From Russia with Love...Days 1 and 2.

...okay, i know. Cliche title. But this one is true. I write to you from Moscow, Russia, this morning--er...your night. Just wanted to say that I made it here just fine and things are going well.

The flight was entirely too long. I'm really second guessing wanting to go to Austrailia, for that flight is more than twice as long as the one i was on. I suppose if you had the first class service it wouldn't be so bad.

Anyway...The 10 hour 10 minute flight seemed to take forever. I guess it probably had something to do with the fact that i was sitting in Atlanta for 6 hours before that. Luckily i had company sitting with me.

Making it through the Moscow airport was easier than expected. Most things here so far are easier than expected...and that just makes travelling more fun. I'm sure i'm in for my fill of not-so-easy times.

Moose met us at the hotel and we started our Moscow initiation. First item on the list was to do the currency exchange. Then was the Metro initiation. The Metro is truely impressive. Too bad Houston doesn't have a rail system (a rail system that is useful). We were able to hop a few trains to take us to Red Square. Perhaps the most famous tourist spot in Russia? When we arrived at Red Square, it was closed. Go figure, we flew 6000 miles and can't get into one of the most famous Russian landmarks? So, we walk around a bit more and decide to get something to eat. Now, i'm being a bit brave here--i've decided that i'll try anything once, and if i don't like it, there are snacks back at the hotel. My first meal here, wasn't Russian...but rather Asian. Everyone that knows me knows i don't like Asian food...but i go along anyway. After studying the menu, i decided on some spicy beef and red and green chili dish. Turns out it was pretty good...and somewhat spicy too. Now, that doesn't mean that i'll be frequenting Asian food places from here on out.

After dinner, we returned to Red Square and it was open! So, of course we walked around and took some pictures and kinda took it all in. Unfortunately, i couldn't remember how to work the panoramic feature on my camera so hopefully i can return and get some panoramic shots of the area. I'll try to include photos as time permits. The top photo is of course me in front of St. Basils Cathedral. Quite impressive isn't it?

Here is a photo looking down the Moscow River. Off to the right is the Kremlin.


Here is a better shot of the Kremlin.


And one final shot for Days 1 and 2. A more spledid picture of St. Basil's Cathedral.


Well, that is all for today...time permitting, stay tuned for days 3 and on...