Friday 16th September
Torrential
rain on the morning of Day 61 set the tone for what was to be a sombre start to
our stay in Moscow. For the 5th time on the trip so far we were
again breaking ranks from our fellow intrepid explorers and saying goodbye to
Isaac and Will. With their visas about to run out it was time for them to do
the sensible thing and bee-line for the border. But, like that persistent wasp
at a family picnic in mid-July, we knew we couldn’t shake them off that easily.
It would only be a matter of time before our paths converged once more. We then
headed off for a spot of sightseeing.
Red Square |
Making
our way around St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin we could only
gawp at the staggering display of colour, historical significance and majestic grandeur.
Our stroll around the city centre felt like the first proper stint of walking
since Mongolia. Being confined to the equivalent space of a portaloo for 4 days
had laid waste to our leg muscles. At points we were wondering around the city
aimlessly like uncertain toddlers. Tackling stairs, ramps and cobblestones was
now a battle against resuscitation.
Our
cowering and slightly broken demeanours paled in comparison to the macho
Caucasian Russian males who kept strutting past us. Tall, handsome and sporting
turtleneck jumpers that hide more love bites than mosquito speed dating, these
men are the pinnacle of existence. Couple that with the fact that many own
stunning supercars and you can see why Moscow is known as the billionaire
capital of the world. As we stared through the window at a stunning crimson red
Ferrari 458 we realised even one of its wing mirrors are probably worth more
than our humble Marigold.
As
the old saying goes, behind every great man there is also a great woman and
Moscow was no different. Equally impressive in their elegance, style and
fetching looks we all decided that when we’ve made our millions, Moscow is the
place to be.
Posted by: Rich