Midnight in Moscow, Noontime in L. O. Part II

You are reading Part II in the Midnight in Moscow post. Click here to read Part I.

Lamentably, after a jam-packed splendid week, our stay in St. Petersburg ended, and the 446-mile journey to Moscow began.

A Countryside Like No Other

As the frozen highway took us south into the countryside, our guide explained the novel custom of house exterior design. Only the fronts are painted a bright color, and the other three sides are left plain for economy. The yellow ochre shade of the houses warmed the chill in the air.

Next Stop, Novgorod

The first stop was overnight in the ancient city of Novgorod, known as the cradle of Russian statehood. The earliest mention of Novgorod was in 859. Over the centuries, the city flourished to become a major trade route to Greece and other countries. The Greek Orthodox St. Sophia church is a highlight here, as we take pictures and wander the grounds.

Tchaikovsky’s Home

Settling into our cozy bus seats the following morning, the scenery along the way was another Dr. Zhivago-like wonder: white fiercely-blowing snow and bitter cold surrounded us.

Soon the bus stopped in the picturesque city of Klin, the home of the Nutcracker composer Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky. He was the first Russian composer whose music made a lasting impression internationally. In his later years, Tchaikovsky wrote to his friend, “These days I dream of settling in a village not far from Moscow. I can’t wander any longer, and I am anxious to come and stay at a place where I can feel at home.” It is easy to see why he felt this way.

Destination Moscow

After an overnight stay in Tver and a few more hours on the bus the next day, we finally arrived in Moscow at the Hotel Rossiya, the last week in November.

The next several days were packed with events: a Russian circus performance, the Swan Lake Ballet at the Bolshoi, Russian cafes and pastries and Russian chocolates, enjoying times with new friends, nightly walks in Red Square, a visit to Lenin’s tomb, a city bus ride to view the Presidium (the center of the government), more museums, most notably the Pushkin, and of course, it was the right time of year for what else? The Nutcracker!

Magic Moments

 

During the course of our days with others on the tour, we met three fellow travelers who were similarly adventurous. Thanksgiving evening arrived. The five of us set out to have the time of our lives on a holiday away from home in a foreign country with a very foreign language, but it would turn out to be an evening of lasting and cherished memories.

First stop, the Moscow underground subway. It was a clear and cold night boasting a brilliantly glowing full moon as our guide. We all headed to the Winter Palace establishment, excited for what was to come. As we entered the crowded and noisy nightclub, Johnny B. Goode was blasting from the bandstand. Next came Love Me Tender and Blueberry Hill. Followed by Peggy Sue, Rock Around the Clock, and Magic Moments. The Perry Como song said it all!

Cultural Exchanges

After a dinner of Chicken Kiev, caviar, and champagne, the dancing resumed and after a while we began chatting with a young couple on the dance floor, Andre and his girlfriend Sonja. Now mind you we knew only a handful of Russian words, but they knew a little more English, and we enjoyed our conversation. Andre extended an invitation to his home the following day and we happily accepted. Soon the music and Thanksgiving evening ended. We found our way back to the subway to our welcoming rooms at the Hotel Rossiya.

A Gracious Host in a Russian Home

The next day, a taxi arrived promptly at noon, and we gave the driver Andre’s address for our first visit to a Russian home. Andre was a gracious host as he gave us a tour of the modest apartment he shared with his brother and parents. We leisurely drank tea and enjoyed our unforgettable hours here. Late afternoon came too quickly. The taxi ride home was quiet as both Dave and I reflected on our good fortune. Over the past 35 years, I have often wondered if Andre and Sonja remember us too. I hope so.

A Fond Farewell

The journey from Moscow back to St. Petersburg on that rumbling, stifling hot train was memorable too, but that story will have to be for another time, perhaps in Part III!

Every journey brings inspiration for my painting in many ways. Red Square on Thanksgiving was no exception. Artistic license, imagination, and photographs helped in my depiction of  a Russian adventure to last a lifetime.

Thanksgiving blessings to  you and those you love.