Visit the outdoor markets. You...
by mild47
Visit the outdoor markets. You truly get the feeling of the people and the culture there. If you have the time try to find someone who speaks English. Since you have a computer (when I first visited I did not have one), try to locate an English speaking Russian in a chat room. They can usually find you a cheap apartment to live in while you visit. I found hotels too expensive for my taste. I was there during the mini revolution of October 1993. For me it was exciting, but it was a dangerous situation. Normally there is little crime to worry about. Just protect your money as best you can. (not in a wallet or purse).
Moscow has everything a tourist can want and more.
I visited a WW11 museum on the west side that was just great. (The Russians still live as if the Germans are coming again). I could never relate to you all my experiences, but they are now part of my soul. Beyond doubt the museum in the Kremlin (covering the Czarist period)was the most interesting place, but finding a Moscow women to be my wife was the beginning of my complete assimulation into my being a Moscovite.
Working together
by TheWanderingCamel
The revival of the Orthodox Church in post-Soviet Russia is truly remarkable. Churches that once were locked and barred are open and functioning again. Two cathedrals that were totally demolished have been completely rebuilt, others that were allowed to fall into neglected ruins are being restored and in others the restoration of frescoed walls and the furnishing of the church is continuing apace. A group of young artists working at the restoration of the frescoes in the tiny Church of Feodor Studit.
This little church, built in 1626 and one of the oldest churches in Moscow, was for many years used as a factory and workshop but, an ecumenical project that sees the Russian Church working in together with the St Paulus Society from Denmark, has rebuilt and restored the church in a wonderful spirit of open co-operation that brings people together to the mutual benefit of all - both the parishioners of the church and the young volunteers from Denmark who, as well as working on the physical structure of the church work with the community as well.
leyle
VISA INFORMATION
by kiwigal_1
Visas are necessary for all non-Russians who are planning on visiting or living in Russia. While it's become a lot easier to get a Russian visa, don't think your problems are over when you've received yours. If you make a false step while running the gauntlet of registration and (if necessary) getting a work permit, you face fines, hassles and maybe even arrest and deportation.
First, plan ahead. It usually takes anywhere from four to six weeks to get a Russian visa, although it is technically possible to get one in as little as one day.
To get a visa, you need first to get an invitation from a Russian organization. This can be a Russian firm, government organization, educational institution, or a representative office of a foreign firm. Some international hotels can also arrange a visa invitation. The invitation is issued through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Moscow, which in turn sends a telex to the specified Russian consulate abroad instructing that a visa be issued.
The types of visas include tourist, business, diplomatic, and special visas for foreigners married to Russian citizens. Tourist visas are usually issued for one month, while the others are issued for anywhere from three months to one year. The short-term visas are almost always single entry-exit visas, while the longer-term visas usually allow you to make three trips into and out of Russia. Multiple-entry visas allow you to enter and leave the country as many times as you wish. Once you're notified that your telex has arrived at the consulate, bring your passport, a completed visa application form (available from the consulate or www.expat.ru if you will be applying from the Russian Consulates in Canada, China, Spain, Germany, UK or US), and the required fee (it varies from consulate to consulate). If you're applying for a multiple entry visa, you are officially required to present the results of an HIV test conducted during the preceding three months. Most Medical Centers in Moscow offer this service, or you can go directly to a medical laboratory. The truth is that not all consulates bother to ask for one, but in case you are asked, it's better to be safe than sorry.
The fees you pay for the issuance of the invitation and for the visa itself vary, depending on how quickly you want to receive the document.
Before I went to Russia I processed my visa through the Russian Embassy in Ulaan Baatar. The company I was to work for in Samara had telexed through my invitation. I filled out the form and presented it, along with two passport photos and $25 US at the Embassy and returned 5 working days later to pick up my visa.
Once you've arrived in Russia, you are legally required to register within three working days (72 hours) with OVIR, the agency that registers foreigners in Russia.
In my case, my employers didn't register my visa until I had been there for a month. I guess they paid a bribe or something because when I left the country (through Sheremetievo Airport) I didn't have any problems. Beware though that it isn't unheard of for steep fines to be placed if you don't follow this procedure properly. I also don't advise over-staying your visa as there is a large fee to get a new exit visa processed!
This information was taken from www.expat.ru
The Bolshoi Theatre
by MEdelmann
"Bolshoi" means "grand" or "big" in English and so the Bolshoi Theatre is the grand theatre. It was built in 1824 after plans of Beauvais and Michailow. After a fire in 1856 it was reconstructed by Cavos. The Bolshoi is a masterpiece of classicim. It is a wonderful building, but I couldn´t see it, because it was under restauration and so I had to take this black and white print from a newspaper. Therefore I have to apologize for the bad quality.
Moscow Mayor
by Muscovite
Try to find anyone interested in museum opening hours or scenic landscapes in the Moscow forum.
Now way. Instead there will be a dozen questions to a page:
Is Moscow safe?
This is the fellow who operates the place today.
Got safety concerns – pump him.
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Tsar Cannon
museum pushkin
Shesh Besh: Dolma dish
Valenki
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