Readme before you journey
The journey of Big Brother and Little Mouse in the land of polar bears is coming to an end. Our return day is approaching. From the first day we traveled like a Russian salad for 43 hours, we have been on this land for 9 days. If you missed our journey on any day or want to read it continuously, Little Mouse has arranged it for you. You can read it again.
Springtime in Russia: My Remarkable Journey - Day 1: The Long-Awaited Arrival
Springtime in Russia: My Remarkable Journey - Day 2: A Glimpse
The provided link leads to a page in Thai on the ReadMe platform.
Note: I am unable to translate the content of the page without further context or instructions.
Springtime in Russia: My Unforgettable Journey – Day 3: A Memory to Cherish
The provided link leads to a document in Thai language. As a journalist translator, I am unable to translate the entire document without further context or instructions. However, I can offer the following options:
- Translate the title or a specific excerpt: If you provide me with the title or a specific excerpt from the document, I can translate it into English for you.
- Summarize the document: If you need a general understanding of the document's content, I can provide a brief summary in English.
- Provide a link to a translation service: If you need a full translation of the document, I can provide you with a link to a reputable translation service.
Please let me know which option you prefer and provide any additional information that may be helpful for me to complete your request.
Spring Time in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 4: Farewell, St. Petersburg
The provided URL leads to a page in Thai on the ReadMe platform. As a journalist translator, I am unable to access and translate the content of the page without further context or information.
Would you like to provide additional details about the page or the content you wish to be translated?
For example, you could share the title of the page, a brief description of its content, or specific phrases you want translated. This would allow me to provide a more accurate and relevant translation.
Spring Time in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 5: Hello, Moscow (Привет Москва)
Springtime in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 6: A Stroll Through Red Square
Spring Time in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 7: Visiting the World Heritage Monastery in Sergiev Posad
Spring Time in Russia: My Remarkable Journey – Day 8 Moscow. And then we got to know each other.
A Leisurely Day in Moscow: Day 9 of My Remarkable Journey Through Springtime Russia
If you're keeping up, let's continue our journey together...
As our departure date approaches, we've decided to forgo the typical tourist itinerary of relentless sightseeing, queuing, long journeys, and extended periods on public transportation. Instead, we've opted for a more relaxed approach, focusing on souvenir shopping, visiting interesting attractions that require minimal time commitment, and exploring beautiful subway stations for photo opportunities. As mentioned earlier, our goal isn't to accumulate sightseeing experiences or compare them to others. We simply want to do what feels comfortable and enjoyable. Pushing ourselves too hard would be counterproductive to our goal of relaxation. We're here to unwind, not check off boxes. Our priority is to ensure our physical well-being.
And as we were in the midst of souvenir hunting, Big Brother and Little Mouse decided to kill time while there were no places to visit yet by walking to the Alenka (Алёнка) store located on Tverskaya Street, not far from our accommodation.
A quiet and spacious Sunday morning.
We decided to buy the legendary chocolate with a child's face that has captured the hearts of Russians for decades at his shop. We had already checked it out yesterday while walking past the shop and found that they had several promotions, such as buy two get one free. There were also many other forms, not just chocolate bars. The shop was not far from our accommodation and opened around nine in the morning. We walked there leisurely and arrived in no time.
Arrived at the shop
They scooped it into a bag and weighed it.
This is where they are running the promotion.
The name of the chocolate Alenka (Алёнка) or Alyonka in Russian for "Helen" originated in 1966. It was initially produced as a 100-gram chocolate bar by the Red October factory, which received subsidies from the government's livestock sector. This enabled the factory to obtain high-quality milk at a low price under a new food development program. The aim was to produce a chocolate that represented the happy Russian children of that era. The resulting chocolate was a delicious, melt-in-your-mouth cream chocolate at an affordable price. The brand's distinctive feature is its packaging, which depicts a blue-eyed baby with chubby cheeks and a colorful scarf wrapped around her face.
It is said that before the current design, there were other proposals for the wrapper. However, they were deemed unsuitable, and a competition was held through the newspaper Evening Moscow to select the winning image that would become the brand's face. Rumors circulated that the child in the picture was Stalin's daughter, who won the competition. However, evidence suggests that the actual image was of an 8-month-old girl whose face was wrapped in silk by photographer Alexander Gerinas. This image was the same one he had submitted to a magazine and appeared in the Soviet Photo directory. It then gained attention from Health magazine.
Images submitted for the contest and sent to the magazine
In early 2000, Elena Gerinas, daughter of Alexander Gerinas, sued the factory for compensation for the use of her image. She argued that the factory had profited significantly from using her image and that she deserved compensation for the unauthorized reproduction of her likeness. She filed a lawsuit seeking approximately 5 million rubles. However, she lost the case. The brand owner argued that the packaging was decorative and depicted a generic image of a child. They claimed that Elena's image from the competition served only as inspiration for the artist who created the illustration. They further argued that the image on the packaging differed from Elena's actual appearance, with modifications to the face shape, lips, eyebrows, and even eye color. In conclusion, they asserted that the image on the packaging was a creative work and not a direct reproduction of the photograph from the competition.
Comparison of Elena's childhood photos with the paper-wrapped image
Senior Paper Wrapping Image Prototype
The name Alyonka is said to be derived from the daughter of the first woman in space, Valentina Tereshkova. Her daughter was famous for being the first child whose parents both traveled to space. Therefore, Alyonka chocolate symbolizes a time of national greatness, when the Soviet Union was firmly committed to the future.
Credit: Soviet Art: Legendary Soviet Chocolate Alyonka
Upon entering the store, customers are free to browse and select their desired items. A shopping basket is provided for convenience. The selection includes chocolate bars, small chocolate pieces, chocolate-covered wafers, candies, toffees, and various other Alenka-branded products. These additional items include keychains, notebooks, wallets, tote bags, magnets, coasters, and more. The store offers a unique selection of souvenirs, making it an ideal destination for gift-giving. Customers can choose from a variety of candies, wafers, or small chocolate pieces, which are sold by weight. After selecting their desired items, customers can proceed to the counter for payment.
Add to cart now.
A Gift from Russia with Love
We must have bought a lot of items together. He gave us an extra discount. In addition to this area for take-home purchases, the other side is where they sell drinks and snacks, such as coffee and cakes. However, it must be too early now, so it is not yet open. The other day, my little one stopped by and bought two or three pieces of cake. The taste was not bad at all.
After returning to our accommodation, all members were ready for a light day of sightseeing. Today's itinerary will be influenced by the 2018 FIFA World Cup hosted by Russia. As Moscow will host two World Cup matches at Luzhniki Stadium and Spartak Stadium, we will visit these venues. Additionally, we will allocate some time to revisit the Izmailovsky Market, as some members wish to purchase additional souvenirs. Finally, we will enjoy a final evening view of Moscow, our last night in the heart of the city.
With everyone ready, we decided to head to a distant location first. From our accommodation, we walked to the Mayakovskaya (Маяковская) metro station to take the red line to Sportivnaya (Спорти́вная) station. However, during the journey, we had the idea of getting off at the station closer to Sparrow Hills, so that we could take the opportunity to see the city from a higher angle. From what we had read, Sparrow Hills also offered a view of Luzhniki Stadium, so we thought we wouldn't need to go all the way to the stadium. None of us were really football fans. So, we got off at Vorobyovy Gory (Воробьёвы го́ры) station, which actually translates to Sparrow Hills in English.
Vorobyovy Gory Station
As we disembarked from the metro, which now hovered above ground, the station's elevated position offered breathtaking panoramic views. From this vantage point, we could clearly see the Luzhniki Stadium, the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup opening and closing ceremonies. After a brief pause to admire the vista, we descended to a riverside park bustling with locals enjoying picnics, cycling, exercising, and various outdoor activities. Across the river stood the expansive Luzhniki Stadium, seemingly well-prepared for the upcoming competition.
Luzhniki Stadium
Luzhniki Stadium, a UEFA 5-star stadium with a capacity of nearly 80,000 seats, was originally built for the 1980 Olympic Games. The complex includes other sports facilities such as swimming pools, basketball courts, and a scenic running track, as well as a driving range located along the Moskva River. The opposite bank, where we are currently seated, is Sparrow Hills, a popular viewpoint in the city. The stadium is a major Moscow landmark.
Note: As the provided text is empty, there is nothing to translate.
Please provide the text you want me to translate, and I will do my best to deliver an accurate and natural-sounding translation in English.
The Luzhniki Stadium has hosted two major European football finals. The first was the 1999 UEFA Cup Final, where Italian club Parma defeated French side Olympique de Marseille 3-0. The second was the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final, where Manchester United emerged victorious over Chelsea in a penalty shootout.
There is a cable car to the stadium.
In preparation for hosting the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Russia invested heavily in renovating and upgrading the Luzhniki Stadium. The running track was removed, bringing the seats closer to the pitch and increasing the capacity from 78,000 to 80,000 seats.
Under the scorching sun, we opted to soak in the atmosphere from this side rather than venturing across. A boat launch offered scenic river cruises, making it another sunny day where we couldn't resist lingering. Meanwhile, the locals reveled in the sunshine, with sunbathers lining the opposite bank. Foreigners seem to have an affinity for the sun, unlike us Thais who tend to avoid it. Coming from a tropical country, it's understandable.
After observing the city life for a while, we decided to head back. Our next destination was none other than the Izmailovsky Market. We had to hurry before the market closed, or we wouldn't be able to get any souvenirs. We had the task of collecting the remaining gifts after checking our list of friends and fans yesterday to see if we had missed anyone. This market has a wide variety of goods, so we could get everything we needed in one place. Therefore, all the members wanted to come back again. The market is named after its location near the Izmailovo Estate, which was originally the residence of the Romanov family and Peter the Great in his youth. However, it is now a national treasure.
From Vorobyovy Gory Station (Воробьёвы го́ры) on the red line, we transferred to the blue line at Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Station (Библиоте́ка и́мени Ле́нина) to reach Partizanskaya Station (Партизанская), the station closest to the market, as we did yesterday. Upon exiting the station, we changed our walking route to take a different path.
Partizanskaya Station
Fast food restaurants near the station
Signage along the walkway
We enter the market from another direction, which seems to be a restaurant, a coffee shop, and a building built for various activities. It is said that it is also used for pre-wedding photography, but there are many good photo spots. If you like, come to this corner.
We wandered around for a bit before heading back to the same area, as we intended to buy some things that were still on our minds. Along the way, the most eye-catching products were the nesting dolls, which came in a variety of versions and prices, with varying numbers of children. If you're looking to buy some, this market is the place to go; you're sure to leave with something in hand.
A wide variety of FIFA World Cup souvenirs are available.
After spending a delightful afternoon shopping and acquiring all the necessary items, we embarked on a journey to locate another stadium that would be used for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Since we were already in the vicinity, we decided to pay a visit to the stadium in person. Our journey began at the Partizanskaya station (Партизанская) on the blue line, and our destination was the Spartak station (Спартак). This was quite a long trip, taking us from the eastern side of the city to the western side. We started by traveling on the blue line, then transferred to the green line at Ploshchad Revolyutsii station (Пло́щадь Револю́ции). Finally, we switched to the purple line at Tverskaya station (Тверская) and rode it until we reached Spartak station.
Pushkinskaya Station
The subway is brightly colored.
We have arrived at Spartak Station.
Upon arrival, the station's graphic design clearly indicated our location: Spartak Station. The interior was adorned with a distinct football theme, featuring vibrant red and white colors.
The exit signs at the station clearly indicate which exits lead to different sections of the stadium. The stadium has two names: Spartak Stadium and Otkrytiye Arena. Fans arriving at the stadium should look up at the signs before choosing an exit to determine whether they want to go to the ticket booth or a specific stand. Choosing the correct exit will minimize walking distance. Outside the station, banners welcoming the 2018 FIFA World Cup are displayed. The distance from the station to the stadium is short, requiring only a brief walk.
The Spartak Stadium, also known as Otkrytiye Arena (Открытие Арена) after its main sponsor Otkritie Holding, serves as the home ground for Spartak Moscow. A prominent landmark is the 24.5-meter statue of the Roman warrior Spartacus, situated in front of the stadium.
The stadium officially opened on September 5, 2014, with a capacity of 45,360 spectators. It was known as Spartak Stadium during the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. According to Google, it is the eighth most expensive stadium in the world. It is a multi-purpose venue for both sports and concerts, but is primarily used for football matches. The construction cost was 12 billion rubles, or 430 million US dollars.
The day we visited, there were no competitions taking place, and it was expected that there would be none for some time to allow the stadium to be fully prepared for the upcoming World Cup. The atmosphere was therefore quiet, with only our group walking around in a somewhat lonely fashion. Police officers patrolled the area at intervals, and there were occasional checkpoints for vehicles entering and exiting. From what I could see, Russia was clearly well-prepared to host the event. I felt a pang of regret that we wouldn't be there when the atmosphere reached its peak, but even during this pre-World Cup period, accommodation costs had already increased significantly compared to when we started looking for places to stay before our trip.
The sky began to drizzle again after a day of intermittent showers. We decided to return to our accommodation as our belongings were becoming cumbersome. We planned to return to Red Square to admire the lights after dark. Visiting during this season meant waiting for nightfall to see the illuminated landmarks and buildings, as the sun wouldn't set until 8 pm.
At half past eight, only Big Brother and I set off on foot from our accommodation to Red Square as planned. The other members asked to pack their bags. We two walked along the expensive Tverskaya Street, admiring the buildings and the twilight atmosphere, to record it in our memories before saying goodbye tomorrow. And when we reached Red Square, it was dark enough to see the lights.
Despite the late hour of nine o'clock, Red Square remained bustling with activity. A dense crowd gathered around a musical performance in the center of the square, while tourists strolled around, capturing the stunning sights of the illuminated buildings. A cool breeze provided a comfortable atmosphere, making the evening stroll a memorable experience. We ventured into the GUM department store, where the crowd was less dense compared to daytime, allowing us to browse leisurely. Although some shops were starting to close, we managed to take in the sights before heading back to the square to soak in the overall ambiance. We aimed to etch every detail into our memories.
Ancient news announcement locations
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Spasskaya Tower
A musical performance on stage in the middle of the courtyard
GUM Department Store
The camera in my hand could not capture the full extent of the beauty that my eyes and memory had recorded. It took us hours to walk around Red Square, watching the various performances, before we finally took the subway back to our accommodation. Not only was this a truly delightful weekend for us, but it was also a beautiful and unforgettable farewell night.
For more information, you can visit Piyai and Noolek's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TravelWithPiyaiAndNoolek/.
Piyai&Noolek
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:23 PM
