Tashkent-Moscow
Awake early and ready to go to the airport at 5.30 as requested by Anwar, who eventually turned up at six, but at least there was time for a coffee.
We met the police officer at the airport with my passport, I never did quite get what he was doing, and I suspect it had something to do with the persona non grata stamped in my passport. I ended up hurrying through checkpoints to catch the Uzbekistan flight to Moscow. One of the last passengers to join the bus going to the aircraft, I was held up at security by having to remove shoes. Do I really look like a Terrorist! I hate those buses, they are packed full and they don’t seem to hurry! One day they will have air bridges I hope, although probably not in my lifetime.
The Uzbekistan plane, a Boeing 300, was full mostly of men by the look of it. The flight was a little bumpy but nothing out of the ordinary and the meal I thoroughly enjoyed as airline meals go. I found it a little disconcerting to have everyone clap as the plane touched down, I wasn’t keen on flying with that airline, and perhaps everyone else shared my thoughts? It may be just a custom as well, of course!
I was looking forward to a quick getaway from the airport as I was only going to have about twelve hours in Russias’ capital city of Moscow. Brought about by all the delays from the Visa problem in Uzbekistan the planned fast departure from Moscow Airport never happened. I looked for the transfer person and wandered around the arrival area for over an hour, only to find the person hiding in the café, sign hidden by a post and plants. I do not think he was there very long, as I had been watching the cafe in contemplation of a coffee. In addition, he didn’t speak English, however I was lucky to have the transfer and it has been something I have valued very much on this trip.
I was glad to be heading into Moscow, as traffic leaving the city was queued for over three kms. It was the Mayday weekend and many of its citizens were going on holiday. Finally reaching the hotel I was staying at, I found it was a four-storey climb to get there. Delightful place despite the climb and very nice room. I dropped my bags and headed down to Red square, happily within walking distance. Not before I realised I had forgotten my spare battery for the camera and had to hike up the stairs again!
So began what was to become a disappointing afternoon in Moscow for me. Red square was closed apparently being readied for May Day celebrations the next day and was closed for two days.
Many people seemed to be heading up a small walkway so I followed and ended up at Red square again in a different area, this time with some of St Basils Cathedral in sight, I was able to see some of this incredibly beautiful building at least from the outside.
All still closed as well as having the rain start, it was time for a coffee and snack at one of the cafes there, although the prices were eye wateringly high, I had to have something! This time back to the Metro, as my host had suggested I try it. The appalling customer service I received in the underground became the norm I was to discover, for Russians.
I ended up at Old Arbut street, one of the earliest streets in the city and behold, there was a McDonalds! One had to stop for a Big Mac, after eating I wandered down the street, which joined into New Arbut Street. The difference in them about 500 years, obvious in the styles of architecture.
I was lucky enough to be given a lift by a very pleasant English speaking local Russian guy in his Range rover. Dropping me back to Red square again, it was certainly closed on all sides. From there I wandered past libraries, museums, gardens finding myself in a pretty church with the golden roof globes they seem to have here, It was a very charming place , with many visitors. It was the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour I spent a long time in the Russian Orthodox church I just love their decoration, the paintings and the overall peacefulness regardless of many people.
The problem came when I didn’t know which way to head back to the hotel, but chatting with a security man he suggested the metro and ask there. Obvious of course, but this time how was I too find the right line that would return me to the hotel? Again, the help I received from those below ground proved invaluable.
A short time later arriving at the required metro, the security police were stopping passengers from leaving the station! Can you believe it, hundreds of people coming off underground trains and being stopped from leaving?
I lost it here, I was tired, brassed off by closed sights, a policeman who could not speak any English saying no you can’ t leave the station in Russian! I lad learned what ‘Niet’ meant! He obviously realised he was treading on thin ice as he called someone who spoke a little English, and before I knew it I was one of the few that were let out of that underground station. Later on I heard there were riots in Moscow that were the cause. Reaching street level there was absolutely no sign of the days supposed riots, just a busy square to pass through.
