How did the soviet union collapse? Yeah, been wondering about that too. On my recent visit to Poland the story told was that it all started in Gdansk, with the solidarity movement and a very eager political activist by the
The Red Square : Moscow
Possibly one of the most recognizable icons to anyone anywhere in the world, definitely to all Russians and former-USSR countries, the Red Square (together with the Kremlin) is the heart of the Russian political authority. A UNESCO heritage site, with magnificent
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour : Moscow
Walking distance from the Kremlin in Moscow is one of the tallest churches in the world. Most of my Moscow visit was sunny and cheerful, but my visit to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was during gray cloudy weather which made the
Krestovsky Island & Norway Park : Saint Petersburg
On my second day in Saint Petersburg, I decided to head to the northern part of the city and explore the local island parks – Krestovsky Island and Norway Park. Krestovsky Island was very quiet when I visited, and the amusement park wasn’t
Winter Palace State Hermitage Museum : Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a gorgeous city, and a good place to kick off a tour of the city is at the area around the Winter Palace with the State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, dating
Tour of the Kremlin : Moscow
A symbol of the former USSR, the Kremlin in Moscow brings up all sorts of associations, but there’s so much more to the Kremlin than history of cold war politics. For the tourist, the Kremlin offers grand Russian architecture with
Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure : Moscow
Moscow has some really wonderful parks, and Gorky is one of the highlights. If you’re looking for green space for some gardens, sports, food, arts, and … beaches? then Gorky seems like just the place. It has all of those and
Scenic views of Saint Petersburg from Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
When I stopped over in Moscow for a few days I was contemplating whether I have enough time to go see Saint Petersburg, but everyone I asked recommended that I do without any hesitation. So, early morning I took the
Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines : Moscow
So you’re visiting another place, weather isn’t great, and you’re looking for a museum to visit. Sure, you could go to another art museum, another national history museum, another science museum, -yawn-, but if – like me – you’ve already
Visions of Moscow : Russia
Following my Visions of Saint Petersburg showing my excitement about Russia, here are my Visions of Moscow as a tribute to the capital of Russia. I had a terrific hotel right at the center, 5-min walk from the red square,