After the previous morning’s disappointing egg order, I managed to achieve success by showing the chef a photo of some fried eggs on my iPad. She seemed to understand, smiled, and then served up some delicious, runny yolks for me to dip my toast into.

Eventually we were ready to embark on a day’s sightseeing and instead of taking the metro we decided instead to take a tram to the VDNKh Park (the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). Tram rides are included in the 3 day travel cards and we just needed to tap onto the reader as we boarded the service. It was a pleasant journey as the tram weaved its way through the woodlands of Sokolniki Park, passing several small lakes which had signs to forest walking trails that would be pleasant to follow during warmer weather.

The tram terminated at the VDNKh Park and we started off by taking a look at the Monument to the Conquerors of Space just outside the park gates. This 100m tall titanium obelisk was constructed in 1964 to commemorate the launch of Sputnik and creates the impression of a rocket soaring into space. Adjacent to the monument stands the Museum of Cosmonautics containing the first rocket engine and the moon river Lunokhad (museum closed each Monday).
Entrance to the VDNKh Park is free of charge with access through a large arch above which is a sculpture of a tractor driver and a peasant woman. The entrance arch was built in 1954 and for the festive period was surrounded by some subtle gold and silver decorations making the approach even more appealing.

This vast park contains numerous palatial pavilions all designed in a unique style to represent each Soviet republic and its industries ranging from agriculture and space exploration to coal mining. The Park was established in 1939 and designed as the main showcase of socialist economy and lifestyle.

Information boards with English translations were positioned outside many of the pavilions explaining the purpose for which they were originally constructed. Entering several of the pavilions we found them to be quite confusing as their uses today bore little or no resemblance to their plaques. One seemed to have been turned into a bank, another contained some small shops whilst another one focussed on public services such as obtaining passports.

A huge ice skating rink which is the largest in Russia winds its way through the park and can accommodate a staggering 5,000 people at any one time. Although it was a weekday morning, numerous people were taking to the ice, skating along to music blasting out over the loudspeakers. Interspersed between festive songs were popular British and US tracks from the ’80s and ’90s and we had fun trying to recall the title of the songs and who sang them as we explored the park.

In the centre of the park we came across an arched bridge over the skating rink which we found to be an ideal spot to take photos of the park and its skating tracks.

Towards the rear of the park lies the Industry and Aerospace Technology Square where a replica of the Vostok space rocket and a Yak-42 aircraft were on display.
After taking a look at most of the exhibits we were feeling quite cold and ready for a sit down so we found a cafe on the edge of the park for some warming drinks. We had really felt like mugs of hot chocolate but as these were unavailable we had to settle for cappuccinos which did the trick, helping us to warm us up.

Our plan had then been to take a ride on the monorail to Timiryazevskaya station but after going through the barriers and reaching the platform we discovered that we had just missed one by two minutes and the next wasn’t due for a further 28 minutes. Waiting on a draughty platform for half an hour wasn’t very appealing so we exited the station and made our way to the VDNKh metro station instead and admired its painted arches as we waited to board our train.


It was then time for us to visit a few more of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro network. To do so, we caught a train along to Prospekt Mira on the Circle Line 5 (Brown) to admire its platforms. The design and theme of this lavish station reflects the nearby Botanical Gardens of Moscow State University. It would have also been nice to have visited these gardens but decided against it as there would have been little to see in December. The Prospekt Mira metro station opened in 1952 and features white pillars decorated with pretty floral friezes, grand chandeliers and a grey chequered floor.

From there we just travelled one stop on the Circle Line 5 (anti-clockwise) to explore the stunning Novoslobodskaya station which is noted for its 32 stained glass panels. These were produced in Latvia as at that time Russia lacked expertise in the production of stained glass.

Six of the stained glass panels depict people from different professions including a musician and an architect. The remaining 26 panels contain intricate geometric patterns and stars creating giving the platform a church-like appearance.

Yet another beautiful station was just one stop away on Line 9 (grey) so we whizzed along there to view the Tsvetnoy-Bulvar station which also featured stained glass panels. These differed from Novoslobodskaya as the stained glass panes were much smaller, with a large stained glass panel at one end of the concourse. This station is close to the Moscow Circus and its proximity is reflected in the green stained glass above the stairs featuring images of clowns.

After taking delight in viewing these stunning stations we took the metro along to Borobitskaya station to try and re-visit the Moscow State Library (National Library of Russia) as we had been turned away the previous day due to a fire alarm evacuation. Thankfully, all was quiet on this occasion and we were able to collect visitor passes from a small office at the main entrance on the right just before the security screening. Visitors are warmly welcomed to the library with enquiries made to our nationality which was noted for their records.

Coats and large bags need to be handed to the ladies at the cloakroom desk who were extremely efficient and able to take care of hats, gloves and scarves without them going astray. Just beyond the cloakroom we mounted the grand entrance staircase which leads to rooms lined with traditional wooden bookcases and off to one side, some beautiful reading rooms.

Please note that none of the library signage is in English and as plans of the building are unavailable, it’s a bit of a mystery wandering around but we discovered that the main points of interest seemed to be located on the first floor. We gently opened heavy oak doors, peeping inside to see what was behind them and came across some exquisite reading rooms. They were all beautifully furnished with traditional leather chairs, oak desks and illuminated by brass lamps with green shades.

The main reading room is not to be missed as it features a galleried landing containing black and white photographs of how the library has evolved over the years. If you share an interest in libraries then spending a short time visiting the Moscow State Library is a splendid idea. It’s easily accessible by metro or on foot from Red Square as it is located just behind the Alexander Gardens.

We rounded off the afternoon with a short stroll through the Red Square Christmas Market before returning to our hotel for a short rest and a reviving cup of tea and some biscuits.

Later we ate dinner at a cosy pub called Kolbosoff just across the road from our hotel in Sokolniki. The service was friendly and our dishes of grilled chicken and pork ribs were well presented, of a good size and most importantly tasted very good. We accompanied these with a half litre of lager each which hit the spot nicely. The bar staff were attentive but unable to speak English so we used Google Translate to work out what was on the menu and order our dishes.

By the time we had finished our meal it was around 8.00 p.m. and after a little discussion, decided to take the metro to Park Kultury. This station was conveniently located on Red Line 1 being just a couple of stops further on than Red Square. On leaving the metro station we crossed the river to enter Gorky Park through its illuminated main arched entrance. Surprisingly, the huge park was exceedingly quiet with very few people about. There was an ice rink running through its central section but we couldn’t see much activity due to a large fence obscuring our view.

As little seemed to be happening in the park, we strolled along the embankment where several pleasure cruise boats were slowly passing by and glancing across the river we could see the headquarters of the Ministry of Defence.

Our evening stroll continued as far as a covered footbridge where we crossed the river and headed inland a short distance to a metro station at Frunzenskaya for a train to take us back to our hotel. The end of another fun filled day exploring Moscow.
If you have enjoyed reading this post you may also be interested in the following:
Moscow – the ultimate winter break
Pingback: Day 4. Sightseeing in Moscow – Love Travelling Blog
Pingback: Day 2. The Kremlin, Moscow – Love Travelling Blog
Pingback: Day 3. Moscow University and its metro stations – Love Travelling Blog
Pingback: Day 5. Moscow Lubyanka district – Love Travelling Blog
You’ve got to love the wonders of technology, I’m glad it helped you get the eggs right! Haha.
Sounds like another fun day in Moscow, that monument looks pretty cool too! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Jason, there’s nothing worse than mot getting my runny eggs! But back to Moscow the architecture is stunning.
LikeLiked by 1 person
VDNKh Park is undoubtedly beautiful and appears magical when covered under a thick blanket of Ice. It’s sad to see that Global Warming has eroded its beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, we visited two years earlier at the same time and the city was blanketed in snow then, giving it a magical appearance.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the skating there! It’s nota rink, nor a strip, but a rectangle?!
… and how did we manage before without Google?!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely a rectangle Hettie but a rink sounds better! I can’t imagine how we ever managed without Google but of course we did!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You take us on some amazing journeys. Obviously Russia has come a long way since the Communist era. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has indeed Ian, it’s changed beyond recognition. I’m pleased to read that you are enjoying this series of posts.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow looks very cool!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was lovely and even free to enter! Thanks for commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am keen to check it out!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good, I hope you get an opportunity soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How was it getting a visa to Russia, I heard it’s difficult as a westerner
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a bit of a nuisance as you have to book a hotel first and then request an invitation which you then need to include with the visa application. The form is very long and once completed it had to be taken by hand to the Visa office – only 3 in the U.K., Edinburgh, Manchester and London. Had to leave our passports there and pay over £100 each but it was all worthwhile in the end!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That seems like a lot of effort. I will need to see as I’m in New Zealand so it would probably be different here. What was your favourite parts of the trip? Also, what were people like there?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pceople seemed pleasant and polite and we always felt safe, even late at night. Hopefully it might be easier in NZ.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Were you tempted to go skating? That looked like a big rink. Thanks for the tour.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I was tempted but I can’t skate very well and didn’t want to risk any broken bones. It was still nice to watch though. Are you able to skate?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not able to do anything fancy but I can usually stay upright. 🙂 I grew up in a wintry climate with a skating rink nearby. We have a large park pond four blocks away in Madison where we skate every winter. Thanks for your photos!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure. I really must try and learn the basics! Hope you’re having a good weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It can be fun to glide around. It makes the winter outdoors enjoyable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Moscow looks so cool !! Have you also visited St Petersburg?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, not been to St.Petersburg yet but would love to.
LikeLike
VDNKh Park entrance is beautiful, festive decorations are amazing. Pavilion looks stunning. Altogether the Park is great. Metro station is elegant. Library is wowwwwwwww. The footbridge view is beautiful. Thanks for sharing these photos.
LikeLike
Its my pleasure Jepsy, thank you for taking the time to comment.
LikeLike
Everything is just a Wow, so much to see in Moscow! The metro station is something that I would really like to see someday❤
Happy Friday!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking an interest in my post. The metro is like a living museum
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely post. Fasitaniting. Cheers!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for your kind words. Glad to read you enjoyed this post on Moscow.
LikeLike
So interesting to see posts on Moscow, likely a place I will never reach. I had heard about the ornate Metro stations, some are truly beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Allan
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s my pleasure Allan, it’s so pleasing to read you are enjoying this series. The metro stations are like a living museum and I’m so impressed that they are so well cared for and clean.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos and glad you got your eggs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, You can usually find a way to get around language barriers! Runny eggs are my favourites. Our day in Moscow was fascinating too. Thanks for commenting, and have a good weekend.
LikeLike