| IWF Russia Enthralls IWF Delegation in Moscow |
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| Last week, IWF's delegation to Moscow was treated to very special insights into Russia's rich and multi-faceted cultural, political, cultural, religious, architectural, artistic and historical past, and given views into its future from a wide range of leaders throughout Moscow and its environs. Starting with a comprehensive sightseeing tour on Tuesday, delegates got to know Moscow close up through visits to notable sites including the internationally renown memorial and museum to Russia's struggles in World War. That evening, a remarkable and warm welcoming dinner was held at Moscow's historic Metropol Hotel. On Wednesday, delegates were received by Moscow Mayor, Mr. Yuri Luzhkov and IWF Russia President, Ludmila Shvetsova, Vice Mayor of Moscow at the mayor's office where Mr. Luzhkov shared with the delegation some of the challenges and solutions the Moscow government has come up with to further this capital of 14 million. In one of the top highlights of the journey, delegates joined Russian colleagues as official guests for the Russian National Day Celebration on Red Square - jets flying overhead, fireworks, and music from across Russia helped to make an unforgettable celebration. Other meetings in the week included a briefing by former Russian Prime Minister Yvgeny Primakov on the work of the Russian Chamber of Trade and Industry. About an hour outside of Moscow in the historic city of Kolomna, Russia's famed mother superior of Kolomna's convent, Mother Ksenia welcomed the delegation to a tour of the convent complete with extended choral presentations by a local boys' choir as well as the convent's choir. Not to be missed in Moscow, delegates enjoyed an evening at Russia's famed Bolshoi Theatre for a revival performance of the modern ballet, "The Legend of Love." Delegates also soaked up the sites of Moscow while cruising on the Moskva River with their IWF Russia friends. The luncheon cruise was complete with Russian folk songs and dancing led by Vice Mayor Shvetsova. Irina Raber, Prefect of one of Moscow's chief districts, helped guide the delegates and played host to them at Moscow's historic Sheremetyevsky Palace. Delegates also got an insider's tour of the recently reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour which was destroyed under Stalin's orders in 1933. The delegation wound up its meetings with a visit to a woman-led Moscow rehabilitation center and a celebration of the special ties formed during the week. A trip not to be forgotten, delegates are reporting that the dearest memories they take home with them are the abundance of warmth and hospitality that IWF Russia so freely supplied. IWF thanks Ludmila, Natalia and all of the special women of IWF Russia for this special event. |
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