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There are also sounds worth listening - bells of churches and monasteries add their unique acoustic flavor to what you see. And if you want to try some to blend more into the surrounding picture - try to change your costume. In some tourist attraction they would allow you to try modern replicas of ancient Russian dresses - looks funny and somehow helps you imagine how the place, all these old monastery and Kremlin yards, did look a few centuries ago.
But enough churches for now! Of course they are attractive, but a bit too standard - it's always more interesting to look at something less usual. Flowerbeds, for instance.
This summer for the first time ever Muscovites could enjoy a huge city festival of flowerbeds. All across the city, in many parks (there are lots of them in Moscow) local decorators were presenting their creations to the public. It was fun to observe colorful carpets and even real Earth globes made of plants we see every day. The fantasy and design make the difference: dull lawns became pieces of art, a short evening walk became almost a visit to a gallery in the open air.
Of course the kids and the tourists were among those most interested in the expositions, bright colorful spots in the hot haze of summer.
In fact, Moscow offers all sorts of spectacular colors on its streets, not only flowers. Every summer weekend there is one or another festival, concert, art exhibit or some other outdoor event. It may be a fashion show, or a demonstration of modern sculptures, or a strange mixture of dance performance and street theater - just look at the pictures below.
These events attract people of all ages, of all lifestyles - and Moscow, as any huge city, offers a huge diversity of tastes, affections, dress styles and even haircuts. You may find an old-fashioned brass orchestra - or acid flashing disco group - and join the fans that share your preferences. Sit, walk, dance, ride - whatever you prefer doing on a weekend...
Or you may leave the overheated city, of course, like millions of its dwellers do. Take a car, a train, a boat, or even a river cruise ship - the options here are as diverse as in the city.
Where will your favorite transportation take you? If not to your own dacha, then most probably to the banks of waterways that offer extra fun and fresher breeze.
Of course, outside of the city you are more exposed to elements and sometimes they may show you their powers, old - but still efficient. Thunderstorms, occasional hails and frequent rains are all parts of the picture - and can add more fun if you know how to enjoy all these natural actions. Have you ever tried swimming under a pouring rain? If no, you should - it's really special and nothing is making the river water unexpectedly and immediately feel so smooth and warm as a heavy rain...
Well, it's already too cold in Moscow, we've seen the first night frosts and all golden leaves are just rotten piles by mid-October when I'm posting this story. And the they turned off city fountains a week ago - until the end of next April. That also marks the end of summertime.
OK, time to finish this story, time to store away the bike and change the tires to winter ones on your car. For almost six months it's going to be cold here - until April melts away everything that winter brings us. Still, there will be new stories here in the meantime, of course, maybe even some colorful fall photos that are already on my hard disk - but do not fit in this posting.
See you soon again at these pages!
Andrey - asebrant@online.ru
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