Moscow Kremlin

This morning was not unlike the mornings we had the past few days. We had classes where we went over the story we had to read for homework called "The Stationmaster", we practiced speaking Russian, and we learned a few traditional folk songs.

In the afternoon three of us met up at the metro with our tour guide to go to the Moscow Kremlin (Московский Кремль). It was a wonderful albeit very long (approximately 3 hours long) tour in which we visited the Assumption Cathedral ( Успенский Собор), the Annunciation Cathedral (Благовещенский Собор ), The Archangel's Cathedral (Архангельский Собор), the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe (Церковь Ризположения ), and the Armoury Chamber (Оружейная палата). We saw the Ivan the Great Bell-Tower Complex (Ансамбль Колокольни Ивана Великого) and the Tsar Bell (Царь-колокол)- a symbol of Russian bell founding from the 18th century.

The cathedrals all have beautiful paintings and exquisite iconostases that are made up of panels depicting Jesus as king, Mary, the Apostles, and the Old Testament prophets.

The Armoury Chamber was extraordinary. It contained a variety of things including outfits, carriages, armory, and china/silverware. The extravagance of all of these (unfortunately we were not allowed to photograph them!) is mind boggling.

Having done a report on the importance of bells in Russian History I, personally, enjoyed seeing the Tsar Bell in person. The size is impressive.