Moscow - Day 11

The day dawned with bright sunshine, holding great promise for what was to come: our trip to and tour of the largest Russian Orthodox monastery, Sergiev Posad, located about 40 miles from Moscow by highway.  On our way, our guide gave us background information.  The monastery with its fortified walls had existed from the 14th century and had escaped the assaults of both the armies of Napoleon and the Germany.  It's founder, Sergius, was canonized and is venerated by millions of Russians.  His tomb is a place of pilgrimage for persons seeking healing and blessing.

Upon entering the complex, which our guide called the "Russian Vatican", we were immersed in the splendor of the place. It was favored by the royal family of Ivan the Terrible and richly endowed by the Tsar and other wealthy patrons, such that several cathedrals were built over the centuries.  The largest was adorned by the blue domes with the gold stars topped with golden crosses.  Inside, as were the other cathedrals we visited there, the icon walls were covered with carved frames covered by gold leaf.  These were places of active worship and there were pilgrims everywhere.  Most notable was the line of those who were seeking to approach and kiss the tomb of Sergius:  the line extended several blocks.

One of the small cathedrals was built over a spring: the legend told was that a monk, blind in one eye, had discovered the spring and upon drinking its waters regained sight in the eye.  Now pilgrims were drinking of the healing water and carrying away containers filled from the spring.  As today was the day before Russia's Independence Day, whole families were also enjoying an outing in the beautiful sunshine.

After the tour, our Viking River Cruise hosts provided for us a luncheon at a nearby restaurant -- baked salmon and roasted potatoes with blini for dessert -- and we headed back to the ship.  When we got back to the Volga River dock, Jan and I took advantage of the sunshine and went for a walk in the nearby park, pausing to sit in the shade, read and watch the people pass by.

Later, after dinner, many of us embarked on a bus and riverboat tour of "Moscow by Night".  Again, on the eve of the holiday, the place was alive with lights and sounds, making memories that will last a long time.

Tomorrow is our last day, which includes an introduction to the Moscow Metro.  More to come...