An Evening to Remember in Moscow Russia

As I have said before, one of our favorite things to do when traveling is to simply “wander.” While visiting Moscow Russia Lindsay and I had one had one of our most memorable “wander sessions” during a beautiful summer night. We had just arrived in the magnificent city of Moscow and were anxious to explore. We took the fantastic metro train right into the heart of the city…Red Square. The sun was just starting to set as we began strolling around the old red brick walls of the Kremlin. The area is full of large trees, gardens, walking paths, etc so it was perfect for walking. Furthermore, because it was early June the flowers were exceptionally bright and everything was green as can be. The area around the Kremlin walls was peaceful and un-crowded but eventually we made our way towards GUM Department Store shopping center which was very lively. There were thousands of other locals and tourists doing exactly what we were doing…enjoying the evening and city. Near the shopping center there is an open plaza with a beautiful fountain. Lindsay and I stopped there for about an hour just taking in the scene around us. Sometimes just stopping and talking in a busy urban place like this is an incredible way to “take in the local flavor.” As the night grew on (it is hard to tell when this happens during the summer time in Russia as it does not get dark until very late) we started to head back towards the metro station but not without stopping by red square to see the incredible Saint Basil’s Cathedral all lite-up. Almost everybody in the world recognizes this colorful cathedral in Moscow but to see it at night all lite-up is truly amazing. Actually, almost all of the beautiful and historical buildings around Red Square are fully lite-up at night (some with Christmas style lights) and there are few urban places in the world that match this beauty. Once we made it to Red Square we indulged in another one of our traveling traditions….getting a Coke. We then just sat on a curb towards the end of the square and just talked, laughed and people watched. Tourists and locals alike would come by in droves to get their picture by the cathedral and it was some of the best people watching spots we have ever had! The whole experience was almost magical and I remember vividly just sitting there and thinking….”I can’t believe I am sitting in Red Square in Moscow Russia.” Eventually the night grew long and Lindsay and I had to make our way back to the hotel. But we will never forget that beautiful summer stroll through Moscow Russia.