Yesterday I got back from Moscow, after spending four turbulent days in the capitol of the Russian Federation, and I’m very sorry for not having blogged while being there. In general I’m sorry for not blogging lately, but I promise to redeem myself very soon. I wanted to blog while in Moscow, because it is after all a more exciting place than the Urals, but I had very little free time. I wasn’t there just for the pure fun of it, I’m afraid: I had to pass three finals in Russian Literature from my Swedish university at the Swedish Embassy there. This took nine hours all in all, six on Monday and three on Tuesday. After that I did have some time to enjoy the capitol, and I walked around on Red Square (for the second time in my life!) with all the other foreign tourists, who I think joined me as I made my way with the crowd toward Old Arbat Street, and then onto New Arbat Street. Moscow is not Russia, not at all and becoming less like the rest of the country every day, but it is one of those few places on Earth which you simply MUST visit at least once in life! It’s such a wonderfully beautiful mix of new and old, cheap and expensive, full of crazy souvenirs, like expensive yet fake fur hats and old USSR memorabilia being sold everywhere you go. I failed to catch a glimpse of Lenin, though – I didn’t get to Red Square until 2 p.m., and the good old communist closes at 1 p.m. On Sunday, the day after I flew in and the one day I had all to myself, I went to the Dostoevsky Museum. I intend to write about this tomorrow, because the visit deserves a post of its own. Other than that, all I did was take advantage of drinking good, Western style (though over-priced) big mugs of black filter coffee at different coffee shops and looking at people (20 million inhabitants make a diverse and splendidly mixed crowd, especially on the metro) and buildings and cars. I also spent a large amount of time window shopping – Moscow is the place to go if you want some kind of – any kind of – luxury item. And I know I can’t buy anything, but a girl can always dream…
People in Moscow were also very nice. It was my second visit to the city, but my first time there alone, so I had to ask people for directions all the time, and everyone answered me with smiles and kind words. Perhaps it was because I arrived after a four day holiday (since Thursday June 12th was ‘Russian Independence Day’), perhaps because the sun was shining. Or maybe, just maybe, because Russians are a friendly people. Often people get the idea that Russians aren’t kind to strangers, but I believe this is a legend made up by someone who went to Leningrad during November 1976 and got the evil eye from a babushka for not putting on slippers while drinking tea at her house.
Comments:
Ivy Cole:
Wow, great post. I felt the same way about Kazan. I will be in Moscow for the first time, August 15- 25. Any pointers?
Dave:
I will be in Moscow from December 28 to January 5. I wanted to be in Red Square for New Year’s Eve. But now I am starting tto worry, because of the Russian Orthodox Christmas which falls a day or two after I leave, as well as the post-New Year. I have heard that in Russia, following the major winter holidays, many stores and museums close down for about half a month. I want to be sure that I can make it to the Dostoevsky Museum, and get the train in and out of town to Suzdal and Arkangelsk.
Do you think I will have to worry about things being closed down for the holiday?
Thank you.
dave
Anya:
To Dave:
New Year’s is the best time to be in Moscow, because everyone is very happy, friendly, and you get to see the grand fireworks over the Kremlin. I was in Russia from Christmas (Protestant) to Christmas(Orthodox), and I had no problem getting into the Tretyakov Gallery, the Hermitage, the Bolshoi and Mariinsky theaters, and Pushkino. As long as you’re not planning to go anywhere on New Year’s day, you should be fine.
To Josephina:
How do you manage to stay so cheerful and positive all the time? Your optimism is contagious! Thanks for you posts.
Tver:
Can you offer any advice? I wish to revisit Moscow between end July-and mid sept this year.
I am first visiting friends in other regions and staying with them.However i do need accomadation in Moscow for at least 7 days or more-Last time i was forced to stay in in a much too costly place so I want to try to do it for less. I was wondering about home stays, perhaps with someone that wants some help with English. Perhaps someone who has interests like mine -Arts,Poetry, Books, Music,Acting, as I am a poet and involved in Media. I met some locals last time there but naturally do not wish to impose on their life especially as they have small living areas. I thought it would be interesting to stay with a family or a couple etc and exchange views of life and country, as I think it is the best way to see a country. This is what I do with friends in other regions.Can you suggest any things I can follow up?