I know that some folks go on vacation and buy up tons of souvenirs. I did not do that on this trip, but in hindsight, there are a few things I wish I had picked up while in Russia.
Many items can be found at the Izmaylovo Market. In case you want some old Soviet memorabilia, this is the place. Me? I wish I had grabbed one of the wooden statues of Grandfather Frost.
If matryoshka dolls are your thing, they had plenty of those too.
Tolkien Bonus: I is for Isengard, a fortress in Gondor. In the Third Age Saruman began to live in Isengard, housing Orcs and building his army until Isengard was destroyed by the Ents.
Oh I love those Santas! I would have picked one up for sure!! That park is amazing and it looks like a Russian Disneyland. The one looks like that wooden church I have seen in many of my books. Just another great scene you picked. Do you know that Christopher Lee has read the LOTR every year since the early 50's? The director often went to him for advice
ReplyDeleteI did not know that about Christopher Lee,but I read the books initially after an attorney I know told me he reads LOTR every couple of years.
DeleteAnother great and informative post
ReplyDeleteThanks. And I am learning a ton on your blog.
DeleteI can't get over how colorful Russia is, every time I see it. Those figures are beautiful. Incidentally, I recently went to an automata museum, and saw very similar carvings in the German style. They're so amazing. :)
ReplyDeleteAlex Hurst, A Fantasy Author in Kyoto
A-Z Blogging in April Participant
I would love to go to an automata museum. They were featured in a recent novel I read (name???). I am sure you will enjoy my 'W' post.
DeleteI too would love Grandfather Frost. The detail are so involved. Think I would like to see the archieture, but Russia is not a place I've ever had a desire to visit. Not sure I would feel safe there. Currently reading Charlie Wilson's war which reminds me of many times in history where there was no love between our countires.
ReplyDeleteSandy at Bridge and Beyond
As for feeling safe, I never felt a worry. Even walked around Saint Petersburg without the guide.
DeleteI love those Santas! I also love the architecture! I would love to travel to Moscow just to see the buildings!
ReplyDeleteTheFrogLady
You know, I think I am going to have to look for one of those Santas (Grandfather Frost) online.
DeleteI have a Matryoshka doll, my IT guy got it for me. He is from the Ukraine. Matt thought I was nuts but I have always wanted one. I doubt I will ever get to Russia now. This is the next best thing.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother had one of the dolls. I doubt that my boys would want to inherit one, and I have so much 'crap' around here I didn't need to buy anything else.
DeleteWonderful photos! So glad you're participating in the A-Z Challenge! http://jolenemottern.com/
ReplyDeleteI wish I had taken more photos here. Wonderful displays of Russian fur hats and old Soviet medals a whatnots. Thanks for stopping by.
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