Komanchi wrote:I'm also interested in the Metro system in Moscow... such beautiful and elegant stations designed as "palaces for the people," truely transit dedicated to the masses.
The Moscow Metro is indeed spectacular; even the most recently-opened stations (such as Park Pobedy terminal) are architectural marvels. Some of the older ones are more like palaces. Some of the St Petersburg stations are also fascinating, such as Avtovo, but a number are very bland - in particular, those on the line which is served by the 'horizontal elevator' type doors to the platform. I visited both in July and have some pics at
http://busestramsandtrains.fotopic.net/c1330370.html, along with some from both the Moscow and St Petersburg Railway Museums - both of which are a very interesting experience. I haven't got round to uploaded my 'heavy rail' shots yet.
Komanchi wrote:One of the questions I have is in regards to Helsinki (Finland?) station in St. Petersburg... Is there a statue there dedicated to Lenin, marking his triumphant return to Russia before he led the Bolshevick Revolution in 1917? Just currious.
When I travelled into Finland Station in St Petersburg, I didn't notice a statue of Lenin actually in the station. The locomotive which hauled his train is 'plinthed', and on display in a huge glass case, though. Perhaps the statue you're thinking of is the one which is in Ploshad Lenina, immediately outside the station's facade.