Russia Travel Guide
Russia breathes superlatives: the world's biggest country, its largest supplier of natural gas and second-largest oil producer, home of the planet's longest railroads, busiest subway system (Moscow's) and deepest, biggest and oldest lake (Baikal). It even boasts balmy beach resorts (on the Black Sea), though the Kremlin and the snow-capped cupolas of its cathedrals seem truer reflections of this northern nation's might and mysticism. The rigorous traditions of the Bolshoi Theater coexist with some of Europe's most cutting-edge DJs. Hip restaurants fashion mouth-watering delicacies out of traditional Russian meat pies and cabbage soup. The Hermitage Museum is a fortress of fine art from around the world; the Russian Museum down the street showcases local artists from through the centuries and spills with stunning discoveries. Take a "ride" in a space shuttle in Gorky Park or wander the Cosmonautics Museum, a tribute to the tireless scientists and engineers who sent the first man -- and woman -- into space.
What the country lacks in climatic warmth Russians make up for with their bottomless generosity and jovial hospitality. Survivors of despots from Ivan the Terrible to Stalin, Russians place high value on keeping their home worlds safe from the perils of without and keeping the larders stocked with homemade jams, pickles and desserts. The past decade has been rough on Russians, but it's sharpened their adaptation skills. Today's Russian graduates know more languages, more about financial markets and more about text messaging than many of their western counterparts.
Russia's tourism infrastructure, alas, is still catching up with the rest of the changes, but Moscow and St. Petersburg are well on their way. Take along some pluck and flexibility and take a look at the best things Russia has to offer.
