I've only been in Russia for a couple days, but I've already started to put together a list of things to love about Russia. In no particular order: 1) in the cities the larger bookstores are open twenty-four hours a day, and are always full - the Russians love to read, 2) they put sour cream on everything - I should just move here and get it over with, 3) in both Moscow and St. Petersburg they put replicas of famous art on the street, so that everyone can get the advantage of viewing art even if they can't make it to the museums, 4) and speaking of museums, they have amazing museums - a good friend of mine who has travelled all over said that the Hermitage here in St. Petersburg is the best museum in the world - can't wait to visit it on Friday - just walking through the courtyard tonight was awe-inspiring, and I didn't even make it inside, 5) the metro stations in Moscow are beautiful - part of that old socialist celebration of the common man concept, 6) extraordinary history - can't believe that I was walking around downtown St. Petersburg tonight - walking the same streets as Lenin, one of my heroes, 7) and the people, once you get past their natural reserve, are actually very warm and very funny. I'm sure I'll have more to add - it's only been a couple days - and, sadly, I'm sure I'm be able to add reasons to not love Russia. Oh, and I can do one of those right away - the traffic, especially in Moscow, was horrible. Well, here's a reason not to go to Russia, although it certainly wouldn't fall into the hate category - Moscow is supposed to be the most expensive city in the world now.
What a great idea, to put art on the street! And dude, I think it's time for the beard to reappear.
ReplyDeleteI agree on both points - art in the street = cool idea; and the beard actually makes you look younger, I think. Grow it back!
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