We started the day at Lenin's Mausolem. No cameras allowed! Quite a fasinating experience. After walking past the graves of many heroes that died during the Revolutionary War, we entered the granite slabbed mausoleum. It is extremely dark and spartan with Lenin's body illuminated in the middle. After walking out, we strolled past other famous early Communist leaders, including Stalin. It was Sunday, so we peaked in at an Orthodrox service being conducted at the Kazan Cathedral (above). Incense, candles burning, and chanting sing-song prayers.
We left Red Square and passed by the State Museum on our way to the opera. Statue of war hero Marshall Zhukov on horseback above with Russian guard next to it.
We saw a Russian opera, Iolanta, by Tchaikovsky at the New Bolshoi, right next to the famous and currently being restored Bolshoi Theatre. Luckily they had an english translation on two screens. Good to know what's happening!
Afterward we relaxed for some traditional Ukrainian food. Green Borsht, baked pork with mushroom and cheese. I also enjoyed homemade kvas, a fermented beverage of unknown ingredients.
Charles had to try some Abisinthe - banned in the U.S.
We hopped on the Metro to visit several famous stations (above photo and several photos below) with murals, mosaics, and sculptures. They were built in the 30's and 40's and doubled as bomb shelters. The Metro system is just amazing.
Metro Art (public transportation is like a museum!)
Late afternoon we made our way towards Victory Park which celebrates the Great Patriotic War (World War II). After emerging from the Metro, we gazed upon the Triumphal Arch (see us doing YMCA!), built in commemoration of the victory over Napoleon.
This tall monument is covered by the names and pictures of the major battles in Russia. The height of the monument is about 30 stories tall (466ft; 10cm for every day the war lasted). It has St. George slyaing a dragon with Nazi symbols on it.
We finished at Victory Park at a sculpture commemorating the war dead. It was extremely moving... 
A beautiful sunset near Victory Park
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