I took a nigh sleeper train to the capital city of Tatarstan, Kazan.
The route between Moscow and Kazan is very popular. Therefore, a double-decker train was used.
The painting on the Kazan station
Kazan was HOT. I imagined Rusian summer would be somewhat mild, but it had not been this way in the slightest sense, especially not in Kazan. It was a scorching 92-degree heat that welcomed me to the capital of Tatarstan. (Note, at this stage, a lot of Russian buildings and trains do not have AC. Be prepared to be in hot and muggy conditions non-stop if it happens to be hot.)
Continuing with the construction theme, Peter and Paul Cathedral was under repairs. Although the interior of the church was nice to see.
The lower prayer room
The upper prayer room
From the limited I could see, the church was built using a unique style.
The Kazan Kremlin, famous for its Mosque is definitely worth spending some time. It was also free!!! There is are several small museums inside the Kremlin, I would recommend visiting the Tatarstan Statehood Museum to get a sense of how the lineage of the Tartars and its present-day struggle.
Khan’s Mosque in the Kazan Kremlin, probably the most recognizable structure in Kazan
There is also an Orthodox church right next to the mosque.
The entrance to the Kazan Kremlin.
The interior of the mosque was equally beautiful. If you come here, do not worry about the dress code. The mosque provides cloth for you to cover up so you can visit the interior.
Interior of the mosque
Tatars have their own unique cuisine. The one I would recommend is Tabutei. Here are some of the traditional cuisines that Tatars eat.
Echpokmak — The triangle yellow dumplings that you see everywhere in Kazan
I would also recommend just taking a walk along the river banks and Bauman Street. Many buildings along the bridge are some of the best I have seen. For example, here are some of them.
One of the buildings worth seeing, the Agricultural Palace
The signature tree in front of the agricultural palace
From the bridge, you can see the Kazan Kremlin
The church on Bauman street. You can climb this church tower for an aerial view of the street
Kazan Fanfest right across the river
Playing soccer in the Fanfest
Like Moscow, Kazan’s metro stations worth a visit too! Even though the metro line was short, they did not lack decorations.
The entrance at the end of the Bauman Street
The token which you use to enter the metro. At the time of my travel, it costs 25 RUB or less than 40 us cents to travel one way.
In station mosaic
Bauman Street is where you can fulfill all your souvenir shopaholic and money needs. At the time of my travel, I found the exchange rate in the banks here were much better than anywhere else. You can also find the funny Cat of Kazan statue here. If you rub its belly it will bring you luck!
Bauman Street, or the Kazansky Arbat.
Me hoping for lots of luck!! You can always use more luck…
Bauman Street at night