Bunions, trips and falls...

On our Second day in Moscow we ventured further afield to an area called Red October (yes, we did hunt for it!) described in the guide book as the new Shoreditch, set in an old Chocolate factory. Perhaps we got there too early (1pm) but there didn't seem to be  much going on so we moved on to Gorky Park. We were expecting to see spies in hats and macs handing over secret documents (Philby style) what we got was a great space that families flock to, with exhibitions, sculpture garden, lots for children - all clean, well ordered and well kept. The weather was not quite so warm but it appears compulsory for all to wear their winter coats, for all children to wear winter hats and everyone to pose for photographs as if they were doing so for a glamour magazine - and the 'selfie' is definitely the order of the day. These things kept us throughly entertained on our walk through the park and we began to speculate if any children not wearing a hat were required to be reported to social services.

Later in the day we took a boat along the 'Moskva River'. In the scramble to get on board we managed to secure seats at the front and wrapped up in the (Ikea) blankets provided. Great views but no commentary - instead awful disco tunes from back in the day were being pumped out (I'm sure this included some lesser known tracks from the much maligned Jason Donovan). The trip went well, until the lady behind me decide to remove her shoes and stretched our her feet revealing her bunions. Not what we had come to Moscow to see! It got worse when as she fidgeted around her bunions came into contact with the back of my chair and rubbed against my (covered) bum. Yuck!!! I felt quite violated. 
In the evening we found a cafeteria style restaurant near our accommodation where the food was fab and two courses plus beer/wine was less than £12.

Yesterday we ventured to the suburbs to collect our tickets for the train journey and got to see a bit more of the metro which has some unnecessarily opulent glass mosaics and lighting but made a refreshing change from the central line. We then headed to bunker 42, which is where secret stuff went on during the Cuban missile crisis and the Cold War. Very intersting although I was quite spooked when they got two volunteers (Mr L being one of them) to act out how buttons are pushed and codes are programmed into two of the nuclear control panels they had there Whilst the rest of us watched a screen showing how Mr L and the other volunteer were destroying the world. Mr L said he felt quite guilty after - said he was just following instructions. Hmmm that's what they all say.

We have done a huge amount of walking in Moscow - over 35 miles in three days so it was inevitable I would fall over. Those that know me well know this is a common occurrence. I was marching at the time so have no excuses. Thankfully no broken bones but a grazing and a nice bruise on my cheek. 

I should also mention that the whole time we have been here there have been the most amazing displays all over town celebrating the arrival of autumn and the colour of the trees changing. With little markets, stalls, displays, arches over walkways all decorated with flowers leaves and lights. Really beautiful and a huge amount of effort put in.

So today we check out of our first airbnb experience. It was clean, functional, great location and at  £97 for four days - I am not complaining, but luxury was never the plan for this trip and we certainly didn't get it. Tonight we board the Trans-Siberian Railway. We will be on the train for this first leg for 36 hrs so have booked first class. Will share that with you at our first stop Tyumen.