Last day in Moscow

So long, Moscow!

We have officially departed and are en route back to the States. And what a great feeling to be heading home!

But, first, let me catch you up on what we did recently...

After picking up Macy's visa on Tuesday, we had nothing but time to kill until our flight on Thursday.  Our top priority was to burn off some of her bottled-up energy, so we decided to head out and do some touring.

Wednesday, we spent the majority of the day at the Kremlin.  It's just a short walk from our apartment, and with so much to do and see there, it seemed like the perfect fit.  

One of the things on the top of my list was to see Lenin, as he lies in state and has done so for 70+ years.   There is so much controversy surrounding his body.  Is he real, or a wax figure? Should he finally be interred, or should the government spend millions of dollars each year to maintain his preservation?  Regardless of the answer to these questions, I just had to see for myself, and I am glad that I did.  After all, how often do you get to get that close to the person who brought communism to be known as it is today?  

The whole process took approximately 45 minutes start to finish.  The vast majority of the time was the wait in line.  The guards allowed large groups of 40 to 50 people to approach the tomb at a time.  Before even getting close, you were ushered through a metal detector and made sure that you had no cameras, video equipment, or recording devices of any kind.  From there, you walked along the Kremlin wall where there are many Russian dignitaries buried, Joseph Stalin included.  Then, you walk into the front door of the tomb and are greeted (I use that term lightly) by many Russian soldiers who are there to make sure you keep moving, appear reverent, and maintain order.  Talking is not allowed once inside.   There is very little light, and there is quite a chill in the air. 

You descend a flight of stairs into the crypt and are led around the glass sarcophagus where the Father of Communisim lies, delicately preserved.  A truly amazing site.  Any suspicions that I had about him being fake were immediately eliminated.  I was convinced that it was in fact Lenin just five feet from me.  His details were very convincing.  

Before you know it, you were ascending back up to street level where you exited and walked along the other side of the Kremlin wall where more Comrades are buried, and then out to Red Square where the tour ended.

I'm not sure how much longer people will be able to experience this, but I am glad I took the time to do so.  Next on the list?  The Kremlin.

We purchased our tickets to enter, and walked in through the Amoury Gate.  Once inside, we toured many of the cathedrals, as well as a museum with many Russian artifacts.  What I found most interesting is that the Kremlin is working government structure.  Russian leaders, and foreign dignitaries are conducting business within a stone's throw from where we were walking.  Who knows, even President Medvedev or Putin may have been looking out a window as we passed.  Security was tight, but nothing like I would have expected.  

We had had enough history for the day, and it was way past Macy's lunchtime, so we left the high walls of the symbol Socialism for the symbol of the Capitalism...McDonald's. After our Happy Meal, it was a short stroller ride back to our apartment which Macy used to take a quick nap.  Mission accomplished. We finally wore her out!

Today, we caught our flight home, and in just 15 short hours (hahaha) we will be home to give Max and big hug, relieve Grandma and Grandpa of their duties and introduce Max and Macy for the first time.  We know that he is excited to meet her, but wonder just how long that will last. We are taking bets on when the first time Max says "Mom!  Macy hit me!" or "tell Macy to stop taking my stuff."  My guess is before there are fireworks in the sky, there will be fireworks in our house!  

I also wanted to extend a huge "thank you" to everyone who has so graciously supported us along the way.  Your kind words and encouragement were very much appreciated and we always looked forward to hearing from each of you as we posted our daily adventures.  We are very fortunate to have such great family and friends!