Ikea, blisters and getting lost

Half term is already over half way through. Yesterday saw us heading north to Ikea. We had to take the metro to the end of the line at Rechnoy Voksal so walked through the Park to the canal. The Moscow River heads west so a canal was built sometime in the past to connect it to the Volga to get to St Petersberg. At Rechnoy Voksal large cruise boats are moored up. It's a lovely open area and the water wonderful.

This is a former terminal building I think, but it now abandoned. Sad.

I am now the proud owner of a new chair and a carpet for the lounge floor. Peter has been playing musical furniture making the flat more my own. I just have to print out some pictures to put in the Ikea frames and I'm set for now.

Today we set off for the Mosfilm studios where we hoped to get a tour in English. First I didn't read the guide book which suggested we should take a bus so ended up with a long walk. This became longer than it should have done when we got lost (misread the map). I also got blisters from my new sandals. After a false start when we couldn't make ourselves understood, a wonderful lady who was waiting for a friend made the relevant phone call on an antiquated phone hanging on the wall and for a cost, rather expensive, we had a personal guided tour of the studios. The girl who took us was very knowledgeable and her English not bad. She told us few English visit which is a shame. 

I took lots of photos there, but here are a few. For the sharp eyed among you, the photo on my profile has changed. I was allowed to sit in a carriage, the genuine article not a reproduction.

These are some of the false buildings on the back lot used for different films, modelled on old buildings of different styles and times from around Moscow. In the background is a modern tower block being constructed. Quite a contrast.

Part of a set for a film about Hans Christian Anderson.

An original lorry with ORIGINAL solid tyres. It is still road worthy!!

A Rolls Royce which may have belonged to the last Emperor of China.

Peter in an Italian helmet from a reproduction suit of armour.

Posing in a genuine carriage. (Now on my profile)

Costumes for a film about poisoners.

An amazing display at the end. The buildings appear to be flying on clouds.

After having a picnic we decided to walk to Victory Park. According to the map it should have been easy, but in actuality it became a scramble over rough ground, a walk round a cement factory and a railway line in the way. We made it, but my heels were really hurting as the plaster I bought would not stay in place. We walked to the metro and headed home, though the water fountains had been turned on so I had to take a photo.

And so to bed. Bye all.