Harasho Moscow

St. Basil's Cathedral

“Harasho” – meaning good, is the most commonly heard expression in Russia. After just 10 days in Moscow, I managed to pick up simple words that have gotten me far alongside passionate and dramatic body language (I was predicted an A* for GCSE Drama, you know.)

Russian is said to be one of the top three hardest languages to learn in the world. It is no surprise that it is a challenge for those who speak and read English as many letters from the English alphabet are included in the Russian language but read and pronounced completely differently. For example, the letter P is pronounced as R in Russian. The letter H is pronounced as M, C shares the same sound as S, and X is read as H. And then there are incorporations of the Greek alphabet…

Koskovo Estate

Just a couple of weeks after the bombing at Domodovo International Airport, I arrived in Moscow. -18 degrees Celcius, snow sweeping across my face, hands stuck in my pockets, I waited for our driver in the airport car park. Russia is unfortunately not an English-friendly country, so driving is nearly impossible for those who cannot read the Russian signs or drive like a Russian. Drivers in this constantly traffic jammed city share a great sense of nerve-wrecking intimacy on the roads, oblivious to all concepts of space and speed limits. I’m sure you will be able to imagine the driving conditions when I say that it is very rare to see clear lines drawn on the roads.

Despite it’s unpredictable traffic, Moscow boasts an inspiring display of Russia’s history and culture. Even in the town centre, the majority of the buildings have maintained it’s original structure and

appearance from the 19^th century (although there are the occasional high-rise buildings jutting above the city), and developments have occurred naturally around historical architecture such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Bolshoy Theatre – famous for it’s exquisite ballet company. It is not the most beautiful or advanced city but it is a city worth getting to know.

Tsum Shopping Mall

Moscow is a living, breathing example of why you should not judge a book by its cover. The first thoughts that many may have of Russia are: communist (even though it’s not anymore); vodka (yes, I did notice that Russians drink an excess of spirits in a very casual manner); snow (although Russia suffered from a terrible heat wave last summer); ginormously tall women (their legs don’t stop), and fur (oh, how Russians adore their wild animals). However, despite initial feelings of intimidation and fear, I came to learn that Russians are a lot friendlier and willing to help than they may seem, even despite language barriers. Their sharp features and stern facial expressions seem to be a result of their hard drinks and harsh weather rather than a reflection of their personalities. Russia is an emotionally distant country to most, evoking a sense of intimidation of the unknown as many people have not visited the country due to its strict visa requirements or perhaps due to their prejudice of Russia’s history and politics.

Kremlin

GUM Shopping Mall in the Red Square

After visiting the country of Kafka and Pushkin, I can say that Russia is a country that deserves a chance to be explored and experienced as it is not as different, weird, or scary as it is portrayed to be in the media and through our education. Moscow is a developing city that embodies majestic architecture, beautiful scenery, and a strange yet intriguing language and culture. 


Photos & Editing by Jenny Moon