Author: phebebay

Six easy steps to book Russian Railways tickets online
Our first time purchasing a ticket from the English Russian Railways site was quite a hassle. While the website was in English, we did not understand how the booking system worked. We did not know what was a car plan and how to go about selecting seats. (We spent 15 minutes trying to get the system to approve our passport numbers.)

But we persevered because a purchase online excluded travel agency commission fees, allowing us savings of about USD160 (SGD200). On my second try while writing this tutorial, it’s certainly much easier and definitely worth a try. Just arm yourself with some patience, a Google translate page and most importantly, this blog post.

Google translate is useful for keying in destinations in Russia which English names do not pop up on the destination selection page. That being said, most key destinations are covered in the English search field.

Do take note that the e-ticket is not a confirmed train ticket. You will have to bring your passport and e-ticket to the train station in advance to exchange it for a confirmed ticket. Be at the train station at least an hour before departure.

Six easy steps to book Russian Railways tickets online

Step 1: Set up an account with the Russian Railways

You will need an account with Russian Railways to purchase tickets. This step is pretty straightforward.

Step 2: Login and proceed to check the train schedules. Select the train number with the departure and arrival timings that are agreeable with you.

You will see a list similar to the screenshot below. It gives you the train departure and arrival timings, as well as the number of seats and berth costs. To learn more on the various types of train classes, pricing and pictures, click here: Trans Siberian Tickets and Pricing

Here’s what the description on the site refers to:
- Reserved Seat – 3rd Class
- Compartment – 2nd Class
- Luxury – 1st Class
Listing of train details

Select the type of train based on the available timings/ seats available and click continue.

Step 3: Select the car number if you are agreeable with the car plan

Select the car number. Usually you will have only one choice.

There is usually only one choice of train car available. Remember to check the car plan (see screenshot above). When making a booking closer to the date of departure, it is common for the lower berth seats to be taken up completely. See if that is agreeable with you before moving on to the next step.

When you click on Car Plan (Right hand side link in red), a window opens up showing you the berth seats in the car. In this case above, the seats in grey have already been taken up, only leaving seats in white – 7 upper berth spaces available.

Step 4: Enter Passenger Details and seat preference

Click Continue and you will be brought to the page below:

Entering Passenger details

On the top of the page, you will see a section, “Limit of seats/berths”

This is akin to a seat preference indicator, in which you can provide a range of seats you wouldn’t mind taking up. Pull out the car plan once again to view the seat availability.

In this case, Upper berth seats of 20, 22 and 24 are available in white, so are 30, 32, 34 and 36. I do not like seats near the ends of the train car due to its proximity to the toilet and whiffs of cigarette smoke, hence I have indicated my preference for 20, 22 and 24. Simply click 20 and 24 on the small window, or you can type in the numbers (smallest in the first field, and biggest in the second).

If all lower berths are fully booked, the Upper/ Lower berth preference is “Irrelevant”.

Indicate your preference for seats by giving a range

Entering of passenger details is pretty straight forward. Though for Singaporeans take note – when entering your passport number under the field “Doc number”, click on the category “Foreign Document” as oppose to “International Passport” in the “Document type” field (see below). You will not be able to proceed if your passport number and characters do not match the requirements of each category.

Step 5: Check your order

The berth assigned to you will be indicated in this page. Check if all details are correct eg. Journey timings, name, passport number, seat number and price. (See red boxes)

Step 6: Make payment

This step is very straight froward. Just like making any other payments online, key in your credit card details. Visa and Mastercard are accepted.

Should you need to make any changes, you can press the back button on your browser. For Steps 2 -5, a “Back” option is available next to the “Confirm” button on the bottom left hand side of the page.

Good luck! Feel free to reach out should you have any questions.
January 7, 2014
Trans Siberian Tickets and Pricing

Trans Siberian – the Westbound journey from Beijing to Moscow

I’m writing this post based on our personal experience on the westbound Trans Siberian trip (Beijing – Moscow) we made in Oct 2013.

The price of Trans Siberian railway tickets vary base on the train class you select and the source you get the tickets from. A simple way of looking at it would be that you pay for what you get. The comfort level of the train ride is correlated to its price.

Be clear on the budget and the comfort level you need as that would certainly help you make a decision.

1. Source of tickets

Chinese train tickets – for Westbound trains (for example, from Beijing to Moscow or Beijing to Ulan Bator or Beijing to Irkutsk)

A key point to note that making a booking online negates the tour agency fee and can contribute to huge savings. Unfortunately, based on the time of this post, it is not possible to make train bookings outside China. Hence if you could get a friend to do it for you at any major train station in China, you’re in luck.

Alternatively, you can work with a Chinese tour agency such as the China International Travel Service (CITES) to make the ticket bookings. The commission fee is much lower than compared if you were to make a booking with a Russia – based tour agency like Real Russia. This was our experience and the quote was USD79 (SGD100) more when we compared prices.

If don’t mind taking the risk, come to Beijing four days earlier prior to the date where the train departs. The train, K3 which departs every Wednesday was pretty empty when we did the booking.

Breaking up the journey into separate leagues may add to the cost too, especially if you are booking via a travel agency.

—-

Russian train tickets – For trains within Russia, and to Europe (for example, Irkutsk to Moscow)

Russian train tickets can be bought online with an international credit card – http://pass.rzd.ru/ticket/logon/ru

There is a language option in English, although it is may not be as comprehensive as the site in Russian. Nonetheless, with Google translate as a nifty tool, you should be able to make a booking with minimal fuss.

Watch this space for my next post on how to make a booking online with the Russian Railways.

* * *

2. Picking out Train Classes

Polished wooden doors of the first class cabin

First class – a compartment with just two berths. You might get complimentary meals too. There is also a table in the Chinese train for you to pull out a laptop and type away.

A peek into the first class cabin. There’s basically two berths in each cabin, and a sofa like thing on the right (not shown in the pic).

Lower berth of the Trans Siberian 2nd class cabin – I’m pretty short so there’s lots of room to stretch my legs

The second class cabin from the outside.

Second class – a compartment with four berths. On the Chinese train, you get complimentary meals on the Chinese league of the trip. We took this for the Beijing – Mongolia – Irkutsk league of the trip and it was very comfortable. There was enough leg room to sleep, and lots of privacy – the adjacent bunks were not filled apart from the Er Lian – Ulan Bator league of the train ride.

Third (Plazkart) class seats on a Russian train

Aisle of the Third class cabin – It can get pretty squeezy!

The four berths in the third class cabin of a Russian train

Third class – it’s an open concept and there is no door that divides the four berths. The berths are also smaller and there is a lot less leg room.

Tip* – If you are travelling as a couple, try to get at least one lower berth. This allows you the flexibility of resting on the seats during the day, instead of having to get cooped up on the upper berth all day long. Especially for third class berths, it can get rather restrictive.

From our experience, there is no difference in the structure of the toilets between the first, second and third classes. Only that the ones in the first class tend to be cleaner.

* * *

Trans Siberian Tickets and Pricing

1. Beijing to Irkutsk

We made the booking Real Russia and it cost ~USD472 (SGD600) per person for a second class cabin.

We later found out that the China International Travel Service (CITES) quote was USD368 (SGD466), an overwhelming USD104 (SGD134) cheaper than Real Russia!

Therefore, our conclusion is it would be better to make a booking from the country you board the train from.

2. Irkutsk to Moscow

We made the booking over the Russian Railways online site and it cost USD124 (SGD157) for a third class cabin.

For more comprehensive information on the railway classes and travel agencies that offer Trans Siberian tickets, visit: http://www.seat61.com/Trans-Siberian.htm#.UmZrkXBkPh4

Watch this space for my upcoming post on how to book railway tickets online, on ‘Six easy steps to book Russian Railways tickets online‘.

January 5, 2014
Moscow’s State Historical Museum in Photos

Moscow’s State Historical Museum in Photos

Take a walk to the Red Square and you will notice a stately dark red building, which looks like a castle among the other fairytale-like monuments around. It’s none other than Moscow’s State History Museum.

According to Wiki, “the museum was was founded in 1872 by Ivan Zabelin, Aleksey Uvarov and several other Slavophiles interested in promoting Russian history and national self-awareness. Its current exhibitions range from relics of prehistoric tribes that lived on the territory of present-day Russia, through artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. The total number of objects in the museum’s collection comes to millions.”

The current building where the State Historical Museum is has an interesting history.

It was formerly occupied by the Principal Medicine Store, built by order of Peter the Great in the Moscow baroque style. Several rooms in that building housed royal collections of antiquities. Other rooms were occupied by the Moscow University, founded by Mikhail Lomonosov in 1755.

Like in my post on ‘Four top sights to visit around Moscow’s Red Square’, I honestly think Moscow’s State Historical Museum is only worth a visit if you are into Russian history and have some knowledge of Russian.

This is because most of the exhibits (except the gold/diamond one) does not come with English descriptions. The ones at the second level do have English leaflets and a map of where the exhibits are located, but it’s just inconvenient trying to locate where the exhibits are and then reading the description about it.

A tip, if you’re thinking of visiting both the State Historical Museum as well as St Basil’s Cathedral, purchase your tickets from the museum first, instead of the cathedral. It cost about (RUB500, USD15.21, SGD20), versus if you pay (RUB300, USD9.10, SGD12) for entry into each monument (Total RUB600)

Let’s hope ‘Moscow’s State Historical Museum in Photos’ will shed some light should you choose to go or not.

Painting on the ceiling of the State Historical Museum. It’s a family tree, but not sure of who.

A gold encrusted book cover at the gold exhibition

A gem studded gold plated pendant

Intricate picture of dome

Gold helmet anyone? oh wait. It is a crown type of thing.

An intricate gold cross

Looking at an exhibit

Is that Moses and his famous staff?

Girls looking at what seems to be a 50 carat diamond

Golden water jug – for what ah? Stainless steel can already?

Some intricate earrings etc. Must have cost alot cos their were security cameras all around

Lighted pathway of the State Historical Museum

An interesting Russian? car of ancient times

An electric chandelier – it’s everywhere in the building

Armoured doors and shields of ancient times. This is the exhibits without English translation.

An amour with style

Even the flooring is well decorated.

Not sure what is this, but I think it might be a ceremonial sedan

Chandeliers on a colourful ceiling

Quite a unique doorway

Smiling face made of coins

School kids on a study visit

Lovely painting on the ceiling

This stones came from the prehistoric ages! Had a weird smell when we walked past.

Painting of prehistoric folks

Love the little desks and olden books – no English descriptions for this.

Clothes of a peasant.

Not sure how fashionable this is in modern times.

January 2, 2014
The Travelling Squid 2013 People in Pictures

2013 has been quite an eventful year for The Travelling Squid. We have been to several places around the world, and they could not have been as memorable, without the people we met along the way.

Hope you would enjoy the 13 snapshots below. Each tells a story, of a special moment, some hilarious, some bittersweet and some particularly frustrating.

Here’s to a charming 2014, filled with the most pleasant of all coincidental meetings with nice, gracious people along your travel trips.

The Travelling Squid 2013 People in Pictures

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January 1, 2014
Home-cooked Russian food in Moscow, Mari Vanna

Home-cooked Russian food in Moscow, Mari Vanna

We learnt about the existence of this restaurant, Mari Vanna, through Lonely Planet’s recommendation. The idea of having home cooked food in a traditional Russian home was a draw. It was slightly challenging to find our way there, as it’s not located as near to the metro station and you need do a couple of turns to get there.

There are also a couple of other restaurants along the Spiridonyevsky Lane, and the signboard is not big so we eventually found it via a tiny palm sized signboard which says “Mari Vanna”.

You have to ring the bell and the door man will open it. He will also help you with your coat.

A type of Russian hard bread. It’s complimentary. I thought it was inedible at first. It taste hard and dry. But cute to play with.

Potted plants, just like you’re in someone’s home

Bird cage with a live bird on the top

The waitress recommended us to try Kvass, a non-alcoholic drink made from regular rye bread – it taste slightly like beer, only sweeter and there’s no alcoholic taste. Very yummy, and just like Makgeolli I can drink tons of it.

Kvass, a popular non-alcholic Russian drink – tastes sweet and gassy.

Fruit compote – a drink made of fruits and sugar syrup

A Soviet opera going on – I literally took time to watch it. It’s dramatic. The clips don’t repeat.

Borscht – with a beef soup base, beef chunks and beetroot strips

Borscht at it’s best

The borscht is really good. It’s flavourful, brimming with flavour from the beef stock and I can taste the sweetness from the beetroot. It taste good with sour cream too.

Salmon and Zucchini Pancakes

Price: RUB570/ USD18 / SGD22

Hailing from sunny Singapore surrounded by warm tropical waters, and I had never eaten such thick slices of salmon. It’s really fresh and good. The Zucchini pancakes were a tad too moist for me though. I absolutely loved the salmon slices and dill.

Pork on the bone

I didn’t get the price for this. It should be about RUB700 – USD22 – SGD27

Pork on the Bone. It’s a hearty meal, just that the pork was a tad tough. The Zuchinni, Eggplant and Capsicum were grilled to perfection. So were the potatoes.

To be honest, I can’t give a recommendation if you should try this place, because I haven’t tried many other restaurants in Moscow. That being said, this was my best meal, after trying another Japanese place and a takeaway near our hotel. That being said, the reviews on Tripadvisor are very good, so I guess it’s worth a trip there.

* * *

Apart two restaurants in Russia, there are also branches in London, New York, Washington and Los Angelas.

Address: 10a Spiridonyevsky Lane, Moscow, Russia (nearest metro Pushkinskaya)

Opening hours: 9am – 11pm

Website: http://marivanna.ru/msk/ (It’s in Russian and in Flash though, so you can’t do a Google Translate)

December 31, 2013

How to apply for a Russian visa in Singapore

Mandarin ducks botanic gardens singapore — Botanic gardens, a stone’s throw from the Russian Embassy has much to offer.

How to apply for a Russian visa in Singapore ?

NOTE: As of 6 July 2015, applications for visas (except Diplomatic and Service visas) are to be submitted to the Russian Visa Application Centre located at Cecil Street 135, level 8, 069536

Visit: www.vfsglobal.com/russia/singapore for more information.

Tel: 669 29 873

Email: info.rusg@vfshelpline.com

Source: http://www.singapore.mid.ru/Visa_Information.htm

Applying for a Russian visa in Singapore is a pretty straightforward affair, especially if you are a holder of a Singapore passport.

It takes 5 working days for a normal application and 3 working days for an expedited one, in which you have to pay an estimated of double the price.

My only gripe is that the consular hours are open from 10am – 12pm, hence if you are a working professional, you may have to take an early lunch to apply and collect the visa. The embassy is located at Nassim Road, about a 30 minute drive from the city. If you’re taking the train, stop at Botanic Gardens MRT on the Circle Line. You can take a leisure trek for about 15 minutes through the Botanical Gardens to the Nassim Road exit (near the NParks headquarters). When you see a roundabout, exit and cross the road at the traffic junction. Follow the sign which shows you the direction of Nassim Road. It’s less than 5 mins up the slope.

Also note that the embassy is pretty strict on the collection of the visa. For Singaporeans, if you send a normal application on Wednesday, you can only get your passport back with the visa the Wednesday next week. You have to submit your visa application manually at the embassy, personally or via a representative.

For Singaporeans

Visit (http://www.singapore.mid.ru/Visa_Information_fo_Singaporeans.htm) to ensure you have all the documents required.

1. Visa Support letter – this is a letter from a travel agency which has the license to invite foreign tourists to Russia. It is absolutely essential in the Visa application process. I didn’t have this when I first submitted my documents and was told to come back again.

I would recommend using Real Russia to get the Visa Support documentation done.

The turnover time is pretty quick (on the same day) and all you need to do is key in information about your trip and pay through credit card. It cost about 15 pounds (~USD25) for a single entry support letter.

There is no need to book any hotel, flight or purchase anything from the Real Russia to get a visa support letter.

For more information, refer to: https://www.realrussia.co.uk/visas/russian/invitations/tourist

2. E-Application

At the time of publication, the Russian embassy in Singapore had implemented an E-Application system. You would have to enter your particulars online at https://visa.kdmid.ru/ before printing out the e-form, signing it and sending it to the embassy to process.

Do note that it is essential to do the application online before going down – you don’t want a wasted trip.

3. Check your passport for:

Two blank pages
That it does not expire six months after your trip to Russia
It also says in the website that “Work or Student visa applicants must have a passport valid for at least 18 months and a HIV-certificate issued by any local or international hospital.”

4. Applying manually at the embassy, personally or via a proxy.

The process is pretty quick and the queue at the embassy is not long. Be sure to bring all your documents and (CASH only) to make an upfront payment. Do note that the embassy accepts only Cash payment and there are no ATMs in the vicinity.

The chart as follows – prices are in SGD:

Single trip

Double trip

Multiple trips

Single Transit

Double Transit

Normal

Urgent

Normal

Urgent

Normal

Urgent

Normal

Urgent

Normal

Urgent

140

110

225

210

420

140

110

225

5. Collection

Normal visa processing time is 5 working days – e.g. if submitted on Monday, collection is on Monday next week.
– Urgent visa processing time is 3 working days – e.g. if submitted on Monday, collection is on Wednesday or Thursday

* * *

For non-Singaporeans

Please refer to: http://www.singapore.mid.ru/Visa_Information_fo_Foreigners.htm for more information.

1. Check if you need a visa.

http://www.singapore.mid.ru/VISA_FREE.htm

2. If you need one, check if you are eligible to apply for a Visa in Singapore

http://www.singapore.mid.ru/LONG_TERM_PASS.htm

3. Visa Support letter – this is a letter from a travel agency which has the license to invite foreign tourists to Russia. It is absolutely essential in the Visa application process. I didn’t have this and was told to come back again.
I would recommend using Real Russia to get the Visa Support documentation done.

The turnover time is pretty quick (on the same day) and all you need to do is key in information about your trip and pay through credit card. It cost about 15 pounds (USD25) for a single entry support letter.

There is no need to book any hotel, flight from the Real Russia to get a visa support letter.

For more information, refer to: https://www.realrussia.co.uk/visas/russian/invitations/tourist

4. E-Application

Do note that it is essential to do the application online before going down – you don’t want a wasted trip!

5. Check your passport for:

Two blank pages
That it does not expire six months after your trip to Russia
It also says in the website that “Work or Student visa applicants must have a passport valid for at least 18 months and a HIV-certificate issued by any local or international hospital.”
Travel Medical insurance is mandatory for EU nationals

6. Applying manually at the embassy, personally or via a proxy.

The process is pretty quick and the queue at the embassy is pretty short. Be sure to bring all your documents and (CASH only) to make an upfront payment. Do note that the embassy accepts only Cash payment and there are no ATMs nearby.

Click here to view the visa fees for each country: http://www.singapore.mid.ru/Visa_fees.htm

5. Collection

Normal – from 5 to 20 working days – e.g. if submitted on Monday collection is on Monday next week or later
Urgent – 3 working days – e.g. if submitted on Monday collection is on Wednesday or Thursday

Hope this information is helpful and let me know if you have any questions.

You can also write in to the embassy for official answers – they are pretty responsive and you should be able to get your answers within a working day.

* * *

A small tip – if you’ve got time on your hands, take the time to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a stone’s throw away from the Russian Embassy. Head there via the Nassim Road entrance. Otherwise, take a stroll from Botanic Gardens MRT. It makes the 15 minute walk seem so worth it!

December 29, 2013

The Three Wise Men and Christmas

The Three Wise Men and Christmas
With credits to: Subversify.com

Please be assured that this blog is secular. I just thought that with Christmas round the corner, there lives a meaningful travel tale from long ago that I should share. A Merry Christmas to all.

Once upon a time, there lived three wise men. They hailed from the East, said to be of Persian, Indian and Arabian descent. They believed in the power of the stars, and travelled hundreds of miles, to pay their respect to the birth of a great man – Jesus. (The full Bible verse below.)

The Bible doesn’t detail their journey in full, but you get the sense that these were well-beaten travellers, travelling with a goal in mind, a vision to fulfill. Travelling across the harsh desert terrain, facing the strong desert winds, 40 deg heat in the day and sub-zero temperatures in the night. In the darkest of all nights, they continued moving across the vast desert with their camels. (I don’t suppose they had flashlights and torches in the past). All in the search for something they held true to. Which is to offer precious spices and gifts to a little baby, and that makes the story of Christmas all that special.

This Christmas, we salute the three wise men. Who came from afar, from vastly differing backgrounds in search for someone special, so unlike their own, and found it. Their journey had paid off and they left as contented, happy people.

Then it got me thinking, that life is made up of multiple journeys. Some running con-currently. Sometimes we are at a crossroads, thinking which way to choose. But always remember. In the darkest and deepest of all nights, there’s a star that will lead the way, if we look close enough. Just like the Star of Bethlehem.

Lucky for the wise men, the desert was pitch dark. Can you imagine if you were to put the Star against the Singapore skyline? You’ll be distracted by the lights of Marina Bay Sands and the gleaming Helix Bridge that it will be all so difficult to detect that guiding light. That’s why in today’s world, it’s important to cut out the noise – of things that don’t matter. It’s the same for people. As what Bernard Baruch would say, ‘those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind’.

When I think about the wise men and their journey, I am in awe. Taking the seven-day Trans Siberian train was painful enough, what more several months on a camel against the elements in the desert?

Then it struck me that sometimes in our journeys of love or up the corporate ladder, we tend to get lost, disenchanted and feel like giving up. But with the persistence and resilience of the wise men, we’ll eventually find the one we’re looking for.

Christmas is about caring, sharing and having fun. But let us not forget that the biggest accomplishments of all time are done by people who have struggled against the wind, rain and heat, and pressed on with undying determination for something they believe in.

As travelling has taught me, the longest and most difficult of all journeys is usually the one that reaps the most rewards.

* * *

New Revised Standard Version of Matthew 2:1–12 – Credits to Wiki

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel.’” Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another path.

December 25, 2013
Off the beaten track – Moscow’s Danilov Monastery in Photos

The walls of Danilov Monastery

Moscow’s Danilov Monastery is quite far off the beaten track, that I could safely say, only 1 in about 50 tourists who came to Moscow would have made a point to make a visit.

Unlike the famed St Basil’s Cathedral or the Archangel Cathedral in Kremlin, the Danilov Monastery does not boast of colourful domes and renowned architecture, or is home to the tombs of great Tzars.

It is actually a place where Russians go to worship on a regular basis. Do head there if you would like a taste of day to day worship in Russian Orthodox style.

To be honest, I can’t be sure of the exact distinction between a church, cathedral and monastery. From what I have read from different sources, I can only infer that a cathedral is a grander, much bigger version of a church, that is used for official ceremonies and key events. (To house the tomb of Tzars as well me thinks).

As for monasteries, these are places where monks and nuns live in, and worship is pretty flat (without hierarchy), as compared to a church or cathedral which is led by a pastor or clergyman. Inferred from this pretty abstract explanation here.

One of my other reason of heading to this monastery was to catch a glimpse of the monks. Coming from Singapore where Buddhism and Taoism are more prevalent, I grew up thinking monks were without hair, wore yellow robes and simple shoes.

But it does seem to be more than that. My first association with Catholic monks were because of Bénédictine Dom, a potent medicinal drink my mother used to drink when I was growing up. When I was young I used to hear that monks living in very cold countries brew this drink to keep themselves warm. Small bottles were also tied to the neck of rescue dogs for those that were lost in snow drift.

This story had conjured a magical image in my head and I wanted to see the monks , despite very little correlation to present day monks, and the fact that I had a runny nose and cough.

* * *

You get a sense that you are reaching the monastery as more beggars come up to you asking for alms. The same thing happened at the Cathedral in Irkutsk too.

The guard there was friendly, like India-friendly, which is very rare for Russian guards. Those at the Kremlin and Red Square had absolutely stern faces. This one broke into a smile when he saw us, and tried his very best to use English to tell us that we had to pay 50 Roubles, (USD1.50) to take photos.

On the exterior of the monastery, we got a glimpse of real life worship. Elderly Russian ladies, with lines on their faces, wearing a simple headgear and footware, placing their lips on each portrait of the saint. They then placed their hands together, like in prayer.

The parks were almost empty. Some parts of the benches were covered in snow, while a busy parent sat by the side, watching her kid play.

Then I spotted a monk. He looked stately and somewhat intimidating in his all black gear,and long beard. He had work a black hat too, and was walking very fast. But you get a sense of his presence, and somehow, he just fitted into the cloudy, cold scene very well. Was he one of the monks who brewed medicinal wine to stay warm during winter? I wasn’t sure, but I was happy just to get a glimpse

Danilov Monastery in Photos, as follows

Moscow’s Danilov Monastery in Photos

The entrance to Danilov Monastery

The main place of worship, and the friendly guard on the right. The inside of it is similar to that of the cathedrals. We entered and there was a sort of prayer session going on, with candles alighted and people praying. It was a very religious experience. No photos allowed inside

Resting on the bench

Stately trees that line the path to a place of worship.

Statue sits by the garden

Another place of worship. In it was like an old cathedral, with not many people inside

That’s a monk! (Middle one)

Bell tower before we left

Before we left, the bells started to chime. We noticed people around us hurrying to the main place of worship. I guess it could be like a call of prayer. Then I recalled visiting a bell tower some time ago in what I think would be India. There was an intricate thread of strings nested in between one another, and I recalled someone telling me that one of the head monks will be the one tugging the strings, creating a melody of sorts.

The entire chime lasted for about 10 minutes. It must have been pretty stressful trying to get all the strings together in motion! It’s not clear in this photo but try spotting the monk on the top of the tower.

Before we left, we checked out some photos of the monks on their notice board. It showed them carrying cows milk and carrying out events and ceremonies.

Closer up pic of monks – getting milk from cows.

Danilov Monastery may not be that cool tourist destination, but it was an interesting peep into the lives of Russians and how religion formed a part of their lives. It was also interesting to get a glimpse into the lives of monks, so different from our own here in Asia, and even in Singapore. If you’re keen to find out more about the Danilov Monastery, visit the Wiki link here.

December 23, 2013
Hero from Moscow: Vladimir Putin, Russia’s macho leader

The Russian ladies are swooning over this, I bet! With Credits: http://www.businessinsider.com/39-photos-vladimir-putin-badass-2013-10#one-of-the-russian-presidents-favorite-hobbies-is-hunting-an-he-frequently-goes-on-expeditions-to-aid-researchers-in-tagging-animals-17

The Travelling Squid is usually not so tabloidish, but I’m bursting to tell you about a hero from Moscow, Vladimir Putin, Russia’s macho leader. When reading up about Russia in Lonely Planet, he was described to be a strong man with badass tendencies, still going on strong beyond his 61 years of age. The photos will tell you why.

To prove this point, Mr Putin had received a calendar of girls posing rather suggestively on his 58th birthday in 2010. Given the hotness level of Russian girls, I do believe Mr Putin was in for a rather flattering proposition before his eyes. In it were also several suggestive speech bubbles, such as ““The forest fires have been put out, but I’m still burning!” with reference to the 2010 Russian Forest Fires.

Anyway, you must be keen to check out the contents of the calendar, so click here. Some snapshots below for um, your easy reference.

As this is a family friendly blog, tamer images have been used. 😉 With credits: http://www.theweek.co.uk/pictures/28847/putin-calendar-girls/page/1/0#main-content-area

An article by Cracked.com shows you how he has put out fires, was an ex secret agent before, drove a F1 car (nearly crashing it), tranquilized a tiger, tagged and weighed a polar bear, sparred in Judo and posed topless, “dominating wildlife” such a bears and tigers. Me thinks he has quite a good body for some one in his sixties.

Dominating, oh no, I mean tagging an artic bear. With credits: http://www.businessinsider.com/39-photos-vladimir-putin-badass-2013-10#hes-also-shot-a-polar-bear-for-science-this-allowed-researchers-to-tag-and-track-the-arctic-bear-20

Taking on the Siberian wilderness on a horse, shirtless. With credits: http://www.businessinsider.com/39-photos-vladimir-putin-badass-2013-10#putin-takes-in-the-scenic-siberian-wilderness-while-shirtless-on-a-horse-30

An article by Business Insider further reaffirms Mr Putin’s position as the world’s most badass leader in the world. I quite like “swimming in freezing Siberian lakes for fun”.

Swimming in freezing Siberian lakes for fun. With credits: http://www.businessinsider.com/39-photos-vladimir-putin-badass-2013-10#he-swims-in-freezing-siberian-lakes-for-fun-15

But this is my favourite though. Beyond his strong and powerful exterior, he can be quite a sweetie.

Putin and a chick. With credits: http://www.businessinsider.com/39-photos-vladimir-putin-badass-2013-10#putin-stares-down-a-young-chick-at-an-agricultural-exposition-22

And just to prove a point about his machoism and popularity, I spotted a row of souvenir cups on sale, showcasing Mr Putin in action.

Check out the photo below.

Putin is fishing, topless, riding a horse, topless, catching something, topless. Ooh la la.

An interesting side to one of the world’s most feared leaders : )

December 18, 2013
At the Moscow Kremlin, battling the cold: Photo Story

We struggled to enter the Kremlin one cold day. Or rather, it was me struggling.

I was falling ill with mucus running uncontrollably down my nose. Battering an upcoming flu, amid the cold, drizzles of rain and strong wind, my head and nose felt an acute ache.

The queue to the ticket office is located some distance behind the entrance. It was formed by travellers from different nationalities, with PRC Chinese being the most “prominent”. One of them, a guy was wearing a long cloak – cut queues to proceed with his never-ending enquiries for a tour group. I got irritated.

The lady at the ticket office was aloof and haughty. I guess it’s because everyone had to get pass her to get into this World Heritage site, hence the attitude.

It was drizzling and we did not bring an umbrella. To get in, you had to pass security clearance and that took especially long, when a school group entered the queue ahead of us. Thankfully, they opened more security queues to let us in.

Any a short brief description about the Kremlin.

A kremlin (Russian: кремль, tr. kreml, IPA: [ˈkrʲemlʲ], fortress is a major fortified central complex found in historic Russian cities. This word is often used to refer to the most famous one, the Moscow Kremlin, or metonymically to the government that is based there.

Which means to say that apart from the most famous one, the Moscow Krelim, there are others including the Novgorod Kremlin, Solovetsky Monastery and Kazan Kremlin which are located around Russia. There are also Kremlin type of buildings that were established during the USSR, which are located outside the borders of modern Russia. They are found mainly in Ukarine and Belarus.

The Moscow Kremlin is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, a stone’s throw from Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Red Square. That being said the entrance is quite a distance away, so you have embark on a 15 minute walk to get to the Kremlin from St Basil’s should you want to visit both attractions consecutively.

It is the best known of kremlins (Russian citadels) and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation (who is Valdimir Putin at the time of writing). We did not get a chance to visit the palaces and armoury (cos I was sick and begged to leave). Also I’m not sure but a number of places were closed when we were there.

I do sidetrack but since I have mentioned Valdimir Putin, he’s known to be quite a macho man, engaging in macho sports such as bear hunting and judo. A testament to that is number of souvenir mugs which I saw at a shop featuring Valdimir Putin topless, with rippling muscles and some sturdy six-pack abs. Will share more in a later post.

Anyway if you’re wondering why Kremlin is used synonymously as a place and as a term to describe the Russian government, here’s why:

The name Kremlin means “fortress”, and is often used as a synecdoche to refer to the government of the Russian Federation in a similar sense to how the White House is used to refer to the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Indeed, even the Russian President’s official website is Kremlin.ru. It had previously been used to refer to the government of the Soviet Union (1922–1991) and its highest members (such as general secretaries, premiers, presidents, ministers, and commissars). “Kremlinology” refers to the study of Soviet and Russian politics.

Anyway, here are some of the pictures that my companion, Xiao Huo Zi took while my nose was dribbling and all I wanted to do was hide in a warm place.

On the way in, to Kremlin after a 10 min queue to pass the security checkpoint.

Stationary guard, reminds me of one of those big hat British soldiers. For Singaporeans, Istana guards are stationary too (FYI).

Probably a government office – access is restricted here.

Assumption Cathedral

Courtyard of the Kremlin, surrounded by Cathedrals

The Assumption Cathedral was closed. But what remain in sight was the murals, which was just lovely.

Empty alleyways, free from tourists

One of the Cathedrals of the Kremlin – I am not sure of the name, to be honest.

The Annunciation Cathedral

Assumption Cathedral

Resting by the steps – Archangel Cathedral

Could look much better in sunlight!

Grand art murals of the Assumption Cathedral

Check out the intricate pieces of artwork done to the door frame

Inside the Archangel Cathedral

Chandeliers light up the Archangel Cathedral

Each mural tells a different story. Unfortunately, we did not engage a tour guide and had to use a bit of imagination

Inside the Annunciation Cathedral. Some parts of it were undergoing restoration when we arrived.

Domes of the Kremlin – a highlight of Russian architecture

The Tsar Cannon and Bell. Apparently it was too big to serve it’s intend purpose, according to Lonely Planet. Makes a good photo monument though.

Working quarters of the Kremlin – no access for tourists

On the way back, we spotted some Singaporeans, behaving like Singaporeans. (The two girls on the left). Honestly got quite annoyed by them, (perhaps cos I was sick) cos they kept stopping to take photographs every two minutes. GRR!

A government building, not accessible to the public

I must admit that the trip to the Kremlin was rather short-lived. I was nursing a bad cold, and had persuaded my companion to leave after 2 hours for a hot nice meal (of which 30 minutes were spent trying to get in). The Kremlin deserves more than that. Look back, I would have like to wander around the grounds of one of the most powerful governments in the world. I would like to look at Bell Towers and pose a picture (albeit a sickly one) with the Tsar Cannon and Bell.

But it’s over. And there’s no room for regrets. It’s just a reminder to myself that when travelling, it’s best to try to make the most out of an attraction or a sight. Because once that cold is over and the discomfort has passed, what’s left are beautiful pictures and memories of a place and the time spent with people you’re with.

I’ll be stronger next time. Hopefully, less complainy too. 🙂

December 16, 2013