HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! This year we decided to count down the minutes to 2016 in Moscow. Moscow is truly an amazing city. Our hotel (JW MARRIOT COURTYARD HOTEL) was right in the center of everything and walking distance to anywhere.
When in Russia, here are some places to visit. Red Square is a big stone tiled square that hold the most of Russia's ancient treasures. Inside this bustling square the life bounces off the walls. Getting ready for the New Year's and Russian Christmas (Jan. 5th) there was a big Christmas Fair and ice skating rink. While in Red Square take the option for sightseeing. In this square you can see the Kremlin with the Diamond and Armory Exhibits (which detail Russia's Royal Families lives) with a dozen of original churches carrying the bodies of past royalty. You can see Lehneh's preserved body. To stand in the presence of the man who brought Russia together and to actually see the way he looked, was really impressive. The way they preserved the body to make it look like he is still here with us and he was actually real. His political reign was over decades ago and he looked so alive. Close next door, is the St. Basel beautifully restored and decorated to perfection.
The GUM (or GYM in Russian) is a mall located in the red square where the huge old-victorian aged architecture provided warmth in the cold. Inside are multiple restaurants which look over the red square.
Let's talk about food. I know that's a favorite when it comes to holidays. Cafe Pushkin, Ugolek, Chez Mama were some of the amazing restaurants we tried. Cafe Pushkin , most likely the fanciest restaurant in Russia is where we spent my birthday. With beautiful decor, and amazing food the restaurant serves top knot quality in everything. Ugolek, a restaurant opened by a hip new chef, in walking distance of our hotel is where we spent our first night in Russia. The food there was AMAZING and is one restaurant I highly recommend trying out in Moscow. Chez Mama is where we spent New Year's due to red square being closed for crowd control. This small little french boutique is sure a spot of the locals and serves good small french meals.
One thing you must do on your week away to Moscow is stop at every metro stop in the city. Each metro station is beautifully unique with amazing art work hanging from each wall. Unfortunately, do to a city-wide renovation project it is coming down so go while you still can. The biggest highlight of the trip was not only spending New Years in a new city but stopping at every metro station and learning about the history behind every tile. Guide Services will be listed down below ( Our guide was really good, name will remain unmentioned for security purposes)
FUR FUR FUR, is a must when it comes to Russia, being there in the bitter cold we envied the tall Russian like models ( who was basically everybody) for their amazing furs. Spend a little time wondering around Russia's many modern shopping streets and treat your self.
When in Russia, have an amazing time.