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Monument to the Conquerors of Space
The <Monument to the Conquerors of Space> was erected in Moscow in 1964 to celebrate achievements of the Soviet people in space exploration. It depicts a starting rocket that rises on its contrail. The monument is 350 feet tall, has 77° incline, and is covered with titanium. The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is located inside the base of the monument. The monument is located outside the main entry to today's All-Russia Exhibition Center. The design was by sculptor A.P. Faidysh-Krandievsky and architects A.N. Kolchin and M.O. Barshch. . A statue of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, was a Russian and Soviet rocket scientist and pioneer of astronautic theory
Day 14 July 13: - Moscow Choral Synagogue - Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices - Peter the Great Statue - Park of the Fallen Heroes - Museum of the Great Patriotic War
This morning was free for Gail and Dave to explore and do our own discoveries. Being from and working in New York we are not afraid to venture into the city’s subways (Metro) system or take buses into uncharted lands. Just like Captain Kirk we love to explore new lands and seek out and greet people. Our motto "Travel... The final frontier... These are the voyages of Gail and David. Their continuing mission: To explore foreign countries... To seek out and meet people and explore foreign cultures.. To boldly go and interact with other people who share our planet earth!" <Moscow Sightseeing>
Moscow Choral Synagogue
The <Moscow Choral Synagogue> is the main synagogue in Russia and the former Soviet Union. The Synagogue is located in central Basmanny District, close to Kitai-Gorod Metro station. Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt is the spiritual head of this Synagogue.
In 1881 the community hired architect Semeon Eibuschitz, an Austrian citizen working in Moscow. The authorities rejected his first plan. In July 1886 his second draft was approved, and construction began in May 1887. In 1888, the city required the builders to remove the completed dome and the exterior image of the Scrolls of Moses. Construction dragged on for five years, until in 1892 the authorities once again banned the synagogue and to convert it into a charity.
During the Russian Revolution of 1905, the Czarist government was forced to lift all bans on worship. Since Eibuschitz had died in 1898, the community hired architect Roman Klein to finish the construction. The synagogue opened in 1906. It operated throughout the Soviet period.
In October, 1948, Golda Meir, the first representative from Israel to the Soviet Union, paid an unauthorized visit to the synagogue to attend Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur services, enraging the Soviet government.
While touring around Moscow we had seen the “Peter the Great Statue” on the river. The statue was to be our next stop. On our way we came across this sculpture in a little park.
Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices
<Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices> is a group of sculptures created by Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin. The sculptures are located in a park in Bolotnaya Square behind the British Ambassador's residence. Chemiakin said that, "[The sculpture] ... was conceived and carried out by me as a symbol and a call to fight for the salvation of present and future generations."
The sculptures are of thirteen bronze figures, which depict adult vices, such as alcoholism, drug addiction, and prostitution, which affect children. The figures are perceptibly closing in on two unaware playmates, a girl and a boy, with the centerpiece figure being 'Indifference'. It was unveiled in 2001 amid some controversy. Some Muscovites worried that the graphic imagery would frighten children.
The Moscow Circus
It was a long day and we saw so much but there was still more. Tonight we made an excursion to the <Moscow Circus>. This artful performance has enjoyed international acclaim for many years. The Circus showcases trained animals, daring acrobatic feats, and the stunning precision and horsemanship of the Cossack Riders. Of course there are also juggling acts, along with the humor and merriment that are unique to a circus atmosphere. Why do people say they hate the clowns?