Red Snow

Compared to the horrible day we went through on Thursday, I think the universe decided to pay us back ten fold by giving us the day we had yesterday. However, I feel that trying to put words to the feelings, sights and experiences we had would not be quite near enough to explain the reality of them.

We played tourist-tourist and found our way to Red Square. From the moment you step out of the Metro, you get a feeling of excitement and expectation because the environment suggests that something good is about to happen. The place is sign posted wonderfully (English too!) so there is no way you can get lost which is good for people who have a tendency to do so. Kitted out with Dean's awesome camera, my tourist handbook as well as our loud, South African accents there was no explanation needed as to what we were doing there.

Grabbing a coffee on the way, we made our way down the beautifully decorated streets to find the much-spoken of Red Square. The decoration hanging from the lamp posts looked like animals folded out of origami and the buildings look like they just happened out of magic because it is so difficult to think about people painstakingly spending hours on creating the detail they entail.

We walked past the world famous GUM shopping center which showed off all sorts of shops such as Gucci and Loui Vutton- very impressive and pretty to look at, we didn't venture into those shops to find out the prices of things though. Then finally, at the end of the cobblestone road stuck out the first of the red buildings followed by another and another...

 There was a vast open space where there were just people walking around and many tourists taking photos. There was also a special Sochi Ice Rink which played music to set the scene. Tall buildings surrounded the square, including the spot where Lenin's mausoleum is, and then there was St Basil's Cathedral.

St Basil's Cathedral marks the geometric center of Moscow and is shaped like a bonfire flame. The little shapes are referred to as onions. The most striking thing for me about this museum were the bright colours and details on every surface you look. A lot of the buildings in Moscow are grey or brown, and while are beautiful, it was strange to see something like Red Square and St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. The colours continue even inside the building. There isn't a flat roof, the roof has different layers and every single bump or ledge has stunning hand painted detail and colour on it.

I would have bought the whole souvenir shop if I could have in an attempt to show my loved ones how amazing this spot is or even to grasp on to this beauty when I'm no longer a Metro ride away from it. I'll have to go back.

As if we were in a film, as we walked out of the Cathedral, it began to snow which added to the magic of this experience.

There were also people taking wedding pictures there and then more people taking wedding pictures in the GUM shopping center. We could not really figure out if it was a photo shoot or if all Russian women are really that beautiful. 

We went to the shopping center for viewing reasons and came across some of the Winter Olympics Mascots. This bear was the best. He rubbed his tummy which had us giggling all day whenever we thought about it. They were also selling Olympics memoirs and I found myself wondering if I was ever going to be able to save money with all the gifts I want to buy for people back home. In case I don't, please remember it's the thought that counts and I was thinking of my brothers when I was there :) 

We had lunch and then dispersed to clients for another hard day's work. If only everyone could live this way.