[XEHRpa]

I agree with you regarding the environmental disaster that communism wrought over there. And while we might look on their bravado as needless, if only the government spent a little effort to prepare for problems, the reality is that when Chernobyl melted down, there was no sane backup plan, and so the bravado of those workers who exposed themselves to lethal radiation to cover the melted pile in concrete was not a false bravado, but likely saved the lives of countless others from the contamination.

When we were there (2002), our host family tried to cook American style the first day, and I have to say it is no wonder that other adopting parent complain of the meals. Fortunately, in our case, we asked Natasha to cook authentic Russian meals thereafter, and it was some of the best cuisine we've ever had. I even acquired a taste for red cavier (naturally, served on bread slathered with butter, and chased with a shot of vodka).

Our travels were limited to downtown Moscow and Tula. Tula was seeming to suffer, though quite a lot of poverty (by American standards) was evident in Moscow too.

[manx]

I sort of feel bad for even noticing the decay when I went there the first time. They are pretty self conscious about it. I have made a lot of trips down the old Route 66 and going through Los Angeles, Amarillo, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, St Louis, Chicago. On the old route I have seen a lot of poverty and decay.

The only difference is that in Russia the middle class, if there is one, lives in decay, and here mostly minorities do.

I love Moscow, if you still have any connections in Russia you should spend some time there for pleasure. There is a great series of books by DK publishing, www.dk.com which have beautiful maps and listings of out-of-the-way museums and attractions of various cities around the world.

I would mark on the map every night a route and we would start from one subway station and walk all the way through the city going from one place to the next. This was in January so it was usually snowing, but we saw most of the city. There is always a subway entrance close for when you are tired. Of course it is best if you know someone who speaks the language.

I find that all cities have their own distinct flavor, regardless of how rich or poor they are, and there definitely is a charm to Moscow. St. Petersburg is a must see also, which also has a book from DK.