You say it's your birthday . . .na na na na na na na na.

So yesterday was the Birthday of Moscow aka City Day. Some of the planned activities were cancelled to save money (presumably to cover some of the cost of the recent wild fires). There was of course a parade and concerts all over town. The weather was beautiful (seeded clouds? wonder how much that cost?) and we headed out in the afternoon to see what was going on.

started out getting some ice cream in Alexandrovski Sad

then headed across the river (decorated with flags)

Through the park - lots of concerts, art projects for the kids, clowns, etc. (note the security - we had to go through metal detectors everywhere - each time the stroller set it off and they didnt check it once).

River with all the fountains going

Being Saturday, lots of wedding couples out having their pictures taken at all the sites. This vendor was selling doves to release (presumably they return to the owner)

Here is a wedding party - bride has a lovely fur coat of course.

And for the person who has everything, how about a vest with your choice of Putin or Medvedev on the back?

Not sure where this guy was going but I think he was trying to recreate Up.

Wouldnt be Moscow without running into a cool church? This one was in a courtyard. The sign on the street said it was the courtyard for the Patriarch of Russia.

Detail

more detail

Back view of the church

We had dinner at a little pub called Punch and Judy (kid you not) which was quite good - leo had BBQ ribs with excellent BBQ sauce (again - I kid you not!) Then we headed back . . .

Crossing the river back - Christ the Savior and the big Mercedes symbol on top of the House on the Embankment.

Happy Birthday Moscow.