Moscow

I took a quick freebie orientation tour this morning. It was an English language tour of about 40 people; only about 5 of us were native English speakers. The guide said that because of the situation in the Ukraine tourism had dropped 40%, mostly from North America, Australia and New Zealand. They call Russia a Putinocracy. There's a saying in Russia:  visit Russia before Russia visits you.

I videoed the changing of the guard at the monument for the Eternal Flame and Tomb of the unknown soldier for The Great Patriotic War (WWII). That's the red brick wall of the Kremlin behind them. The guards are 183 - 185 cm tall and of the same general size; they are paired to look as much alike as possible. It is a great privilege that is only granted to those with the best grades; it takes 18 months of training to prepare. There is a guard in either side of the flame (in a heated booth) and a 3rd guard to the left who blows a whistle if the crowd step past the barrier. Periodically, someone tries to roast marshmallows over the flame. The guard changes on the hour 8am-8pm.

This is someone else's video because mine is too big to upload easily.

Photo on the war monument for the Napoleonic wars. The monument is constructed from the rubble of all the buildings Napoleon destroyed when vacating  Moscow. 

Photos of the GUM shopping mall known for its designer items since 1890. A great location to spot millionaires in 6 inch heels with body guards. 

My feet and the ancient stairs in the building I'm staying in. Each stair has 5 inch rise and you can see where they are worn and pitted.