One of the most interesting things I found about Russian culture is the sheer number of times I was told to wish.

Above depicts of Russia’s many “wishing locations.” Outside the Kremlin in Moscow one is told to stand in the middle of the seal, throw a coin over your shoulder and make a wish. Simple enough, but it wasn’t until mid-way through my day in Moscow did I realize I was not only running low on Kopecks but also wishes.

Later at Poklonnaya Gora [Покло́нная гора́] or “bow-down hill” symbolizing the end of Napoleon’s army’s advancement int Russia, I was also told that I should take a coin from between the rock and place a new one inside it. Apparently when my coin was taken by another travelers my wish will have come true.

I joked about Russia’s obsession with wishing to a friend of mine who then proceeded to tell me all the instances in which Russians wish. Apparently you can wish when you are standing between two brothers or sisters or siblings, standing between two people with the same name, or anytime you do something for the first time.

Even within the Kremlin, I was told to wish when the clock turned 12. Here’s a quick video of not only my tour guide speaking, but the clock in the Kremlin striking 12. Feel free to make a wish!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_bLRQcROh4

Now the final part of my Moscow recap takes place about a month after my first visit. So I hope you all enjoy my friend Thomas and his gorgeous mustache.

Moscow State University (Московский государственный университет ) is one of the most unnecessarily massive things I have ever seen.  As showcased in the picture below I couldn’t even take a picture of my face with it’s main dorm building.

The main tower of the University is 787 ft. It takes maybe 20 minutes to walk around the entire building and each side is so massive that once you turn the corner you feel like you’re in another place entirely. Around the campus is about 3 thousand statues of prominent Russian figures. When walking I remember Thomas saying, “I am always amazed at the ability of the Soviet Union to build massive statues of the common man to show we are all equal and then simultaneously build god-like statues of it’s leaders.”

Now, there is a lot more Moscow has to offer. From the night life to the art to the massive statues of just about everything, the cities’ wonders are truly never ending. I could go on and write about twenty more posts about this magnificent city but I think it’s best there is something more for anyone looking to visit to uncover.

With that I am going to officially end my Moscow Post series with a picture of me and Akon. Yes, we accidentally saw Akon in Concert while in Moscow. It was glorious.

I don’t even think Akon is that popular in Russia.