Have I mentioned that the weather here has been perfect? Highs in the low 70s, sunny and gorgeous. The difference in the whole atmosphere in the city and the experience as a tourist between last time I was here and now is huge. We've mostly been to the places where I went when I was here last time -- there is plenty more to see in Moscow, but I wanted to make sure that my mother hits all the most important sites too, and I didn't mind seeing everything all over again.
The big park around the Kremlin, where the eternal flame is, and the changing of the guards etc. -- in March, we hurriedly scurried about, pausing only to snap a few pictures, but constantly thinking about how we could minimize our time outdoors and getting out of the elements. Now, that place is a lush gorgeous park, beautifully landscaped and filled with a rainbow of flowers. People were sitting on the grass -- picnicking, or just relaxing, taking in the sites, and enjoying the green oasis in the middle of Moscow.
We also went to Arbat street -- a famous pedestrian only street in Moscow where the artists and progressive thinkers lived back in the day -- the street is lined by gorgeous mansions in pastel colors, artists painting and peddling their wares on the street -- reminiscent of maybe Paris. Well, last time, Laura and I pretty much ran down the street it was so cold -- there was hardly anyone else around, and only the toughest of artists selling paintings. -- In contrast, yesterday the street was teeming with people, tourists, locals. All the restaurants had outdoor seating, people having coffee, dinner. Tons of portrait artists, painters etc. selling stuff on the street. We even came upon a string quintet of young musicians playing beautifully... It was a very old Europe type feel and experience.
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