgh, if you can believe that!

[Ktates]

I think the two days are a great idea...we went to Russian in December and January...ideal times right but it wasn't so bad...actually it was warmer in St. Petersburg (and had less snow) than we did in Boston...I can't remember Moscow but it wasn't brutally cold (like 20 below) but teens I think....

anyhow...most Restaurants we went to were pretty warm (as well as the orphanages) so definitely dress in layers...I am usually cold but I was actually kinda hot most places...so I would only bring heavy sweaters for when you are out on the streets being tourists...we didn't have much time in Moscow because of our problems with court...and I really regret not seeing more...even in January...most of the streets have underground walkways for pedestrians to cross, especially Tverskaya where the Grand is...there's also a pharmacy right across the street (you'll see the green and blue cross logo - like the red cross's logo)...

On Discovery channel they have had a program called Inside the Kremlin walls - that actually is very good so check it out...

also at the Grand gift shop I found some great Russian fairy tale books in English that I bot for our daughter so be sure to check that out!!

Congrats on your dates!!! have a great trip!!!

[Pinkie]

Congraulations on your travel dates, I'll update the travel thread for you. Love the banana dancer!!

I was in Moscow last year from the 6th til 8th December. Have fun!!

[Jim_in_PA]

In addition to the above (and enjoying "quality adult time...), be sure to ride the Metro and see the beautiful underground stations.

[beckyww]

Check our blog for mid-May Moscow entries. I'd recommend you see "the dead guy," a.k.a. Lenin, for sure.

Becky
The Woodworth Family in Beautiful San Antonio TX

[RBSVARCHER]

We chose to spend our 2 extra nights after our first trip in Paris instead of Moscow : ) - but still - we were so exhausted all we wanted to do was SLEEP!!

Susan

[Teri M]

Definately go stroll the streets - you can go to the underground shopping areas - especially if you at the Grand. Just west of your go down some stairs and Voila - everything you ever wanted...it is fun. Also - go across the street and go West just a bit - Goodmans steak house - and THE BEST beef stroganoff - you have ever tasted - truly authentic!!! Great great food.

Another thing to do - when you come out of the grand and looking at Tverskaya street - go to the right and you will find Baskin robbins and PIzza Hut if you are craving "home". Lots of shops too...

Go to the Bolshoi for the ballet - you can order tickets online - also get inside the Kremlin and go see the Faberge eggs (there is only one - so not that great) - but if you go to the room that houses all the Coaches - Catherine the Great coach is there - just to see them and know that all these people from history were inside riding along...Amazing. Plus you can see all her tiny little clothes and shoes (she was short and round but tiny little feet).

Congrats on travelling - have fun and take LOTS OF PICs in region and in Moscow.
T

[SingleMama2B]

I agree.... stroll the streets, and look at the amazing architecture!!! My biggest suggestion.... WEAR BLACK!!! Black (warm, water proof) boots!! There is a BIG reason why the women are always in BLACK.... It does NOT show the dirt!! I had camel color Uggs when I went (December/January), and they where pretty much ruined by the time I came home from trip #2! The city streets get soooo dirty in the Winter from the melting snow and SOOT from cars, etc. See if you can get tickets (ahead of time) for the Bolshoi, see Lenin, St. Basil's (take the walking tour for a few Rubles), see GUM (though to be honest, it didn't impress me alot.... NY is as pretty), even in the snow... Old Arbet Street... vendors will still be out, and you can get GREAT prices in the shoppes also. Moscow Zoo (which is across the street or actually in the center of a circle) from the court house. Underground sub-way..... hold your purse or don't carry one close. The escalators down seem to never end, and each stop is decorated differently... tons of marble, gold, etc. Beautiful... now if they would update their TRAINS!!!!

SeRIOUSLY...... SHOP TIL YOU DROP!!!! My only regret was not buying MORE when I was there..... I thought I had bought sooo much, but once home, and gifts given, what I had left for my DD and I, was NOT ENOUGH.... I have had to resort to purchasing on line, to continue to give her Russian items for each Holiday & Milestone. Take an empty (or strictly use the one filled with "gifts" for there), and fill with Russian items.

As far as the COLD.... They have already had several snow falls... (I talk with my translator all of the time, as we became good friends), but has been rather mild. You will find, that when the thermameter reads.... 3 degrees F, it is a dryer cold then we are use to unless you are in Colorado, etc. When I was there... Over christmas and Jan. 2005, it was -5 degrees F. I live on the East coast (16 miles from the ocean) where it is ALWAYS humid and damp during the winter.... well, I played outside with my DD and the other children in 4 feet of snow for 2 hours and wasn't freezing!!! I didn't even have long-johns on!!! Still, dress warm, and ALOT OF BLACK!!!!

I wish I could be going with you.....

Blessings................

[58grace]

I spent a total of about 2 weeks in Moscow. 2 things I highly recommend

1) City Bus tour - the hotel can give you info Great way to see all the highlights from the warmth of a bus.

2.) Our agency translater offered to provide a walking tour of the city. We paid her about 10/hr and it was great. She explained the history of everything as we toured. Took us to some off the beaten track places. Ask your agency or the hotel about a guided walking tour.

[Annabell]

Congratulations on your travel dates! I second the motion of riding the underground -- the various stations are astonishingly lovely. Also, do try to tour Kremlin and visit GUM.

Do be sure to bundle up, though. We were there at the end of October and it was around 12 to 20 degrees and sleeting the whole time. And the wind coming off the Mokva river is ... brisk?

[mycodybear]

Congratulations!! We were in Russia the exact same time last year, and we also stayed at the Grand. While it was cold, it was definitely tolerable (and I live in Florida). Just dress warm and cover your ears and you'll be fine. Please go walk around- you will regret it if you don't take it in while you're there. DH and I are not adventurous people, and were a little nervous when we first ventured out on our own, but it was totally fine- no worries at all (except trying to cross the street- use the underground tunnels). We stayed an extra day and walked down to Red Square, took a tour of the Kremlin and the Armoury inside. I would definitely recommend it. There are several English speaking tour guides who will approach you as you are walking around. If you can't really understand them when they approach you, just say no thanks and keep walking. More people will approach you and just go with one you can easily understand. Our guide was a dude named Leon and he actually grew up in the US, so we got a great tour from him. Definitely do the Armoury- it is like a beautiful museum of Russian history- Ivan the Terrible's Ivory Throne, Catherine the Great's dresses and jewels, lots of Royal items. It's within the walls of the Kremlin and it is indoors (warm). It's really quite breathtaking. And be sure to go in all the Cathedrals within the Kremlin- they are stunning. You have to pay an extra few bucks to take pictures inside, but it is well worth it. I hope you have a wonderful trip!!

[jroc]

Wow Weee! Thanks for all the great travel advice! I had this mental image of us cooped up in the hotel and the streets completely bare. I was certainly wrong. Sounds like there is still plenty to do.

I think we are going to bring our orphanage donation on this trip so that we had an extra piece of luggage for what I do best - SHOPPING! And I didn't realize it was so close to the Grand. That's Great (for me of course..... we won't mention that little bonus feature to DH yet).

Funny about the wearing all black thing. I have set aside nothing but black clothes. I feel like I am going to a darn funeral.

[nungesser]

Eat at Stardogs!! You'll see their white red and yellow carts on the sidewalsk all over Moscow Center.

[ddlucy]

We had our Trip 1 to Kirov last December as well - followed by the court date in early February.

Kirov wasn't a bad little city (little being a key word), although they do have a Hockey Team, and they did have some fun restaurants

Moscow ideas:
a) Try the circus - we had a blast. Adjacent to the Metro and excellent coffee shop next door. The tickets were inexpensive - not a bad seat in the house.

b) If you like Hockey -- Moscow has 2 NHL level teams. Again tickets were reasonable

c) the puppet show theater was a little pricey, but very interesting.