Stop 3 - Moscow & train from Moscow to Tyumen

We arrived in Moscow around 4pm, checked in to our (slightly odd) hostel and then went for a night time wonder. We were both surprised at how vibrant and lively it seemed. After a good nights sleep we headed out to probably the most well known attraction in Moscow - the Kremlin.

Inside the main cathedral square (the main open space surrounded by important buildings and churches) it felt strangely peaceful for somewhere that important history changing decisions had been made for the past 800 years. The various white washed churches topped with golden domes had been used for different reasons over time including burials, worship, celebrations and coronations. As well as the churches there are also the government buildings although these are obviously not open for random tourists to just wonder into.

As well as the Kremlin there were many other beautiful buildings to look st in Moscow - the photo above is of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

And obviously we couldn't visit without going to take a picture the famous St Basils!

Besides looking at buildings we also spent time in Moscow at a park called Gorky Park full of weird little (and some actually pretty big) statues of all the people you can imagine from Lenin to Pinocchio. We also went to a pretty interesting arts development called Red October which used to be biscuit factory. The building itself had actually been changed very little with what seemed like quite a bit of industrial sized biscuit making equipment hanging about. There were quite a few arty shops and galleries to explore but we spent most of out time eating in a rather hipsterish and very yummy Georgian restaurant.

That evening we boarded the train for a 2 day and 2 night journey from Moscow to Tyumen

The provodnista was very friendly and we settled in quickly to our little compartment. It was a second class cabin meaning we were sharing with two other people. These two others were two Russian men, both very friendly and one extremely interested in English kings; Richard III seemed to be be the topic of most conversations. We had the two bottom bunks which were pretty comfortable and big. Despite the bumpy train we both managed to sleep pretty well. In the morning we quickly tidied our beds up and made them back into seats so our friends could sit down - however it seems this wasn't necessary as they both stayed lying on their top bunks for most of the rest of the journey. After poking our heads into some other compartments we realised this seemed normal - if you have booked a top bunk you stay in it!

The scenery was pretty although not very varied; We spent the majority of journey in birch forests. However it was surprisingly easy to stay entertained listening to podcasts, reading, writing, drinking tea and playing games.