July 26, 1997
Hey All,
Well, in 2 hours we'll be on our train out of the city, leaving behind civilization as we know it. Ok, fine, it's not that bad, but when we get off the train in 50 hours, we will be deep in the heart of Siberia, in the beautiful city of Novosibirsk. For the first time since our plane landed at Heathrow, we will not be in Europe. Strange.
Well, I'm kinda tired. After 4 days of seeing the historical and cultural aspects of Moscow and the surrounding communities, we let loose. By that, I mean we went clubbing. It was quite an experience. Our first stop was an Irish pub where we met up with Peter, the guy with whom I lived in Siberia 6 years ago. He now has a good job with an investment bank, so we ended up partying with the Noveau Riche of Moscow. Very interesting. A whole different attitude from the beggars on the streets everywhere. It seems as if it's a different world. We went with them to 4 Rooms, a Discotheque across the river from the Red Square, but got bored and struck out on our own to the infamous Hungry Duck. Not long after the techno version of the Soviet national anthem was played, I was dancing on the bar to Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" and other wonderful songs. It was quite an experience. Not as many people took off their clothes as we were told to expect, and luckily no one fell off the patio (which was only accessible through the windows). I think I also got a few dances with women simply because my hair is like nothing that exists in Russia. Hmmm... Well, we got home at 6 am, and all is well.
Besides the revelry last night, Moscow was an interesting city. It's the first city on my trip that was a return visit for me, and the 6 years that have passed since I was here last have been monumentous. Streets that were formerly dominated by art markets, street performers, and black marketeers are now dominated by over-priced cafes. I often see elderly women begging directly in front of stores like Tiffany's and Gucci. Neither effect of capitalism was here in 1991. It's a very strange feeling to watch a city change so dramatically so quickly. It's also sad.
The sights, museums, churches, buildings, and all the tourist attractions here are as amazing as you can imagine, but I think the effects of the last 6 years of changes will be what sticks with me most.
Well, I gotta get to the station. We'll be in Siberia soon, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to email again in Russia. Take care.
Lance
