Moscow

WOW! What can you I say about Moscow? There really is so much to see. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe with worn stone steps, aged wooden doors, and an odd mix of vehicles scooting around the streets. You can see beautiful women, men in sweats, gypsies, businessmen and women, kids at subway entrances, as well as, general people scurrying around. I am sure that the Russians would be offended, because it feels like an old Europe version on Mexico City.

I got off the plane at Sheremetyevo. That was a trip. I was there in the late 90’s, so I hope they have remodeled since. It was a little bigger than Akron-Canton airport. It had 6 international carriers at the time running 2 flights a day in and out. The ceiling had these 60’s deco coffee cans above you. The air was circulated up through them. So I noticed a large lump of dust drop out of one to the floor. I didn’t go to the bathroom on the plane, so I rushed out to the restroom. Huge mistake! I have been in cleaner restrooms at a truck stop on a state route. The entrance/exit was a zoo. Watch out for gypsy taxis.

Moscow is laid out well for a large city, especially considering the age. It is a wheel and spoke type layout, which is good for transit. There are too many cars for the roads like most major cities, so the freeway can actually be worse. The subways are older, but excellent. The taxi rides are long. (Period) I would have a pre arranged driver guide.

I stayed at the Izmailovo Hotel Complex on the outskirts of town. It was built for the Olympics in the 60’s and some floors have been remodeled. My ex was Russian and she used to stay here and choose it. I would NEVER recommend it for foreigners. The elevator stopped on one floor that was gutted. I don’t think anything had been done there for years. Another floor was crowded with Turkish/Moslem types yelling at each other. Someone was cooking in their room by the smell. Our floor was clean with brass plated fixtures and nice futon type beds. I believe each floor is a sublet. Like a hotel in a hotel.

At the park Izmailovo, they have all kinds of stuff to buy. It is like a huge swap meet. Russian military garb, quaint artwork, food, and knock off DVD’s were everywhere. It is at the end of the subway line and is worth an afternoon trip up there. It is not open certain days, so check the schedules.

The Kremlin is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square to the east and the Alexander Garden to the west. I was lucky to get the “cooks” tour of the museums. I had a personal guide that got us everywhere. I also got to see Kremlin Armoury building which houses the famous jewelry of the Czars. We were privileged to see case after case of beautifully displayed necklaces and crowns. This was one of my life experiences.

Red Square and the surrounding area was fun too. This part of town can be enjoyed for days. Saint Basil’s and the shops around the Kremlin are great. The old world buildings are mixed with shops of St. Lauren which made it a rich cultural day. Also the entrance to Okhotny Riad Shopping Mall is at Red Square. It is definitely worth a visit.

Just to the west of Red Square is Arbat Street. This is another must visit area of town. It is one of those quaint pedestrian streets with great shops and restaurants. About half way up the street is a Georgian restaurant with great wines and rich food. I am sorry that I don’t remember the name. It was tan and next to a small park.

I enjoyed going to Moscow. Most things I’ve read say St Petersburg is even better. I went in the spring and it was real cold. The Russian people seem hearty and used to the weather, but I think this is a summer city to visit. Let me state I felt more “akin” to the Russian people than the French, but saying that I would choose to live in Paris to Moscow 10 times over.