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Hey all,
Prior to going to Kazan in mid-December, I'd planned to spend 2-3 days in Moscow. I've pen-pals associated with family friends to "help" me. These relationships were acquired, if anyone cares, through pre-'91(Congressman Cox's father) American Pravda. God... I'm boring myself. I'd planned to see the military museums, amongest others and the basic "tourist" elements of the city in short order.

Question:

What should I absolutely not miss in Moscow?

You've all been so kind in my other queries on: folded money and my dogs, so I fiquired a plethora of great advice could be possible on this one. I wouldn't expect it on Kazan so...  

Thanks,

Vaughn

... in response to Museums in Moscow?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 14, 2002

The Amory at the Kremlin.

... in response to Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by davet on Sep 14, 2002

While at the Kremlin...try and see the "Gold Fund" treasury.

Moscow has many museums, there is something for every intrest...and for something very different visit the technical museum and see things from the Soviet era..Puskin museum has a good art exhibit.
 Try a bus escursion in English, in a few hours you will see the sites of the city...all the landmarks.
If you can try and see the Russian circus if it is in town, well worth the price of the tickets...and for some culture, see what is playing at the Bolshoi, tickets are easy to get if you plan ahead. At the kolomenskoe metro station there is the queen's palace.
 
 Do not forget, Moscow is a huge city...with a Moscovite guide you will see much more than the tourists.

... in response to Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by Apk1 on Sep 14, 2002

How can I get tickets for a show at the Bolshoi in 3 weeks??

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by petem on Sep 15, 2002

thanks to all, I will be there for 15 days but my rw wants to see it the first weekend and only weekend she will be there, I'll let you know how it works out.
I have seen a few operas, Kennedy Center and Vienna, but this will be ballet

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by petem on Sep 15, 2002

This web site will give you a look at what is playing:
www.bolshoi.ru/announces_eng.shtml

One my first visit to Moscow, my girl (now wife) bought us tickets to see the Italian Opera "La Boheim" at the Boshoi. Tickets cost "her" $15.00 each, we saw them being scalped out front for $50.00 each. Our seats were on the 1st balcony level(next to the Czar's box) almost dead center and along the rail..perfect view!
 My problem I had with the Bolshoi is that they keep the temperature a little high for my taste,and I almost fell asleep!

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by petem on Sep 15, 2002

A lot of tickets are scalped in front of the Bolshoi on the evening of the performance.  Whether they end up being real tickets is anybody's guess.

We were in Moscow in March.  The schedule of performances in outlined on the Bolshoi web page, the same general web site a fellow poster suggested going to for direct ticket sales from the Bolshoi.

It was my understanding that the best tickets are taken early by the various hotels and ticket agencies.  Those remaining are in the upper decks.

We got tickets at the hotel (Ukraina -- Intourist service) -- definitely no great deal but how many times do you get to see the Bolshoi?  We saw Sleeping Beauty -- outstanding.  The seats were on the main floor in an elevated area at the side - 1st row.  Excellent view -- $100 a seat.  Got the tickets 2 days before the performance.  The seats were all filled by show time -- and plenty of scalpers out front with tickets -- supposedly good.

The leg room (I'm 6'3") was fine.  Seats in the various balconies (I think there are about 4 or 5 levels of balconies) were supposedly cramped and the view may not have been as good.  Seating on the main floor is a bit flat so you may be trying to look around someone's head in front of you.

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by petem on Sep 15, 2002

I sent an email request directly to the Bolshoi box office and got a fast response with reservations, and the tickets were ready when I arrived.  The email address to make this request is: sales@bolshoi.ru

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by petem on Sep 15, 2002

Petem, no problem. My Moscow manager can get these tickets for you. Feel free to e-mail me.

... in response to Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by davet on Sep 14, 2002

That's for sure.  Definitely do not miss the Armory. It's awesome.  If I remember correctly, my RW companion bought tickets at a kiosk.  (Caution.  The ticket seller heard me whisper one word of english to RW, and the price immediately went up.)  

Also, be sure to check for day of week when museums are closed. I travelled to Pushkin twice because I went there on the wrong day.  

And a great place for upscale dining in classic setting is the Pushkin Cafe, about 50USD for two.  Sorry I don't know the address, but it's two blocks from East-West Hotel where I stayed, and about five blocks from the Moscow Ballet theater.   Have a great trip.  RW and I certainly did. --  Burt

... in response to Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by Burt on Sep 14, 2002

Expect to pay the higher "foreign" ticket prices.  Avoid the possible hassle of the gate guard or someone else in the system picking up on the fact that you are not a native.  It doubles the ticket price but the price is reasonable anyway after you travel half way around the world.

... in response to Re: Re: Museums in Moscow?, posted by Burt on Sep 14, 2002

I forget--is the Armory the general museum or the gem collection?  We have visited both (they are side-by-side) and they are both worth doing.

There are different prices for foreigners and Russians. My wife didnt think it would be easy to slip me past the guard with the lower price ticket, so we paid the full fare--which is still not that bad (maybe $8-12?)

Visiting does help put the New World in perspective--the holdings include a good deal of ecclesiastical things from the 14th century.

Enjoy...

... in response to The Armory, posted by SteveM on Sep 14, 2002

Kudos guys,
Why is it called "The Armory"? Does it have a large militaria section? Is there a museum(s) that have only military collections?
Regards,Vaughn

... in response to Re: The Armory, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 14, 2002

It has swords, guns, suits of armor, etc.  Also a collection of silver, crowns, thrones, exquisite carriages.  Here's a photo:

http://uk.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/anon_john/vwp?.dir=/My+Photo+Album/Russia/Moscow&.dnm=Armor+Room+at+the+Kremlin.jpg&.src=bc&.view=l&.done=http%3a//uk.briefcase.yahoo.com/bc/anon_john/lst%3f%26.dir=/My%2bPhoto%2bAlbum/Russia/Moscow%26.src=bc%26.view=l

John

... in response to Re: Re: The Armory, posted by oldbutspry on Sep 15, 2002

John,
Thanks for the pics. The Armory sounds like a must for the histoy buff. BTW, you appear rather spry indeed for an 80 year old. Is it diet or in the family genes?
Thanks again,
Vaughn

... in response to Re: Re: Re: The Armory, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 15, 2002

In the genes - I'm only the latest person in the family tree to lose count of my birthdays after I ran out of fingers and toes....

And this username I use from home is even more misleading.  Guess I wasn't really thinking ahead very well (happens when you get older).

Talk to you later,

John (oldbutspry)

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: The Armory, posted by unsure on Sep 16, 2002

Oldbutspry/Unsure, (yeah right...)

I see how you Britts, who have infiltrated our hallowed military installations, act in these times. I know your type, counting various bodily appendages, calculating and formenting another 1812. Can't fool me (mate)...

Self-effacing humor is so grand...  BTW, you and your gal look great together. Good luck to you both.

Yack at ya,

Vaughn

... in response to Re: Re: Re: The Armory, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 15, 2002

Inside the Kremlin you will see this very large, ornamental, cannon. It was the largest cannon in the world at the turn of the 20th century (I have a photo of this cannon on my website).

Funny story about this cannon that was kept secret for many years. The cannon balls made for the cannon were two big to fit into the cannon! The cannon has never been fired but it sure scared a bunch of potential enemies during the 19th century.

... in response to Museums in Moscow?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 14, 2002

Hi! I was interested to learn that you plan a trip to Kazan in December; because I have visited Samara (about 300 miles down the Volga from Kazan) also in winter. To me this is the real Russia (away from the comforts and pleasantries of Moscow and St Petersburg city centres). I was apprehensive of standing out as probably one of VERY few westerners around, and there were one or two characters I didn't like the look of; the second hotel I used (in the centre) had a resident armed guard in the lobby -I moved out of the first one, which had a bar, restaurant and cabaret, after the first night because it was a bit remote, (and it was bitter cold with snowstorms outside) but that was a mistake. The main street reminded me of High Noon. I went to a disco (probably the only one) and the atmosphere was tense to say the least. But the person I visited (and her friends) could not have been friendlier! We went to the local supermarket to buy things to make dinner that evening (for the four of us) and I had a real battle to have them let me pay for anything. Yes, there are some shady characters and the usual element of young rowdies but the typical person in the street (when you get past the cultural/linguistic barrier)is friendly, good hearted and sincere.  

Interesting to see the number of people using cross-country skis on the pavement (which was buried in snow). I hope you'll share your impressions of Kazan (or maybe you have been there already?)    

... in response to Kazan, posted by Streetwise on Sep 14, 2002

Hello,
Are you kidding me, skis on the sidewalk? Holy s... I'm a bit naive, with regard to extreme cold but I had no idea. Please tell me more. I don't even own Winter clothing, I figured I would purchase the essentials when I arrived. I did'nt want to look like an L.L. Bean catalogue.

I haven't been to Kazan before nor Russia for that matter. I just decided to pick a region that was less cosmopolitan and saturated with Western suitors. I had the best rapport with the gal there, so Kazan it is. Now I'm studying more about the region. From the little I've read it appears fascinating; the relationship between the Russians and Tatars and the large percentages of Muslims in the region. There are more Mosques than Churches in Kazan. My #1 is Russian and Christian, but one of my back-ups is Tatar. She isn't Muslim, however. I'm one anxious guy for this adventure. Thanks, for the interesting information.

Regards,

Vaughn

... in response to Re: Cross-country skis on the pavement!!..., posted by BURKE89 on Sep 14, 2002

Hi!

The skiers were not in the centre, but I saw a lot of them on the roads in and out of town. Saw a few sledges too, I think mums were using them as prams for the young kids. I was in Samara in early January, and there was plenty of snow around; it's not like Siberia, but average Jan temp for the region is -15C so I expect Dec could drop below freezing also.

I have a notion that Kazan is a more attractive place than Samara. Have you checked out www.kcn.ru yet? Definitely pack for cold weather, and I recommend a hat (back home nobody wears 'em but in Russia EVERONE wears them in winter, with good reason). Also make sure your shoes are ok on icy surfaces(I had smooth soles and it was a nightmare to walk anywhere). Also suggest decent toilet tissue and bottled water, at least to keep you going till you find a place to buy it there.

Is this your first trip to FSU, or just to Russia? I presume you know the basics (agree taxi fares in advance, be wary of sell-by dates in supermarkets, keep your valuable items close by and secure always, etc).
I flew with Lufthansa from Frankfurt direct to Samara, and the same flight continues to Kazan also (you don't have to use unreliable local airlines).

Maybe the weather will hold up, but cover your bases anyway! Have a great trip and good huntin'

... in response to Re: Kazan in winter (if it's like Samara..., posted by Streetwise on Sep 15, 2002

Hello,
This will be first trip, outside of my own hemisphere (actually second, I did venture to South Afica in 1990). So the only basics I know, are what I've learned here. I've seen the kcn.ru site and found it helpful, or at least informative. The Lufthansa option won't work for me, however. Due to the fact I'll be staying in Moscow for a couple of days, prior to going to Kazan. Thanks for the other tips, especially on shoes. I can just imagine myself, sliping and sliding in my old DM's. Do you recommend purchasing: a heavy coat, gloves and hat prior to departure? I figured, if I purchased them there, I would blend in better and it might be more economical as well.
Regards,
Vaughn

... in response to Re: Re: Kazan in winter (if it's like Sa..., posted by BURKE89 on Sep 15, 2002

I was in Togliatti (about an hour from Samara) last year in October. I had planned for cold weather, just not EXTREMELY COLD weather. Once there I did some shopping and got a great winter coat for about $75. Here, it would've been $150-200. Plus, shopping with Vicca (my fiancee) was lots of fun!

Good luck!

Randy

... in response to Re: Re: Kazan in winter (if it's like Sa..., posted by BURKE89 on Sep 15, 2002

If you want to blend in, yes buy them there (in Moscow, not Kazan; the weather will be similar and there are more stores, plus you will be able to get one of those traditional Russian hats which will double as a souvenir!) And you'll be travelling lighter to Moscow. Did you say that you have people meeting you in both places (confirmed) and accommodation etc? Be sure you have hotel contact details before leaving for Kazan, just in case there are any hitches with your meeting when you arrive. Don't leave anything to chance and I'm sure you'll have a great and fascinating trip.    

I don't know how you plan to reach Kazan; if it's by train, maybe someone else on the board can advise (I never tried it). But if you fly, leave a good gap fr your connection back to the States (I'm sure there are plenty of flights on this route, but domestic flight timetables are prone to sudden changes, cancellations etc, as I have found).

... in response to Museums in Moscow?, posted by BURKE89 on Sep 14, 2002

I would see the Pushkin Museum..  Just don't plan to go downstairs to use the toilets... none of them have toilet seats or paper last time I was there! LOL!

Oscar