Russia 2015: Of Saints and Scientists - An Afternoon at the Moscow Cathedral

The directions were to "use the entrance under the bridge." Neither Rusty nor I even knew one existed. It was a quick metro ride to the iconic Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Slippery steps led down to the Moscow River and the line of very scientific looking gentlemen that was beginning to form just past the bridge let us know we were in the right place.

It was quite a paradox of images...a constellation of lights on the ceiling, saints and Tsar Nicholas adorned the columns and scientists filled the "soviet red" seats. Most of the attendees were between the ages of 65-80. Rusty had been inducted into the Academy of Natural Sciences a few years ago and was the official representative from the United States at the 25th Anniversary Conference.  Before the conference began, we were led through back passage ways to view their collection of historic icons dating from the 6th or 7th century.





In a effort to keep awake during the long event (jet lag and the hour long reading of "congratulations" took its toll) I wandered through the exhibition of religious art and checked out the New Year /Christmas souvenirs for sale in the hallway.






















Wearing his medals like a badge of honor, the Academy president personally greeted Rusty during a break in the conference.

Once it had concluded, we decided to skip the cocktail reception and headed down to the "food court" at the mall on Red Square. Last chance to get some traditional Russian dishes, even if they were the fast food variety. At least during the opulent buffet breakfast at the Metropol Hotel, we got to sample some first class Russian cuisine - blini (with caviar, if you wanted), cheese curd pancakes, kasha (either oatmeal or rice), and a variety of teas and sweets.

For my last evening in Moscow, I wandered through the souvenir kiosks that filled the space in front of the Russian History Museum, just around the corner from Red Square. Last minute Christmas gifts in hand, we made it an early night. Our car to the airport picked us up at 4am. With Rusty's Skymile privileges, we had breakfast in the Aeroflot version of the Sky Lounge. The flights were uneventful, but long - especially the 11 leg from Paris to Salt Lake City. I made it back to my apartment by 3pm and was on the road south by 4pm. I made it to St. George before the bad weather hit and found a simple hotel with a hot tub.  I hit the road early and after 6 more hours, made it to my brother's just as the Thanksgiving turkey was being served. It was an amazing, whirl wind trip to Russia! I think I will try to stay longer than 3 nights next time :)