Kremlin and Armory

Our morning was very productive today. We had a lecture about Russian oil and gasoline and discussed how it impacts the country. The presenter was very funny and helped make the information understandable. Russia is ranked second in the world of barrels of oil pumped per day with the US in the third place. It was very interesting to hear different statistics about Russian oil companies and how they operate in Russia.

After a quick lunch, we rode the metro to downtown Russia. Our afternoon was spent inside the Kremlin. Boys and girls - Kremlin in Russian means 'fortress.' This is a place of protection. Once inside, we toured the many sites of the Kremlin. We saw the building were President Medvedev works, the Czar bell and Czar cannon, the Grand Palace, and Cathedral Square.

Below are pictures of the Czar bell and Czar cannon. They are really big!!! The barrel of the cannon (the green part) weighs 40 tons (or 18 elephants)!!! It is so big that it has never been fired! The Czar bell is even bigger! It weighs 200 tons. When it was being built, a part of the bell broke off and the bell never rang! It is neat to look at though!!!

After our tour, we walked to Armory. This is a special museum that has artifacts that date back to the 12th century - the beginning of Moscow's history. I saw carriages used by Russian czars (rulers), armor and equipment used in battles, dresses, jewelry, gifts from other countries, and my favorites, Faberge eggs. These eggs are very special in Russia. Every Easter, the czar would have a special egg made for his/her family. They are beautiful and very unique designs!!!

When we had toured the armory, we went for a boat ride on the Moskva River. It was wonderful to sit back and enjoy seeing Moscow from the river! It was an amazing way to finish another awesome day in Moscow!!!