Happy birthday Peter says our pretty young waitress at breakfast with a big smile. I am gobsmacked as I have been trying to keep my 60th a low key affair and a perfect stranger acknowledges the occasion. Suzanne assures me that she had nothing to do with it and I assume it is the hotel’s efficient check in system that has flagged the event. I am pressed to indulge in some Russian champagne along with the daily caviar that I have been having at breakfast.
I have booked a long 14 hour day trip today out to the Golden Ring towns of Vladimir and Suzdal about 200km east of Moscow that starts and finishes with a 2 hour train trip out there. The excursion affords a glimpse of rural Russia on a backdrop of substantial historical monuments some of which are World Heritage listed.
Vladimir was the capitol of Russia between the 12th and 16th centuries when Moscow took over. The highlights are the two 12th century cathedrals and the Golden Gate which is the last remaining part of the original fortifications of the city.
Suzdal, a further half an hour away, is a pretty, bucolic affair with multiple little churches and quaint wooden houses complementing the larger tourist attractions.
We arrived back at our hotel after 10pm and settled in the lounge to enjoy a light late supper over a couple of birthday drinks and catching up with all the messages wishing me a happy a birthday. To all my family and friends, I love you all and feel especially privileged to have you around me.