Made In Russia With Love

Moscow

Russia

It’s shaped like an octopus with a huge head (at the center) where the interchanges are. It’s one of the best and most luxurious metro systems you can be in the world. They are built to be the people’s palaces according to Stalin, and rightly so. It’s the place where the best architects, the best engineers, the best artists and designers and painters and sculptors congregate to showcase Soviet artistic superiority at the time. “My favorite is Komsomolskaya (pictured).” Says Viktor. Located under a major transit hub, it’s the most important, busiest and most elegant....

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Pussy Riot

Moscow

Russia

Pussy Riot, dodging religious backlash and political repercussion exercised freedom of expression through songs, mocking Putin who’s allegedly in cahoots with the church’s patriarch in Moscow. Their controversial performances inspired many and earned praises from artists like Sting, Bono, Madonna and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but earned the ire of Putin! “The KGB chief, their number one saint, will escort protestors off to jail” singeth the sensational punk band and as prophesied in song (while demonstrations erupted all over Russia) Pussy Riot headbanged, and may continue singing their hearts out - all the way to jail? The world’s watching….
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Russian Doll

Moscow

Russia

Before leaving, I received one tiny present - an elaborately painted wooden figurine of sorts. “Twist to open it.” I did. And found a smaller replica inside. “There’s more. Go ahead twist it.” And found a smaller one inside, and then another, and another until I got a little bigger than an apple seed. It’s a Russian doll called – Matryoshka traditionally made of the Linden tree, dried for at least two years. “Take it home.” She said. “Can I take their mom too?” I replied as I gently nudged her hip with my elbow, her hair brushing my face….
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