Saturday 15th Feb. Moscow is becoming like any European capital city, yet still retains the character bestowed by its architecture, sprawl and recent past. One night in Moscow (good to catch up with Mark, Gavin's University pal) is followed by a brief reminder of the city centre tourist trail. Then, a hurried Metro journey to Kurskaya station for the premier train to Nizhny Novgorod. Some disappointment to find a crowded commuter-style train rather than the expected Sapsan high-speed, and after politely moving someone out of our reserved seats we sit down for the four hour journey. Arriving in darkness it's tricky to get a handle on the scale of the place, but the short taxi ride to the hotel gives some clue, with a substantial river crossing and frequent changes in altitude. A walk through the rundown back streets leads us to a pleasant city centre, reminiscent in some ways of the Baltic state capitals. The discovery of a brewery-restaurant fulfils sustenance needs.
Monday morning, and a daylight stroll to the city centre with impressive views over the rivers Oka and Volga, both largely frozen solid. Temperature is just above freezing, although plenty of snow, ice and slush underfoot.
A couple of Metro rides, visit to the park, long foot crossing over the Oka, quick look at the Kremlin and tourist area, late lunch, then off to the station for the first "proper" train journey of the trip. Nizhny Novgorod might be worth further exploration - plenty to do being fourth biggest city in Russia, and mostly rather attractive and fun.
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