Henry Rifle Forums

I like the travel posts, which JEBar has made recently. They are a fun challenge. And they also reminded of some trips I took years ago, but I won't make you try to find out where I was! Here's my mini-travelogue.

Whenever I "wake up" my computer from the sleep mode, there are rotating images that appear behind the log in windows. They change every few days. This week one photo reminded me of travel I did in the 1980s, even though it's now almost ancient history for me.

I've traveled three times through different regions of the former Soviet Union. It's been quite a while since I've looked at photos of the Moscow or St. Petersburg or Kiev subway (Metro) systems. During my trips, I used all three systems quite often when in each of these cities. This week a photo of the Moscow Mayakovskaya Metro appeared on my computer screen, and I searched for it on the net. These metro stations are so beautiful, they are considered to be works of art by many folk.

Somewhere in my stored plastic tubs of photographs, I have my own picture of the Moscow Metro (taken many times) and developed from Fuji 35mm film way back then (ancient, yes!!). The main difference between my "snapshot" and the internet image, is that mine had many travelers walking the metro platform. The Moscow photo, sans the travelers, really shows the exquisite artistry of many of these stations. Just for fun, I'm also posting some current internet photos from St. Petersburg and Kiev metros. If you like to view beautiful art, go underground!

Still remember what amazement I felt after riding the metro escalator deep down under the city streets, and facing such a beautiful "hall of artwork!" The first time was especially exciting. It was a cool travel experience!
PT7

Mayakovskaya Metro in Moscow Admiralty Metro in St. Petersburg Kiev Metro

Wow that's impressive. I had no idea they had that in their subways. If that was here in the US it would be destroyed with graffiti.

I would say there probably is some graffiti floating around in these metros. But generally, Russian people love their art & artists, literature & writers, poetry & poets. It's a great part of their history, and many are quite proud of it.

Talking about the artwork in Moscow, it definitely is on display above ground also. Although the Moscow Kremlin is the seat of the government, most of the structures within and nearby its walls are impressive museums housed in fantastic architecture. Here is my very favorite one located on Red Square just opposite the Kremlin Wall...seeing this in person during my visits was a great experience, too. (I wish I had my own photos to post, but none are in an electronic format; only on 4" X 3" fading-away paper stored in a plastic tub). I'm certain this is the most photographed cathedral in the entire country!! Could also be neat competition in a photo contest against Disney World's Kingdom castle.

So here are some follow-up photos to add to my mini-travelogue.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

Bugs wrote:Wow that's impressive. I had no idea they had that in their subways. If that was here in the US it would be destroyed with graffiti.

Those are extraordinary pics. Thanks for sharing.

Extraordinary indeed.

oooooh, my favorite your Метро Mayakovskaya в Москве.jpg