GORKY PARK

After coming home from class around 1:00 p.m., grabbing a sandwich and doing some “American” work, I took myself out for a beautiful afternoon.

Anyone reading this blog knows an ongoing lament about our trip to Russia has been the weather.

No complaints today!

Cloudless, sunny sky and the temperature reached 70 degrees.

I walked down to the Kropotkinskaya subway station, which is about a 7-minute walk from the apartment. I transferred at Park Kultury to the Oktyabrskaya station. From there, it was about 5 minutes down to good ol’ Gorky Park.

There, I did some homework and just strolled, like many a Muscovite. Roller bladders and cyclists were also out in great numbers, but I don’t see how either activity could be too enjoyable with all those crazy pedestrians getting in your way as they blindly cross your path.

Here are some photos.

FROM THE MAIN ENTRANCE DOWN ONTO THE ESTRADA AT GORKY PARK. THE PARK SITS ON THE SOUTHERN BANK OF THE MOSCOW RIVER. ULITZA KRYMSKY RUNS ALONG ITS EASTERN EDGE.

STATUE OF MAXIM GORKY, RUSSIAN AND SOVIET WRITER.

ONE OF THE INTERESTING SEATING AREAS THE PARK OFFERS.

I WAS FASCINATED BY THESE GIANT CUSHIONS THE PARK MAKES AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE TO PLOP ONTO AND ENJOY THE DAY.

CLOSE UP OF STAGE..

LOOKING WESTWARD ON THE MOSCOW RIVER.

LOOKING EASTWARD TO THE KRYMSKY BRIDGE. THERE ARE MANY RIVER CRUISES OFFERED, AND THIS RADISSON BOAT LOOKED LIKE A GOOD WAY TO SEE THE SIGHTS.

STEPS DOWN TO THE BOAT PIERS ALONG THE MOSCOW RIVER IN GORKY PARK.

SUN-DAPPLED RIVER.

THE SHUTTLE HAS LANDED IN GORKY PARK! UNDERNEATH THE SHUTTLE IS A PLACE TO RENT BIKES, ROLLER BLADES AND OTHER PEDALED TRANSPORTATION.

LOOKING EASTWARD AT THE BIG FOUNTAIN AND MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE PARK.

BEAUTIFUL FLOWER BEDS AND LOTS OF BENCHES.

OKTYABRSKAYA PLOSCHAD. LENIN LOOMS LARGE.