April 27

The group day began with the hotel's buffet breakfast. I chose granola and yoghurt, orange juice, and coffee, but there were eggs. omelettes, mini pancakes, oatmeal, assorted fish and vegetables, I think. I just needed something trusted and comfortable. Then on to the bus to head for the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, Moscow's premier art gallery, to be there when it opened at 10. We parked across the street from the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, but did not have it on the itinerary nor did we have time to visit it. It was constructed to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon and, when finally completed in 1883, was the site for the premier of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture. It was demolished in 1931 by Stalin and the hole became the world's second largest open air swimming pool. It was rebuilt and completed in 200. It is the largest Russian Orthodox church.

Our tour leader, Tatiana, gave us an excellent tour of most of the galleries, starting with Egyptian and going up Dutch and German art of the 1600s and 1700s. I saw one painting of Mary with baby Jesus that was the ugliest baby I have every seen, painted almost to look like a monster. What did Iearn - never know that pictures of Mary always have her in a pink dress with a second blue sort of shawl or garment. We then collected our coats and walked next door to the Gallery of 19th and 20th century European and American art. Several of us went into the small café to grab a bite to eat. Menu and staff - all Russian. We (Mahine, my father, and I) each had a bowl of borscht that was really good and shared an apple pierogi which was like an apple strudel. Then we were on our own for this museum which had a very nice collection. The original museum housing the collection was closed by Stalin; 20 years later the collection was split - ½ to Moscow and ½ to St. Petersburg.

The next stop was a drive to what may have been a university building to hear a lecture from a Russian professor of International Relations on Russian-American relationships. He spoke English well, was candid and honest in giving his opinion, and pointed out that despite the past and existing problems, Russia and the USA have never been at war with each other. I was especially interested in the Russian going decision a few months ago to suddenly stop all U.S. adoptions of Russian children. He explained the background to the Russian parliament's reaction and did say that many Russian people protested.

Before the lecture started we had our first group meeting and we all introduced ourselves. One other woman from Burbank, does make up in the entertainment industry and has a daughter at UCI who is a uro-gynecologist, the two former journalists I met last night and then another retired Associated Press journalist, a retired cardiac nurse, a couple from NY retired from the world of finace, a couple originally from Taiwan and now from Toronto. People are from all over - Colorado, West Virginia, North Carolina, Seattle, I think - at least what I can remember. And then there's Lucas, a young man who is along for the Road Scholar company to do the photography documentation. He is originally from NY, but now lives in Rome.

We were originally going to do a driving sightseeing tour of Moscow, but as it was raining most of the day the scenic tour did not happen. After the lecture we did some driving around then ended up visiting Red Square.(The Kremlin will be another day). Despite the rain, St. Basil's Cathedral with its mult-colored striped domes, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1555, was most impressive. We did not go inside. Bleachers and banners were being set up on Red Square for the May 9 celebration/parade for Russia Day. One couple who had arrived a few days earlier had seen a preparatory parade which included a great display of military artillery. The square is huge. Along most of one side is a beautiful building that houses a beautiful upscale mall and includes the GUM department store, once the Soviet era chaotic bazaar and supplier of consumer goods. At the far end on the side is a small church that was having a service - got to peak inside, but I had not expected we would be there today so I left the scarf I had brought to use as a head covering at the hotel.(the one with the orangutans on it that I bought at the Orangutan Sanctuary in Borneo last year.)

There was what appeared to be a small structure, maybe for a fountain. A small group of Russians were gathered around peacefully protesting something. I could not understand or read the sign. There were a lot of police around and some military and one by one they came and took these people away. There was no violence, no resistance. I did get a picture of one of the signs so I hope to be able to translate nit to better understand what was happening.

I guess Red Square is a popular place for couples getting married to come to. Saw some limos and brides and grooms and friends congregated in various places for photo ops. Forgot to mention that with all of this going on, it was raining.

5:30 back in the bus and a drive through the center of Moscow. Many streets are pedestrian only. Saw the home of the Bolshoi Ballet, former KGB headquarters, some monasteries and convent . Wish that I would have more free time to explore these areas. The itinerary for the tour has changed so now there is very little free time. We then went to a restaurant for dinner. Nothing special. My Dad, Mahine, and I ate with the guide Tatiana so that was interesting. Dinner: a seafood salad starter, chicken noodle soup, meat (sort of like in beef stroganoff), boiled potatoes, and sort of a brownie for dessert. We had something bright green to drink - haven't a clue what that was and then finished off with a cup of Lipton's tea.