This famous line from Ode: To Autumn, by the English Romantic poet John Keats, really does have a place in Moscow right now!
What amazing weather we have had recently. It’s only going to plummet downhill from here - so let’s make the best of it while we can!
And another fitting quote - “Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower” - Albert Camus. I love it!
*Sigh* September and October have always been my favorite months in Russia. So many Westerners don’t know about the public spaces in the Russian Capital. The city, around this time of the year, is filled with crisp bright sunlight and red, yellow and orange trees sway in the cool breeze. What a treat! Now bring on the snow, ice and minus 20. (I chuckle)…
The next few months will see a range of action packed Moscow Out programs. How we have fun chasing the sun to bring you nice pictures! We will be venturing outside Moscow, exploring cities such as Vladimir and Suzdal, being nosy at Russian weddings and the area of Kitai Gorod, to name a few future shows. I learn so many interesting facts and figures during my research into my weekly shows. I come across so many surprises.
“Kitai Gorod” for example translates as “China Town”… Or does it?
Moving on, fortunately, I travel back to London every month. When traveling to Heathrow airport from Paddington or vice versa, when not on the fast and extortionately-priced Heathrow Express (cue I hate transport in England) I share a taxi.
Even at fifty pounds (around US$80) it can be cheaper when in a group. That aside, drivers will no doubt always ask me.
“Where ya off to/coming from mate?”
I pause, confidently reply “Moscow” and smile brightly. I’ve always been proud to live here - almost four and a half years now. How time flies. Cue - taxi driver’s face drops that I haven’t said New York or the Maldives.
“Sorry to hear that mate” they apologize and change lanes. I breathe.
The image of Russia to so many Westerners. It does make me laugh slightly. However, I feel quite disappointed that Russia still has the image of vodka, snow and Soviet life. I realize post- Soviet Russia is still so new and images of the Cold War and the USSR will take decades to fade.
I then go on to preach my list of twenty things I love about Moscow to the driver, how it has changed to rival any European city, and how many things, such as the Metro, are in fact much better and reliable than those in say, Paris or London. Not to mention much cheaper.
One journey in Moscow – twenty five roubles. London - four pounds!
Don’t believe me that Moscow is a new exciting world of history, culture, endless possibilities and adventures? Then come visit for yourselves. Next time skip Paris. Come to Russia.
On the eating and drinking front, I have two places to introduce you all to. First, the nightclub called Garage is back open in Moscow, now with a new location: 8 Brodnikov Pereulok.
Located near Polyanka Metro station, this cool and trendy club doesn’t have the pretentious “face control” of other Moscow hang-outs – but still has the clientele. Garage retains a basement dance-floor and bar, but in a much more spacious environment. New additions include a beautiful terrace lounge with white sofas, new menu and cocktail list.
“I’ll have a Moscow Mule please!” (surprisingly, not that easy to get in Moscow!)
For the munchies, I am going casual this time, and will tell you about a great new takeaway venue called Tartin (they say it as Tartine). Seleznevskaya ulitsa House 4. Metro Novoslobodskaya.
The management’s aim is to present affordable, fresh products with fast and friendly service.
The takeaway concept is mainly bread, soups and tasty sandwiches. The latter are open-faced Western treats fused with Russian traditions such as rye bread, caviar and Russian cheese. I’ve been a few times now and I’m hooked. Plus it’s cheap, which is a word you don’t hear much of in this city! Go!
Both are wonderful examples of the middle class markets growing stronger in Russia. Dare I ask, was the crisis a good thing? After all, we can’t expect glasses of wine at 1,000 rubles a glass to get more and more expensive every year - can we?
Then again, this is Russia…
29 September, 2009, 09:00
Me and my family love Hotbirds RT and especially Moscow Out. My Grandparents were from Russia and I have alwazs been fascinated in the country muzic, life and culture. It seems very very expensive though. The weekly reports are very interesting and Martyn alwazs makes us smile. Hotbird RT is the best.