If you're lucky enough to obtain a ticket for a ballet or opera performance at the worldwide famous Bolshoi Theater - then you probably get your chance to be exposed to the highest form of culture available.
Tickets, however, are expensive and have to be bought in advance; even a tour of the building's renovated interior is not without problems. The tour takes place only on certain days and you have to queue. As I was limited by time, I decided to just go and have a look from the outside at the historic building and its surrounding area.
The Bolshoi is not far from The Red Square and one can easily reach the place by metro. There was no sign anywhere with the name Bolshoi, so I had to ask a passer-by to make sure that was It.
The neoclassical building is beautiful and has a lovely fountain and garden in front of it. People seem to love sitting on the benches in the little garden, enjoying the sight of the fountain.
The 'neighbor' on the right side of the building is the back (ugly) of the ZUM department store. (Something should be done about that; it kills the view).
The one on the right at the last picture? It is not so bad...
ReplyDeleteHi Ola,
ReplyDeleteI've just added a picture which shows more clearly the right side. It's not only the back of the ZUM store that spoils the view, but there's also some construction going on along that side.Anyway, even if it doesn't look bad in the picture, believe me it is.
Ola querida Duda,agradeço muito o carinho e as felicitações.Meu grande abraço .SU
ReplyDeleteSuzanne Weck,
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Su. Hope You'll go on with your blog, and..also stop by my blog.
That square looked huge, and the building looked very clean and scrubbed up, so I can see what you mean about the other buildings!
ReplyDeleteHi Vera,
ReplyDeleteCleaning and scrubbing is a very obvious part in Moscow's life. Cleaners everywhere : in parks, in stores, on the streets etc... See the cleaning man in the orange outfit in the second picture?
The ZUM store has a nice facade, but its back, like any back, is neglected , and this shoudn't happen near such a grand and important building like the Bolshoi.
Such wonderful places you've been.
ReplyDeleteJennifer A. Jilks,
ReplyDeleteIf you mean places in Moscow - yes, there are some terrific spots in this mega city worth a visit. You only need a good pair of legs, and I'm not so young any more. The metro takes you anywhere in no time, but it requires of you to go up and down a lot of times.
One of my former student's decided to backpack around Europe before going to college. Ah to travel to these wonderful places and see the sights. I enjoy the photos.
ReplyDeleteLinda O'Connell,
ReplyDeleteWell, Europe is a great continent, with lots of wonderful places. Who knows, maybe your former student also got to Moscow.
Beautiful building, and it's interesting to see the department store. I've always heard about it, so it's fun to be able to put a "face" to a name. What a memorable trip for you!
ReplyDeleteHi Bica,
ReplyDeleteIn my next post , I'm going to write a few words about that department store and show the picture of its facade. It's the second largest department store in Moscow.
Everything looks so in place and clean! Loving your tour!
ReplyDeleteWe were in an interesting Japanese mall in Vancouver, BC!
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ReplyDeleteNel,
That's so. The russians are used to order and tidiness. It's the influence of the former communist regime.
Jennifer A.Jillks,
The japanese usually have interesting stuff to sell to the world, and not only in electronics.
The GUM I remember, but I had really forgotten about the ZUM! :D
ReplyDeleteYou are right it really does look ugly from the back... so not fitting the view with the Bolshoy Theatre!
There was some work going on behind ZUM, so maybe they're going to improve the site. I really hope so.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see your post on the Murals in Tel Aviv, can you send me the link? Russia is a country I love. I will come tomorrow to read this series about Moscow.
ReplyDeleteThe worldwide famous Bolshoi Theater...sad you didn't visit its interiors :-( what a pity.
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