So arrived in this city just after midnight, fortunately the hotel was just across the road, and after a 14 hr train journey, as fantastic as it was, I needed my bed! Ah crap let’s just grab a quick beer, 4 beers later I found that bed; alone, despite the offers of company from a couple of the local ladies, as stunning as they were I had to say thanks but “not tonight Josephine”
Am interesting city, home of the legendary Boris, Yeltsin that is not Johnson,
Wasn’t enamoured with the Church of the Blood, erected in the area where the Romanov family were dealt with, I got the impression that attempts were being made to re-write history, making Nicholas and his family out to be saints, when history tells us that he was weak, led by his wife, who in turn was guided by her confidante Rasputin. The last of the Romanovs were cruel and heartless towards the people of Russia, ( though I am sure other history books will say differently).
Driving out of the city to the line where Europe and Asia collide a visit was made to a remarkable area known as The “Memorial Complex for the Victims of Political Repression“. The “Masks of Sorrow”. One facing East one facing West. breathtaking in their design; it was also moving to walk amongst surviving relatives of those who disappeared to one of Stalin’s labour camps, placing their floral tributes, or just silent in prayer.
Just further on the clashing of two continents some cool stuff along the way
East is east and west is west and never the Twain shall meet. I disagree! Now normally I’m not the one for doing cheesey touristy photographs, but peer pressure from my fellow travellers put me on the spot!!
And so ends a memorable train journey through just a small part of this beautiful country. The architecture, the people the abundance of places serving fantastic food, great beer and great vodka. I 💖 Russia