My Santiago

From Moscow to the Volga 2nd September

Today we board the bus Bound for the Konstantin Simonov On the Vodohod line, Cruising the Volga, Connecting through the Moscow canal, Dug with the excesses of Stalin.

Four nights in Moscow have passed; Days at Gorky Park, Red Square and the Kremlin, A ride on the Metro Stopping at Revolution Square with its brass captures of the Bolshevik entry into the world, (more than a station - a history lesson in itself), The September First recognition of young cadets -goose stepping - in front of the Church of Christ, Rebuilt in its medieval image; The impressive Kremlin Memorial Armoury, Depicting the gradual transition to European dress, carriage and Faberge eggs; And the energetic, ebullient Folk dance of an athletic Moscow dance academy, On our last night.

We leave Moscow, Having barely touched the surface, Just a mere taste of this city Steeped in history, Rich in stories of bitter Boyar feuds,

Poisoning of the Tsar’s wives To gain favour and influence

- With the hopeful selection of one of their princesses

As the next Tsarina - That is, until the next lethal dose Of poison; And the cycle starts yet again.

Moscow, Four days too short to know, But enough to grasp, To begin to comprehend.