FOREIGNERS IN MOSCOW

A research project

ИНОСТРАНЦЫ В  МОСКВЕ

Исследовательский проект

                                                         Content

Introduction………………………………………………………….….…….…4

Part 1…………………………………………………………………………….7

Part 2…………………………………………………………………………….20

Conclusion………………………………………………………….……………28

Some tips for foreigners…..…………………………………………….………..30

Literature……………………………………….………………………………...33

Introduction

The theme of our project is “Foreigners in Moscow” is chosen because we are planning to connect our future profession with travel business. Moreover, we are interested in it because Russian tourism industry is growing fast after the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991. Russia is the largest country in the world and every year millions of tourists visit our country. Russia is a popular place to travel because of its great cultural heritage and dramatic history. It has always been a country of mystery attractive for foreigners. Tourists like to visit old Russian towns and cities famous for their ancient architecture. They are especially attracted by Russian orthodox cathedrals, churches and monasteries.  Thousands of foreigners visit Russia to enjoy the typical Russian log houses, decorated with wood carvings.

According to our study Russia in the minds of foreigners is still mainly associated with Russian doll (matrioshka), caviar, and vodka. Foreign tourist does not consider Russia as a country of unfriendly people. More than a third of respondents of our research agreed that Russia has high prices for substandard services. Almost all country territories of Russia have no developed tourism industry but are rich in numerous ancient churches, monasteries, palaces. Unfortunately most of them are in need of restoration.  

Almost all travel centers are concentrated in Moscow and Saint Petersburg cities because they have a lot of places of interest for travelers like Red Square and Kremlin in Moscow, Petropavlovskaya fortress and Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg.

First of all, this study will examine the development of tourism in Moscow.

All information for this study will be obtained from:

• Internet
• Russian travel agencies
• Interviews with tourists from other countries
• Articles from the media

The aim of the research work is to define the most visited places in Moscow, to collect information about them. And we are going to define who knows more about Moscow sights: foreigners or the Russians. Our task is to refute false stereotypes about Russia and to show it in a true colour.  

In the given work the following research methods are used: studying and the analysis of theoretical sources of a problem; questioning and interview of tourists.

The plan of our research:

1. To study theoretical sources of the problem;  
2. To define the most popular places to visit in Moscow;
3. To define the stereotypes about Russia;
4. To interview some tourists from other countries;
5. To find out the foreigners’ impression after visiting Moscow;
6. To make the routefor foreigners;
7. To give some adviceto tourists.

 Aims:

1. To learn Moscow sights and information about them;
2. To define the most popular places to visit in Moscow;
3. To find out what foreigners know about Moscow and its attractions;
4. To investigate the stereotypes about life in Russia;
5. To design the route for tourists;
6. To enlarge our knowledge  in travel industry;
7. To improve our English.

Tasks:

1. To visit Moscow attractions,
2. To interview tourists from other countries,
3. To do a survey of  tourists,
4. To make the route for foreigners,
5. To define the stereotypes about Russia,
6. To break stereotypes.

Part 1

Moscow attractions

        There is a lot to see in Russia, but first of all foreign tourists visit the capital of our country. Moscow is a great place to visit, it’s political, economic, commercial and cultural center. Millions of tourists dream of visiting Red Square, which is called the heart of Moscow. They also usually visit St. Basil’s Cathedral, GUM, Manezhnaya Square, Poklonnaya Hill, Arbat, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour,  Tretyakov Gallery, Lenin’s Tomb,  Moscow State University , etc.

Red Square

Red Square is a free Moscow attraction that is also a Moscow must-see sight. This historic square is graced with the presence of the beautiful and symbolic St. Basil's Cathedral. It is lively by day, moody at night. Cultural events, like Maslenitsa, are held on Red Square. There you can watch the changing of the guard at the Eternal Flame or visit Lenin’s Tomb (be prepared to stand in line for more than an hour for an “attraction” that is less impressive than it sounds). If St. Basil’s Cathedral is open, explore it—it is as beautiful on the inside as it is the outside. A final suggestion for Red Square: visit it in the quietude of the evening and experience it without the tourists. It’s magical!

The Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin is a must-see for visitors to Moscow and one of the best things to do in the Russian capital city. Not only one of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, but also the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation, the Kremlin is the perfect place to begin your tour of Moscow. Once inside, there is  Cathedral Square, whose historic cathedrals were worshiped in by the tsars and their families. Also on display are the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, two immobile monuments to the grandeur of Russia past.

At the southern end of Red Square, framed by the massive facades of the Kremlin and GUM department store, stands the icon of Russia: St Basil’s Cathedral. This crazy confusion of colours, patterns and shapes is the culmination of a style that is unique to Russian architecture. In 1552 Ivan the Terrible captured the Tatar stronghold of Kazan on the feast of Intercession. He commissioned this landmark church, officially the Intercession Cathedral, to commemorate the victory. From 1555 to 1561 architects Postnik and Barma created this masterpiece that would become the ultimate symbol of Russia. The cathedral’s apparent anarchy of shapes hides a comprehensible plan of nine main chapels: the tall, tent-roofed one in the center; four big, octagonal-towered ones, topped with the four biggest domes; and four smaller ones in between. Legend has it that Ivan had the architects blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, as records show that they were employed a quarter of a century later (and four years after Ivan’s death) to add an additional chapel to the structure. Out front of St Basil’s is the statue of KuzmaMinin and Dmitry Pozharsky, one a butcher and the other a prince, who together raised and led the army that ejected occupying Poles from the Kremlin in 1612. Up the slope is the round, walled Place of Skulls, where Peter the Great executed the Streltsy.

St. Basil's marks the geometric center of Moscow. It has been the hub of the city's growth since the 14th century and was the city's tallest building until the completion of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower in 1600.

        Not only one of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, but also the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation, the Kremlin is the perfect place to begin your tour of Moscow.

Moscow's history really begins around 1147, when Yuri Dolgoruky, Grand Duke of Kiev, built a wooden fort at the point where the Neglina and Moskva Rivers converge. The city grew rapidly and, despite being razed by the Mongols in 1208, was soon powerful enough to attain primacy among the Russian principalities, acknowledged in 1326 when the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church moved there from Vladimir. Kremlin became the centre of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodelled, as befitted its new status. Meanwhile, Moscow spread outside the walls of the citadel, and the Kremlin became a world apart, the base of the twin powers of state and religion. This period saw the construction of the magnificent Cathedrals of the Assumption, the Annunciation and the Archangel, and the uniquely Russian Terem Palace, the royal residence. The addition of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower completed Sobornaya Square, and added to the imposing effect of the Kremlin skyline.

GUM

Directly opposite the Mausoleum, on the eastern side of the square, lies the building which houses Russia's most famous shopping mall - the State Department Store, GUM. Since the fall of communism, several other shopping centers and hypermarkets have sprung up to rival it in prestige, but GUM retains its status as a consumer Mecca for visitors to Moscow. In the Soviet Union, the top floor was home to Section 100, a secret clothing store only open to the highest echelons of the party.

Nowadays the rows of exclusive boutiques are accessible to anyone with a platinum card. That said, the building itself is glorious, and there are still a few more interesting relics of a bygone era on the higher floors that make it well worth exploring.

The site has been used for trading throughout history. By 1520 there was already a large stone arcade standing here. Fire destroyed the old Upper Trading Rows, as they became known, and the current building was completed in 1893.

 Journalists and travel writers often comment on the sharp contrast between prices in GUM and poverty in Russia - as if the majority of New Yorkers get their clothes from Saks, or the average Londoner could afford to do their grocery shopping in Harrods. Even if you don't intend to buy anything, a tour of Red Square should always include a quick stroll down the aisles of GUM.

Manezhnaya Square 

Near Red Square we can see Manezhnaya Square. Is a large pedestrian open space at the heart of Moscow bound by the Hotel Moskva to the east, the State Historical Museum and the Alexander Garden to the south, the Moscow Manege to the west, and the 18th-century headquarters of the Moscow State University to the north.

The square forms a vital part of downtown Moscow, connecting Red Square (which sprawls behind the Iberian Gate immediately to the south) with a major traffic artery, Tverskaya Street, which starts here and runs northward in the direction of Saint Petersburg. It is served by three metro stations: OkhotnyRyad, PloshchadRevolyutsii, and Teatralnaya.

Poklonnaya Hill

The most famous place at the entrance to Moscow from the west, of course, is Poklonnaya (Bow) Hill, a notable place, connected with the various historical events in Russia. Once, this gently sloping hill was located far outside Moscow, and from its summit the spectacular view of the city opened. Travelers stopped there to have look at Moscow and bow to her: hence the name of the hill. It was on Poklonnaya Hill that Napoleon vainly waited for the keys to Moscow; it was there that the soldiers went to the front to defend the Motherland during WWII.

That is why Poklonnaya Hill became the symbol of Russia's victory over foreign aggressors. In connection with the past events the large memorial dedicated to the Victory in Great Patriotic War of 1941 – 1945 with a park, monuments, museums, and churches was created.

ARBAT

Arbat Street once served as a main Moscow artery and is one of the oldest original streets in the Russian capital.

During the 1700's, Arbat Street began to be looked upon by Moscow's noble and wealthy as a prime residential district, and eventually began to be settled by some of Russia's famous families and notable individuals. Fires damaged many of the oldest Arbat Street houses, so today its architecture is a mixture from different styles, including Art Nouveau. While Arbatstreet's significance lies in its history, Arbat Street today is a lively and interesting Moscow attraction.

New Arbat Street is the modern version of Old Arbat Street. Shops and restaurants line this busy street, which cuts through the Arbat District of Moscow. Visit Old Arbat Street to listen to musicians, browse for souvenirs, and get an idea of what Moscow was like in the time of Pushkin, who claimed an Old Arbat Street address, and before. Statues and architecture make Old Arbat Street a visually appealing free Moscow attraction, but hang on to your wallet - pickpockets love Old Arbat Street.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

This gargantuan cathedral now dominates the skyline along the Moscow River. It sits on the site of an earlier and similar church of the same name, built between 1839 and 1860, and finally consecrated in 1883. The church commemorates Russia’s victory over Napoleon. The original was destroyed during Stalin’s orgy of explosive secularism. Stalin planned to replace the church with a 315m-high Palace of Soviets (including a 100m-high statue of Lenin), but the project never got off the ground – literally. Instead, for 50 years the site served an important purpose: the world’s largest swimming pool. This time around, the church was completed in a mere two years, in time for Moscow’s 850th birthday in 1997, and at an estimated cost of US$350 million.

Tretyakov Gallery

The exotic boyar castle on a little lane in Zamoskvorechie contains the main branch of the State Tretyakov Gallery, housing the world’s best collection of Russian icons and an outstanding collection of other prerevolutionary Russian art. Show up early to beat the queues.

The State Tretrakov Gallery has the best collection of Russian art. The likenesses of Catherine the Great and Pushkin will confront you in its galleries. Larger-than-life social commentaries from the 19th century will make your skin prickle with their messages. Repin, Vrubel, Kandinsky, Chagall, and many more Russian artists are represented here—open any book on Russian art and most of the significant pieces will be hanging in the Tretyakov. However, a book can’t do these paintings justice! 

Lenin’s Tomb 

Although Vladimir Ilych requested that he be buried beside his mum in St Petersburg, he still lies in state at the foot of the Kremlin wall, receiving visitors who come to pay their respects to the founder of the Soviet Union. The embalmed leader has been here since 1924 (apart from a retreat to Siberia during WWII).

Before joining the queue at the northwestern corner of Red Square, drop your camera at the left-luggage office in the State History Museum, as you will not be allowed to take it with you. Humourless guards ensure that visitors remain respectful. After trouping past the embalmed figure, emerge from the mausoleum and inspect the Kremlin wall, where other communist heavy hitters are buried.

OstankinoPalace& TV Tower

The pink-and-white Ostankino Palace, a wooden mansion with a stucco exterior made to resemble stone, was built in the 1790s as the summer pad of Count Nikolai Sheremetev, probably Russia’s richest aristocrat of the time and son of Count PyotrSheremetev.

Note that the palace is closed on days when it rains or when humidity is high. The lavish interior, with hand-painted wallpaper and intricate parquet floors, houses the count’s art treasures.

After a fire in the late 1990s, the 540m Ostankino TV Tower is no longer open to the public, although it still provides a distinctive landmark for the area.

Tsar Cannon & Bell

North of the bell tower is the 40-tonne Tsar Cannon. It was cast in 1586 by the blacksmith Ivan Chokhov for Fyodor I, whose portrait is on the barrel. Shot has never sullied its 89cm bore - certainly not the cannonballs beside it, which are too big even for this elephantine firearm.

Beside (not inside) the bell tower stands the world's biggest bell, a 202-tonne monster that has never rung. An earlier version, weighing 130 tonnes, fell from its belfry during a fire in 1701 and shattered. Using these remains, the current Tsar Bell was cast in the 1730s for Empress Anna Ivanovna. The bell was cooling off in the foundry casting pit in 1737 when it came into contact with water, causing an

 11-tonne chunk to chip off. After 100 years, the architect Monferrand took the damaged bell out of the pit and put it on a pedestal. The bas-reliefs of Empress Anna and Tsar Alexey, as well as some icons, were etched on its sides.

Part 2

Russian stereotypes and symbols

     If people have decided to travel to Russia, they probably would like to get some answers to the questions they may have.

Russia has always seemed a mystery to foreigners.   A great number of stereotypes arise in mind when a person hears the word Russia. Russian furry hats, communism, bears, vodka, cold winters, Russian mafia, and unshaven people, are some of the most popular stereotypes about Russia and   Russian  people. Although most of these are just jokes, some people really believe that Russia is still communist, and that bears walk around the streets. Russia is still a place that continues to mystify people, and has people laughing about Soviet-era stereotypes.

    These stereotypes, cultivated to a great degree by mass media, may even scare a foreigner who has never visited our country. Maybe these stereotypes started by the French novelist Alexander Dumas, Senior, who happened to travel about Russia. In one of his books, the author of The Three Musketeers described how he had had a rest «under a branchy cranberry-plant». It's not clear how he managed to crawl under it, since it is not a tree but a tiny bush and grows only in marshes. Since those old days, "branchy cranberry" has formidably established itself in the Russian language as a synonym for incompetence and superficiality of judgment.

     When one tries to find answers to all the questions about Russia one may have, he may face a lot of difficulties. Russia is not behind the iron curtain any more, nevertheless, people from other countries cannot understand Russian way of living, Russian strange but so wonderful character. What is Russian life like? What do I need to bring with me? What should I be afraid of? Is it expensive to live in Russia?

Is it safe there? These and other questions call for immediate answers when a person is going to Russia. Only a native who has been living in this country all his life and knows how things are there may help a foreigner and give him a most realistic picture of Russian reality. It is hardly worth saying today that contemporary life in Russia has very little to do with playing the balalaika amidst matrioshkas and samovars, or wild rushing in sleighs driven by troika (three horses harnessed abreast) along the streets where bears supposedly wander. All these

stories are just myths for naive tourists.

Vodka

     Vodka is a typical question.  But there’s nothing to reveal. Much is especially told about Russian hard drinking. Well, undiluted vodka - chilled but without ice - has been a favourite alcoholic drink in Russia since time immemorial, but it can be explained by our severe climate.

Having been frozen in winter, you would have such a drink as gladly as we do. And though the Russians do know how to go on a spree, there is an old proverb: «Drink you may - but don't forget your business».

Original 40 percent vodka was invented by brilliant Russian scientist Dmitriy Mendeleev in 1894. Archeologists say, however, that this drink has always been extremely popular in Russia.

    Even the name «vodka» is very close to Russian «voda» which means water. So we can suggest that in a wild Russian countryside during the drought people were drinking vodka instead of water just to survive. Probably they did.

Anyway, vodka is still in great favour with Russians, but we have got a sensation! Not all Russians drink vodka! This stereotype is far from true. It can be said that Russia has a problem with alcohol abuse just like  any other country, but not all people drink vodka of course.

Ushanka

 Russian furry hats, or shapka-ushankas in Russian, are probably the most associated thing with Russia. A long time ago the ushanka became the symbol of Russia and one of the most popular souvenirs. Typically, when one sees this hat, one says, “Oh, you have a Russian hat with ears.” A winter hat with ear-flaps and warm covering for the back of the head can protect one against the severe Russian cold.

 In the past, only peasants would wear such hats — they called them the “three-eared hats.” In 1940, the Red Army substituted winter helmets with earflap hats, and since then the hats have become popular among civilians, men as well as women. Most foreigners buy black and gray military hats with faux fur, but the Russians prefer ear-flap hats of expensive natural fur: mink, nutria, muskrat, or fox. During the Soviet times, such hats were difficult to find, and state officials would wear fur trim of quality depending on their rank.

     The ushankahat  in Russia is typically worn by tourists, and less often not by the Russians. But the ushanka hat stereotype is not fading away anytime soon.

Communism

       The communist stereotype has been around since the beginning of the Soviet Union. Typical jokes referring to Stalin, Lenin, and Gorbachev are still popular in America and the west today.Who said all of us share communistic ideas? Who wanted to join the Communist Party a hundred years ago? Russians don’t even know what it is in practice. It’s obvious we have a will to live in a community. But that is not the main principle of communism. A small group of leaders were trying to build an ideal world (even not communistic, but socialistic). In the end it became even worse that it had been before, due to many reasons. And who are Russians in the end: communistic nuts or victims of someone’s impossible plans? Common references to strong, working women and the comrade-like relationship between all citizens in Russian society even today. The political situation in Russia today is also called communistic by several, using and abusing the communist stereotype.

Laziness

Laziness is among stereotypes too. “This laziness is obvious”, - many people (even Russians) say. “It all begins from Russian fairy tales. The most popular one is about

Russian guy Emelya, who was sitting on a bake all his life and then caught a magic fish that brought him a beautiful girl (in fact she was princess) and wealth…” Some people believe this feature is true for Russians, but as a Russian I’m sure saying that it’s not.

Take an example of students studying nowadays. They want to be successful and they not only work hard, but also take some extra activities (look at the Debate Club guys!). And finally they achieve good results! Take another example. Many Russians say they are too lazy to prepare for their exams. Well in fact, they have enough time for writing a pile of really huge and informative cribs! What means they didn’t spare time for … preparing!

Balalaika

The balalaika is a Russian three – cornered banjo, or a strange three – cornered violin with three strings, or a weird three – stringed three – cornered guitar… or something like that.

The balalaika is extremely popular in Russian restaurants abroad and pretty popular among lapti – wearing bears.

And one more things – balalaika sounds much better than the scotch bagpipe.

Lapti

Lapti were invented in the wild – wild Russia a long – long time ago.

Lapti are shoes made of  bast and laces which were extremely popular among Russian peasants and some bears. By the way, some bears (unlike the peasants) do still wear lapti.

And one more is important things about lapti: according to an old Russian folk-wisdom, it is extremely hard to eat sauerkraut soup with lapti. (in original – «Etovamnelaptemschikhlebat».) We have no idea what the author did want to say.

Valenki

When it becomes -350C outside it becomes really important to keep feet warm and dry.

Valenki are traditional wild Russian winter footwear, essentially felt boots. Their name itself means «made by felting». Genuine valenki are made of wool felt.

Valenki are still sometimes used in the countryside in Russia. There`s a problem caused by the fact that valenki are not water resistant. To be protected from water valenki should be upgraded with galoshes.

Nowadays in the big cities valenki are rather more a stylish fetish than shoes.

Cold winters, bears on the streets, and vodka are other popular stereotypes about Russia. It is a common thought that Russia always is cold year round, and has

horrible winters. It is true that Russia experiences harsher winters than other countries, but there are periods of warm weather in spring to fall. The vodka factor in the equation is explained by saying that all people in Russia drink vodka. Kids, grandparents, and adults alike drink vodka.. The common stereotype of having bears walking on the streets instead of dogs is completely false. Bears do perform in circuses around Russia, but the bear is one of the national symbols of Russia. Owning a bear as a pet is madness, even to Russian people. =)

The Russian mafia stereotype is not what it used to be, but it still exists. In the aftermath of the Soviet Union, it can be said that the mafia in Russia was rampant with crime and murder. After the rise of Putin, the mafia and crime decreased drastically. The Russian mafia exists to some extent, but it is safe to walk the streets at night, and of course to open a business in Russia. Unfortunately, bribes are still taken by almost all officials including cops, so perhaps, it can be said that the cops are the mafia.

Everyone around the world enjoys Russian stereotypes. Although they are fun in nature, they are far from being truthful. The Russian nation and people are intelligent, modernized, and cultured. One will have his or her stereotypes broken after a short visit to the Russian Federation. Though, we all have stereotypes for all nationalities, the Russian stereotypes are one of a kind.

In conclusion

Russia is a country of contrasts, and probably that is why there are so many rumors, based on real and made-up events. After an interview with  Foreigners we found out  that most of them find Russia amazing and odd at the same time. We interviewed tourists from the different countries of the world: Germany, Argentina, Spain, Japan, China, Korea, Czech Republic, Finland, Great Britain, Sweden and other. We asked them some questions:

1. Where are you from?
2. What did you hear about Russia?
3. Why do you come here?
4. What do you want to see in Moscow?
5. What impressions have you got after visit Moscow?

 Tourists were struck by our boundless jams, overcrowded streets and variety of nationalities. We found out a lot of things going on in Russia make a foreign mind swell with questions and still remain incomprehensible. Some of these things may disappoint them, some may astonish them, but we can say one for sure: they will never forget this wonderful journey. It will be one of the most exotic ones they have ever had. In fact, Moscow is different from the rest of the country since it is the capital. It is closer to Europe in its development than to the rest part of Russia, so if the foreigners want to get an idea what a real Russian town is like and what Russian people are like, they should go outside Moscow and St. Petersburg, travel somewhere further inside the country, and they will see what we mean here.

 Moreover, none of guests of the capital see any bears driving about by bicycles in bast shoes drinking vodka. People as it would seem are dressed in normal clothes instead of in caftans. The mafia doesn't shoot people on the street in broad daylight. Moscow is the same civilized city, such as, Berlin, or London. Moscow welcomes guests hospitably and warmly.

In conclusion we would like to say that it was very exciting and useful for us to work at this project. We have learned a lot of helpful information. Now we can share my results with other pupils and to tell  the truth we are very proud of it.

Of course, we must say that it was difficult for us to work and to do this project work but we haven`t been disappointed with the theme we`ve chosen. Now we know more information about city where we live, we have learned routs of tourists in Moscow and their goals. Also wehave  got the biggest experience in dialog with foreigners .

SOME TIPS FOR FOREIGNERS

1. Moscow is famous for its harsh winters that sometimes last until April. Summers are hot, but not unbearable. Fall begins early, so the best times to travel are from May until September.
2. We advise you to travel by subway. It's much cheaper than taxi. Moscow's metro system is fast and efficient. While its unforgiving crowds and system of stops may take some getting used to, it's possible to travel all over the city inexpensively and easily using the metro. A bonus is the Moscow's metro stations are attractions in themselves.
3. If you are travelling in winter you should wear only warm clothing.
4. Don`t take a large amount of money and valuable. You can lose purse and documents.

5.Don't trust easily in anybody who offers to lead you to some "good" place like a restaurant or any shop. Don't accept anything that someone offers you for "free".

6.It is better to book a room in a mini-hotel in the city center. Big and well known hotels are good and beautiful, but really too high price.

Answers of tourists

                  -  Right answer

Literature

1. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/russia/moscow
2. http://www.wowrussia.com/
3. http://www.moscow-russia-insiders-guide.com/moscow-travel-tips.html
4. http://www.moscow.info/children/index.aspx
5. http://ternovskiy.livejournal.com/53268.html
6. http://magazine.kosmetichka.ru/a1746/
7. http://www.ehow.com/facts_5213095_interesting-places-moscow.html
8. http://www.travel2moscow.com/
9. http://ru.wikivoyage.org/wiki/%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B2%D0%B0
10. http://onfoot.ru/
11. http://www.livejournal.ru/themes/id/30109
12. Большая энциклопедия географических баз «Все города России»: ООО «Фирма «ИНГИТ», Россия, 2007 г.
13. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Moscow_tourist_attractions
14. http://eng.uzhel.ru/cgi/article/SIGHTS
15. http://nordictravel.ru/moscow/sights.html
16. Moscow`s maps

We’ve found photos at:

http://www.russiablog.org/2007/01/post_2.php

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Russia/Center/Moscow/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Moscow_tourist_attractions