This is the Church of the Spilt Blood which was the place where Tsar Alexander II was murdered in 1881. During the Soviet times it was used to store potatoes. That's better than burning it down. It's now a museum. I didn't go in since the tour bus crowds were large and the place was packed.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Most Hobbit minded people have already seen the latest installment so this is for those of you waiting for the crowds to go down. Part 2 is much better than part 1. This applies to all viewers. Where the gap happens if you have not read the book (including the appendices) you will probably like the whole movie. If you've read the book and taken the time to read the appendices, then you'll appreciate the back story that's presented here. The spirit of Tolkien is present and Desolation of Smaug fits well within what will become a 6 part movie. What I liked....The opening sequence. This is not in the book and I had to look it up in the appendices and sure enough, Gandalf and Thorin did meet in Bree. Thranduil and Legolas father/son relationship. I liked it. While only a mere mention in the appendices, in this movie we see Legolas loyal to his father. That Legolas doesn't mesh with the person he becomes and it will be interesting to see what happens to Legolas in the nex...
Beautiful pictures Karen... I wish I were there as well to see it all in person. Alexander II met a nasty end indeed. After being blown up by revolutionary terrorists, his poor wife ran about picking up his pieces. Another colorful--if bloody--story in Russia's history...
ReplyDeleteMs. Kitty
Yes, those are great pictures. Plus the beer!
ReplyDelete