Alright - brace yourselves! Only really took photos of Red Square because
a) It had the most interesting buildings in a concentrated area
b) it was pissing down the entire day and I didn't want to ruin my phone.
Generally, it looked like any other Western European city. The people, their clothes, the cars, billboards, scaffolding all over the place etc. Exactly the same as Paris, London, Madrid. Not what I was expecting at all. The only thing that wasn't a surprise was the amount of military on show. Thousands of them, all wearing hats 3 or 4 sizes too big for their heads!
Because of the weather, it didn't look at it's best - reminded me of Brussels actually, albeit a much larger version (No offence Gerd, just whenever I'm in Brussels it's always raining!).
We were well treated by the army and police, but the people generally looked miserable - not many smiles to be seen. Whether this was because they had to play host to thousands of English people or not I don't know. I doubt it somehow.
I don't think it was well equipped to entertain thousands of thirsty Brits. Lot's of places were packed, and when we finally did squeeze into a place we had to wait 35 minutes for our first beer. Over 3 hours, we only managed 3 beers and some food. All the waitresses were stressing and lot's of shouting coming from the kitchen - might just have been our place, but they were really badly prepared.
Below is the entrance to Red Square. You have to queue to get through these airport style metal detectors.
Not sure what the building was on the left was, but now it is a fancy shopping mall. Further on was the Champions League zone (all manner of mundane knick-knacks on show) and St Basils at the back.
This is the Kremlin (I think!?). It goes on for miles behind this pic.
Dunno what this was...
The Shopping mall again, done up like Harrods.
St Basils. Smaller than you think (like Big Ben is to people who see it for the first time). Apparently the architect who designed it had his eyes cut out so he could never build anything like it again. Unduly harsh.....
St Basils again...
The Tube system was impressive. Cheap, punctual, clean - everything London isn't! All the stations were a Russian version of Art Deco, very similar to Grand Central in New York.
Bit similar to Wembley Way this. Luzhniki is in the South West of the city, in a clearing by the river. Lot's of trees and parks - really nice. Compared to the industrial wasteland that is Wembley!
Really crap pic...
This is where I was sat. Got bored of taking pictures at this point (It was an hour till kick off and time was dragging). Bored of writing now too - will maybe edit later.
(i also can't see them)
News just broke out that your after Robinho, would be EXACTLY what you lot need. i hope it doesn't happen seeing as it would then leave a void on the flanks for Real and we all now who they would like to fill that role.