MIR Corporation's Travel Log:
Volga River Cruise with the Russian National Orchestra
Join veteran MIR client Moonyeen Albrecht on a cruise from Moscow through some of Russia's lesser-known Volga River towns, accompanied by a soundtrack from the world-famous Russian National Orchestra.
Days 12-14: Moscow
May 16-18, 2008 We arrived at the Moscow River Terminal around 11:00 a.m. After lunch on the ship we had a short city tour of Moscow. I did not take many photos, but I could not resist the beautiful view of Novodevichy Monastery. This is the important, historical monastery to which Sophia, Regent of Russia and half sister of Peter the Great, was sent after the young Peter I claimed his rightful throne. A tour of Moscow always includes the view from Sparrow Hills where you will usually find a wedding party taking photos. Later in the afternoon we had some free time around Red Square. Rosemary and I went to GUM and bought chocolate and ice cream and then watched the changing of the guard at the memorial to the unknown soldier outside the Kremlin wall. Then it was off to a Moscow apartment at the other end of town for dinner with a Russian family. A young couple, Liudmila and Maxim, were our hosts. Liudmila prepared a magnificent dinner for us - more delicious food than you can ever imagine. We were all amazed at the array of food which the 7 months-pregnant Mila had made just for us! If only we had had doggie bags! Then it was back to the ship. The next day was free. Our small MIR group went to the Kremlin grounds and the Tolstoy home in the Kamovnikakh district in Moscow. I needed to be up at 1:45 a.m. to be ready to leave the ship at 2:15 a.m. for the trip to Domodedovo airport, which is a great distance from the river terminal. It took almost 1 1/2 hours to drive to the airport at 2:15 a.m. but it gave me my last chance at a Russian conversation with our wonderful MIR driver, Rashid. Sheremetevo airport is under reconstruction and this was my first experience leaving from Domodedovo. It was much easier. Absolutely no waiting at ticket check-in and just a short line at Passport Control. And, of course, at 4:00 a.m. it's not too busy! My trip home was as pleasant as a 13 hr. trip in Economy can be. (Are you reading between the lines?) However, all the flights were not only on-time but actually arrived a little early. Lucky this time. This tour was wonderful and everything I expected it to be. I was especially happy to be able to hear "Aleko" . . . twice! I never expected to hear an opera on this orchestra tour. What a fabulous surprise! My biggest regret was that I did not engage the singers and talk with them personally. I didn't want to intrude on their privacy but now I wish that I had spoken with them. They were all so wonderful. Perhaps next time I will not be so reticent to speak in my faulty, stammering American-Russian. But, then again... Kudos to MIR Corporation in Seattle for the planning and execution of another great Russian adventure. They were the first company to arrange a trip on the ship with the RNO back in 1997. I was lucky to be able to be on that trip with my friend Jim Lombard. We had a wonderful time . . . all FIVE of us American tourists. We were the only non orchestra people on the ship that year. It was very interesting to compare some of these cities to how they appeared eleven years ago. Our MIR guide, Katya, was fabulous! Couldn't be better. No need to be afraid to travel to Russia. It is a great experience!
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