Blog about Urals

New Year for Russians is one of the most favourite and long-expected holidays. In contrast to Europe, in Russia New Year is celebrated wider than Christmas. All begins from New Year shopping, searching for gifts and foodstuffs for the celebration. Then, on the 31st of December families decorate a fir – New Year tree and prepare a holiday table. At midnight, when Moscow chiming clock notifies everyone that New Year has came Russians drink champagne, make wishes and congratulate each other.
This New Year we wanted to see the chiming clock live and decided to spend it in Moscow, on the Red Square. And as New Year holidays are 10 days, another good idea was to visit St. Petersburg after Moscow.
31st of December, Thursday
The flight was fine, except a small delay with a drop-off. We left the airport and went to our accommodation place. Prices for transport were surprisingly high. As we found out, services cost more than in our region, but foodstuffs – about the same.
After a small rest we went to the city center. We were notified in advance that the Red Square would be surrounded by a police. And this was true, we were checked for alcohol and weapon and passed. The square amazes her beauty and greatness and has the right to be regarded as a heart of Russia.
At midnight we heard chiming clock and saw a wonderful salute. People were happy and congratulated each other, fired bengal lights and even sang! We were taken by a common merriment. This way the year of tiger came to Russia.

The Red Square

People awaiting New Year

Moscow chiming clock

After the long walk we slowly went home, where our friends and a holiday table were waiting for us. This was very striking and memorable meeting with New Year.
1st of January, Friday
The next day after having a good sleep we set off for a walk again – this day the VDNKH Park (VDNKH is an abbreviation for exhibition of achievements in national economy) and the Ostankino Tower were planned. The VDNKH Park is a good place for a walk with beautiful buildings where different exhibitions are staged. There is the museum of astronautics nearby, but unfortunately it was closed that day.

The VDNKH Park

Another view of VDNKH

Sunny day in the park

Karelia's exhibition hall

Armenia's exhibition hall

After the park we lifted to the observation area of the Ostankino Tower to look at Moscow from 337 meters high. The area is indoors, but be aware that this excursion should be booked in advance on the site of the tower.
At the evening we went to Moscow beer restaurant with our friends to celebrate New Year (in Russia it can be celebrated as many times as it’s desired).

Stella under the museum of astronautics

The Ostankino Tower

Throw the window on the floor

2nd of January, Saturday
The third day in Moscow was conclusive, as at the evening we needed to go to St. Petersburg. We decided to walk over the center of Moscow and to see the famous Tretyakovskaya gallery. Lots of kilometers were went by foot this day, but we got nice photos.
That day we had wonderful impressions – the Tretyakovskaya gallery with more than 60 exhibition halls and the greatest artworks and winter Moscow – a huge city with the architectural diversity, filled by a spirit of celebration. And at the evening we got on the train, St. Petersburg was waiting us!

Near the Red Square

Vasily Blazhenny Cathedral

Kremlin wall

Luzhkov bridge

Tretyakovskaya gallery

bridge to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Moscow State University