Peter's last weekend

Christmas trees in Gum provided by the different shops.

Gum all lit up.

Market stall outside Red Square, now little booths.

The big tree all lit up with St Basil's behind. Not the best picture as it got shook up.

Peter has been here three weeks now and this is his last full weekend. We have been out and about to make the most of it.

On Friday he had an interesting experience being Santa for Schools 1 and 2. I am awaiting photos from Betty on Monday. In the evening we went down into the city to look at the lights around Red Square which you can see at the top. Gum's looked lovely outlined in lights. The christmas tree is actually a frame with confer tied to it. The icerink opened the next day. Outside the market stalls had been replaced with little huts with lights along the ridge. We had seen these being put together during the previous weeks so it was interesting to see.

Inside Gum is very pretty. The row of Christmas trees was interesting. Each shop was asked to donate a tree. Some wacky, like the pink one, some more traditional. My favourite was by Cartier ( I always did have expensive tastes) because it was so traditional. I don't seem to have a photo of that one, but will go back to get one before I go home.

Saturday saw us going around the state museum off Red Square. Several thousand years of history over 3 floors from stone age to the revolution. It was very interesting and got us out of the cold. We then had a quick walk around Kitay Goray before having a quick walk around the Gum food hall and heading home.

Last evening we had Christmas drinks at Nadine, Andy's and Tamara's which was very pleasant. it is always interesting to see other flats.