Recollection

Ok, so I’ve lost track of the days but here’s what I can compile from the last couple few.  I actually had to stay another night and day in Moscow, as my train bound for Stavropol was intended to pass through Ukraine.  This was a problem, however, as I do not have a visa for Ukraine and, more importantly, I do not have multiple-entry visa for Russia (it’s only a single-entry visa).  I immediately booked a different train that stayed in Russia.  It could have been a huge problem but it actually worked out great to stay in Moscow for another day.  I got to do a lot of things I wouldn’t have done otherwise, at least, not until the next time in Moscow. 

Don’t get me wrong, Red Square was one of the most amazing sights I’ve ever visited and I’d recommend it for anyone traveling to Moscow, but I think the convent at Novidevichy was one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.  Just a couple metro stops from Red Square, the convent was full of towering steeples washed in gold surrounded by cool green gardens.  I spent a good hour in a place that could be walked in two minutes.  It was a place unlike any other.  I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.  After reluctantly leaving the convent, I took a trip to the nearby cemetery where I saw numerous famous Russian poets, writers, comedians, politicians, etc.  Yelstin and Gorbachev’s wife were among the graves.  By this time, I was extremely tired from walking around so I decided to stop by a Georgian restaurant on the way to the metro.  It turned out to be an awesome decision.  I ate some Georgian Borsch along with…I honestly can’t remember the name but I have a picture of it…  Basically, it was a pita-like bread filled with goat cheese and butter. Not too bad.  In fact, the opposite of horrible. 

After the extra day in Moscow, I was ready to take the 32-hour train ride south to Stavropol.  I hopped on the metro bound for the train station.  What can I really say about Russian trains? Not too bad.  What can I really say about Russian toilets?  Nothing that hasn’t already been said about Afghanistan.  The Russian train was a decent experience.  I had my own bed and area and that was good enough for me.  The time flew by and I ended up meeting my cabin mates from Syria.  My Russian language skills are pretty horrible but it was nice to be able to speak to someone on the train.  It was somewhat of a bizarre experience, speaking Arabic on a Russian train.  I guess all that Morocco B.S. was worth something…Bottom line, I’m mildly impressed with Russian trains, and hey, they’re right on time!

That’s all for now.  I’ve already arrived in Stavropol and moved into my flat.  So far everything looks great but it’s too early to tell.  All I can tell you is that my apartment is much nicer than I thought it would be and I have a crystal clear view of a new gold-tipped Russian church outside my window.  Word. Remember, the president could beat your ass with mad judo techniques.