goggly

Today is a national day holiday. Russia became a separate entity from USSR. No banks are open and we are in fix to get our Roubles. We met yesterday's gal at b'fast . She helped us with the map to locate Bolshoi Theater, Kremlin and Moscow river. Luckily multiple currency dispensing ATM at the hotel lobby solved the problem of getting rouble. B'fast was sumptuous and the day was sunny. Looks like we would have a great day, but we must get out, Room is getting stuffy. This is the problem with hotels equipped with heater but no ac. In peak summer months, there is no ventilation. We left hotel in search of a nearest metro station ' Leninsky Prospekt . We saw five Indian ladies walking hand in hand . They and another English person directed us to the Metro. Later another Russian woman with a kid little older than Akshta came at our rescue at the ticket counter and took us to Tatranaya and made sure that we take correct exit for Red Square . Reached out of th...

As the plane descends from the stream of cloud, Moscow looked very European city. Greenery all over, small cars following each other on the winding gray roads flanked by tall trees. Weather even at 3 pm was foggy and cloudy with no sign of sunshine. However, as we touched the Russian soil and pass through customs, immigration and baggage handling, it became evident that Russia would be different in many ways from western Europe. Almost all planes are Russian make, with engine sitting on the top of aircraft body. Robust males look ashen , have lips protruded inside and cheeks puffed up in a manner that would make them look like KGB detectives. A faint smile though appeared on the face of immigration officer after seeing Akshta's a week old photo on her passport. Airport old, unfriendly. One cubicle that was an exchange counter, another one a gift shop, Building hall had just three baggage belts and fourth belt was on another hall. If all flights were to land, it would jus...