traveltales: RUSSIA'S WAR MEMORIAL

Saturday, November 20, 2010

RUSSIA'S WAR MEMORIAL

VICTORY PARK

In Moscow, Victory Park covers 182 hectares. It opened in 1995 with representatives from 56 countries, including President Clinton, present. The metal relief 462-foot high oblique is beautiful. A Mosque, Synagogue, and Russian Orthodox Church are in the park.

We entered the main building to find a Russian band waiting for us. The director stood at rigid attention in a uniform that looked a bit big for him. After they played and sang the Russian National Anthem they swung into the Star Spangled Banner. We all stood at attention and sang loudly along with them as more than one of us had tears in our eyes. What a delight! So far from home, on foreign soil and to have such a warm welcome was wonderful.

A local, very Russian, docent then toured us though the excellent museum. The many dioramas were some of the best I’ve ever seen. Svetlana interpreted for us as we moved through the museum. The guide said, “Twenty-seven million Russians died during WW II, seven million were military and 20 million were civilians. The Battle of Moscow in 1941 was followed by the Battle of Stalingrad, which lasted 200 days killing 4 million people. That battle ended in ’43 when Russian soldiers surrounded 90,000 Germans.

“The Nazis couldn’t capture Leningrad so they bombarded it in a siege that lasted 900 days! The Russians would not surrender. People had no heat, water, or food and were given 4-inches of bread a day. One million died in the first destruction of Leningrad in 300 years.

“Kiev was liberated in November ’43. The Nazis lost 70% of their forces on Russian territory. The siege of Berlin lasted 22 days.”

In the Hall of Glory 12,000 hero names are engraved on the walls. Reliefs encircle the dome and in the center a bronze soldier welcomes and represents the drive from Moscow to Berlin.

It is an excellent war museum with outstanding displays.
At the time of my visit Moscow was in high gear for the 65th D-Day anniversary celebrations. President Bush was due in the city in a few days. Orange, yellow and red flags were all over town. Thousands of flowers---tulips and pansies, were being planted.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.