In this thread I will, as time permits, document a 16 day trip I just took to three cities in Russia. When I travel I prefer to see the society as it is and learn about it and not just see touristic places. Hence, many of the photos in this thread will focus on those sorts of things.
Further, as my purpose is to show Russia as I saw it the quality of the photographs is not the point. Some may be good, some not so good. Some are with a regular camera, some with a cell phone (such as the ones in this post).
I will give the best explanations I can of what things are but as always reader feedback and corrections are always appreciated.
I flew into Bnukovo airport which is the smallest of the three Moscow airports and is located to the southwest of the city. As I arrived late in the day there wasn't much time for photography.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
I think that is the Moscow Ring highway.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The first view of the famous Soviet housing blocks.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
I doubt this golf course is Soviet era
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Old unused Soviet airliners at the airport.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
These are some homes I went by while riding the train in to the city center. They looked nice and I think they are regular homes, not "dacha" country residences.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The Kiev train station. Moscow has LOTS of train stations. The reason is that each train station basically serves one direction of travel. That is, if you want to go to destinations north of Moscow that is from one station, if you want to go north east of Moscow that will be another station. If you arrive in Moscow from the south and then need to go east you will have to get on the Metro and travel to another station. Quite a hassle actually and not such a good system in my opinion but I suppose it would be hugely expensive to change it.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The Foreign Affairs ministry which is by Arbat street in the center of Moscow. It is one of the "Seven Sisters" which are the tall buildings constructed under Stalin.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Although I was very tired and had a headache I did manage to walk to the Kremlin and Red Square the first night. It was very much worth the effort.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Looking up a slight hill into Red Square. The aura from the floodlights is amazing. I live in New York City and let me tell you - Time Square has nothing on this place.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Lenin's Tomb on the right.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The State History Museum.
With that I walked back to Arbat Street and my hotel. I was exhausted but amazed by the view of Red Square and of being in Moscow.
Further, as my purpose is to show Russia as I saw it the quality of the photographs is not the point. Some may be good, some not so good. Some are with a regular camera, some with a cell phone (such as the ones in this post).
I will give the best explanations I can of what things are but as always reader feedback and corrections are always appreciated.
I flew into Bnukovo airport which is the smallest of the three Moscow airports and is located to the southwest of the city. As I arrived late in the day there wasn't much time for photography.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
I think that is the Moscow Ring highway.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The first view of the famous Soviet housing blocks.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
I doubt this golf course is Soviet era
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Old unused Soviet airliners at the airport.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
These are some homes I went by while riding the train in to the city center. They looked nice and I think they are regular homes, not "dacha" country residences.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The Kiev train station. Moscow has LOTS of train stations. The reason is that each train station basically serves one direction of travel. That is, if you want to go to destinations north of Moscow that is from one station, if you want to go north east of Moscow that will be another station. If you arrive in Moscow from the south and then need to go east you will have to get on the Metro and travel to another station. Quite a hassle actually and not such a good system in my opinion but I suppose it would be hugely expensive to change it.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The Foreign Affairs ministry which is by Arbat street in the center of Moscow. It is one of the "Seven Sisters" which are the tall buildings constructed under Stalin.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Although I was very tired and had a headache I did manage to walk to the Kremlin and Red Square the first night. It was very much worth the effort.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Looking up a slight hill into Red Square. The aura from the floodlights is amazing. I live in New York City and let me tell you - Time Square has nothing on this place.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Lenin's Tomb on the right.
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
Untitled by 600West218, on Flickr
The State History Museum.
With that I walked back to Arbat Street and my hotel. I was exhausted but amazed by the view of Red Square and of being in Moscow.