The best way to visit a city is to be close to the locals. During the end of the year, this is not to be advised (see yesterday blog) but it can be fun. When walking around the whole day (minus 3 so that fine) my eyes are popping out frequently, the variety of faces is just amazing. Having around 21 million people running around on a daily basis, coming from all parts of Russian, there is a real painting of faces.
The typical ones of the old ladies with plenty of bags (food and fat...), drunks with wrinkles and greasy hair, army students that wear hats the size of ships, students with mini skirts etc.
All faces have stories to tell, some are look happy and successful others look like they try to survive on a day to day basis. The difference between rich and poor is getting bigger and that is visible everywhere you look. Russia has gained more freedom but lost some of their identity. The rich want to be like the Europeans and need to show off their wealth. The poor have no change getting a job or proper housing and rely on vodka to keep them warm. Was communism better than? Clearly no. All symbols of the old USSR have been removed and made room for a booming housing market and shops filled with plenty of food (even stroopwafels) People have more opportunities and more freedom but you need to take them, they are no longer provided by the government. Nobody is equal anymore but dreams are now be able to be realized, however you need to work hard for it.
The land of opportunities that Russia has become is one that provides a lot but at a price. That price is for some too high and it will probably take another generation or maybe two to get this balanced out.
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