Despite the Cold, I am Warming Up to this Place

The iron gate of Communism! Ahh!
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Okay, so my last entry was a bit foreboding and strict.  I am sure some of you got a little concerned for me in this Russian city.  I must assure you though, I am now starting to get the hang of things here.

This is a very old city with quite a disjointed history.  It was the capital, with czars and such early in its existence, and then things shifted to St. Petersburg for quite some time.  Moscow is really just getting its identity back.  All of this is witnessed in the historical sites and citizens.  There are beautiful exhibits and museums of Russian artifacts from Medieval times to the 14th century, but then, nothing.

Scary marching soldiers. They were intimidating wherever I was.
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The people here are hard to get to know.  The women are beautiful, with flawless make-up, 4 inch stiletto boots, and skirts (even in zero degree weather!).  They all look this way, but never seem to smile.  The men, are robust and determined.  They also never really smile.  I haven't discovered the secret hideout where they all go to laugh yet, but if I find it, I'll let you know.  I did find it odd though, that enmass these people travel on the Metro lines, and no one talks!  It is the quietest large crowd I have ever been in!

One of the many cathedrals in the Kremlin.
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I spent today roaming about the State Department sponsored mall near the Kremlin.  It is called GUM.  There are designers here from all over the world.  It was fun to look at how all of the items are displayed.  The mall is three floors tall, and a full city block wide.  It took quite awhile to explore.  Nothing really I needed, or couldn't find at home, but fun none the less to shop.

I shall explore more this weekend, and then it is off to Paris on Tuesday.  Sorry about the photos, I will upload in Paris.  I still can't get them to work here.