Moscow Impressions.

Last summer I went to Moscow. It was a wonderful experience.

I was surprised how friendly and helpful even the customs officials were, especially on the return journey.

Moscow has become a genuine City with new fountains, flower beds and open parks as good as London ones.

But some of my friends commented they would prefer to spend such money on improving accommodation, helping the poor etc.

Moscow has improved in every way. People look more affluent. I have rarely seen so many men wearing cream suits.

I visited several places.

 The Tsaritsino State Memorial set in a large park with lakes.

I paid a nostalgic visit to the Gold Ring of Russia- about 71 km from Moscow.

Here is the true spirit of Russia.

Near the Tretyakov Gallery artistic displays of drawings set out on benches attract attention.  Old style Moscow trams looked odd but also nice with their new modern advertising!

Russian national cuisine made the restaurant ‘Yolki-Palki’  my favourite place for dinner with friends. Someone should open a branch in London.

I noticed how people no longer push each other on the subways.

A new and welcome courtesy towards each other seems to have developed.

During my two weeks the weather was 30 degrees and humid. The ventilation on the trains and stations could not cope. It reminded me of crowded London subways.  

While walking with my girlfriend in the evenings we watched street dancing with fire, and, another gift from the city, coloured fountain displays on the river.

I took many photographs to show my friends this new Moscow.

For many the Russian capital may as well be on the moon. It is so remote and far from their real way of life.

Moscow 2007

 More Moscow photographs by Natalia Steward

Photo Gallery of Sergiev Posad (near Moscow) by Natalia Steward

Natalia Steward (England, London)

Other articles of Natalia Steward