Museums in Moscow?

[unsure]

... 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)

[BURKE89]

... 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

[Jack]

... 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.

[Streetwise]

... 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?)    

[BURKE89]

... 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

[Streetwise]

... 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'

[BURKE89]

... 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

[DJRandy]

... 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

[Streetwise]

... 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).

[Oscar]

... 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