We decided we would not only tackle the metro train BUT also a suburban train as well. We like to live on the wild side. I had spent some time reading other people's blogs on how to do this as English is ZERO and I have to say, Russian people do not go out of their way to assist an obviously confused mature couple. Anyway when we got to the station I confidently said to BR to told up ten fingers at the counter and we would get a 10 journey card. BR did this and she just shook her head. He tried 1 finger, then 5...still no help...I happened to see what looked like 20 so BR tried 2 lots of 10 fingers....Bingo we were on. Arrived at suburban station and went through more screening...I asked the big Russian guard where to go to buy a ticket and showed him some words I had written down...at the same time I beeped as I went through. He looked at me and then gestured I go with him. I raised my arms expecting he wanted to search me and he looked a little confused at my gesture. I then pointed to my knee to say that was why I beeped. Again he looked at me confused. He then pointed to counter and said ticket. Lol, he was only helping me and I have basically said pat me down. Bit embarrassing. Anyway got to the platforms but had no idea which was our train. Asked another ticket lady who told us to wait. A few minutes later a random lady walked over said "alexandovsky" and pointed to our train.
The train trip out to Sergeiv Posad was long...about 1.5 hours and boiling...no air conditioning and train very crowded. But, nice to get out of the city. Our destination was the monastery complex at Sergeiv Posad. I had read a lot about how stunning the Trinity Lavra of St Sergii was. I looked up what Lavra meant and it is the highest rank of Orthodox Monastery and that there are only 4 in the whole of Russia. In fact it is the Russian equivalent of the Vatican. It is a significant site for pilgrims and the insides of the churches and cathedrals we as stunning as the outside...and there were 100s of very devout and emotional pilgrims. The whole place felt calm and was truly beautiful. Well worth the hot train ride, the train sagas and the 1 km walk in the heat to get there. We also found a bakery and purchased what we thought and hoped were Pirozhkis. Fortunately we guessed right and had a little picnic. Bought a drink for a lady making drinks in a van...no idea what it was..tasted a bit weird. Took a photo of the name so I can try and translate. Hope it is nothing untoward.
Heading out to check out the Rusiian space race tomorrow and later to a cemetery to see the final resting place of famous Russians.
NB...BR always finds an interest in steel...guttering, fencing etc...doesn't matter. Today it was fencing and he had to go and take photos. It's always something every holiday.
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