Where Are You, Papa Lenin?

Today marks my 44th day in Moscow. With that, I am determined – no, I am prepared- to cross the threshold from tourist to Moscow resident. However, one man hinders this transition. Oddly enough, he establishes this metaphorical barrier from beyond the grave, a barrier that has greatly postponed my transformation from amateur tourist to experienced resident. This man is none other than Vladimir Lenin.

Allow me to explain – as a former summer study abroad participant and a current resident of Moscow, I have done my fair share of “touristy” things. I’ve explored the inner walls of the Kremlin. I’ve engaged in evening strolls in and around Red Square. I know the ins and outs of Arbat Street like the back of my hand. I might even be able to navigate through Gorky Park with my eyes closed.

The Lenin Mausoleum is a different story. I attempted to visit the tomb on five different occasions and failed every time. Even though the mausoleum’s website says otherwise, the tomb is always closed or under construction whenever I attempt to visit Papa Lenin. Therefore, the Lenin Mausoleum is like the final frontier of my tourist stage in Moscow. It is the last “touristy” thing that I must cross off of my list before my transition.

This past Saturday was my most recent attempt to visit the leader of the Bolsheviks. But once again, Papa Lenin made me wait another day. In frustration, I decided to take a picture with the Lenin impersonator standing just outside of Red Square. This was my consolation prize for my early morning trip to the center of the city. As far as I am concerned, that was good enough for me to leave my tourist stage in the dust and embark on my new role as a Moscow resident. There will, of course, be future attempts to visit the tomb. But in my book, I can now begin a new stage in my study abroad adventure. I can now move away from tourist hotspots in and around the city and begin to visit places that attract local residents. The Facebook page “Secret Moscow” will be a great source for me. https://www.facebook.com/My.Secret.Moscow The page itself “is for Muscovites to share secrets of their city with their fellow Muscovite residents!” Sounds great to me!

If you find yourself in Moscow and happen to show up at the Lenin Mausoleum when it is closed, do not be discouraged. Keep trying! I suppose that several failed attempts before reaching the fruit is all part of the experience. You WILL be able to see the tomb if you keep trying. Perseverance does pay off. I am just waiting to cash in for my perseverance…..

*Below: Alongside the Lenin impersonator were Stalin and Pushkin impersonators. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to take pictures these two individuals as well! Warning: be prepared to pay 100 rubles to each impersonator for a picture. I for one found the investment to be well worth it.  🙂

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