Traditional Russian Dress

Ladies singing in Traditional Russian clothes at the market

A trip to Alexander Gardens

The Alexander Gardens were laid out in 1819–22. On the far side of the gardens, statues based on Russian fairytales such as the Prince and the Frog and the Fox and the Stork, spotlit amid mosaic-encrusted basins and balustraded walkways linked to a mall beneath Manezhnaya ploshchad, evince Mayor Luzhkov's desire to transform Moscow's image from that of a drab metropolis into a prosperous fun city.

Sculptured horse fountain

Traditional Russian artwork.

Russian Fairytale figure

The garden is beautiful and is situated from about 100m from Red Square.

Yummy Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate in Moscow is the best in the world.

Hot Chocolate with the girls (Marine, Amy, Jenni and me)

St Basil's Cathedral

It was a rather wet day, so myself, Marina and Jenni decided to visit St Basil's Cathedral. The chuch was reasonably priced to visit. Every visitor to Moscow should visit Red Square at least once, and St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous and interesting landmark in the square.  The onion domed cathedral is a must see, and its also worth buying a ticket to visit inside.  The interior is very different to the exterior! The cathedral is the most recognizable symbol of Russia. Its colorful onion domes are instantly recognizable around the world as emblems of Moscow. The design of St. Basil's Cathedral comprises of nine individual chapels. Each of the nine chapels has a unique onion dome, reflecting a victorious assault on the city of Kazan.


Photographs inside and outside St Basil's Cathedral - 11th September 2011

Ploshchad’ Revolutsii Metro Station

There is a student's belief about the station "Ploshchad’ Revolutsii" of Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line of Moscow Metro.  There are statues of a dog with a border guard, which are located in the arches of the station, and if you pat the nose of a dog you’ll definitely pass all the exams successfully. As a result of the actions based on this belief, a dog's nose shines like a well-polished samovar.

People are constantly coming to the statues at the station, even if they are not superstitious. Patting the dog's nose passing through the station "Ploshchad’ Revolutsii" has become a tradition of the Moscow Metro.

Other Statue in Ploshchad’ Revolutsii

The architecture in Ploshchad’ Revolutsii metro station.

Lucky dog statue

 

Izmaylovo market

Inside the market

A stall selling traditional Russian souvenirs.

The entrance to the market

Izmaylovo market is a large open air market situated near Izmaylovsky Park. The nearest metro is Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya. The market contains hand craft items, Rusisan dolls, copied CD/DVDs, military good and souvenirs.

As you enter the market, there are DVD/CD's for sale and painted boxes and Russian dolls but go further on up the blue steps and you will find a variety of old stuff, from real antiques, paintings to total junk. Most of the Sellers speak some English and will quote you some outrageous prices, simply because you are foreign and they try their luck, genuinely believing that some people really are stupid enough to pay them what the ask for. So you need to haggle.

Izmaylovo market was well worth a visit and a good way to waste time on a Saturday morning. I managed to get a couple of nice souvenirs.

Some of my lovely flowers from my pupils

They are lovely - it should be a tradition for teachers all over the world!!

School

Well two days with my class and they are lovely. Very cute and eager to please. They are age 6 (so P2), but weak academically due to the language barrier. They are all eagar to learn and are beginning to pick up my instructions. Children seem quite settled - no tears at all.

When I put on projector, two of the boys rush over and close the blinds and the doors - I dont even have to ask they just presume that it is their job. They are able to follow my basic instructions e.g. tidy up, wash your hands, change your shoes and change your clothes. I have never had a class so well behaved and can tidy up a classroom at the speed of light.

The children are really good outside the classroom too, I just have to call "Year 2" in the playground and in less than a minute all of the children are standing in front of me in a straight line.  The children are very polite and I am sure that in time they will begin to understand more english and we will have a great year.


Yesterday was the first day of term and I received 5 bunches of flowers from the children. I have some in the flat and some at  school - they are beautiful. It is a Russian tradition to give you teacher flowers on the first day of term.


I have attached some of my photographs from the school.

My classroom

The cloakroom

Outside of the school - a gated school with security.

The amazing play area.