Moscow

Mention Moscow and images of St Basils Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin probably pop into your head. And yes they are spectacular but there's so much more to this thriving metropolis... than just the postcard views.

With about 12 million people, Moscow is definitely a big city, although it is just getting its first real glass sky scrapers in a new business area. The traffic has to be seen to be believed with traffic jams in roads 6 lanes wide each way, and complete disregard for lanes if they don't suit. (Mind you they stop traffic and clear roads and let diplomats zip though at probably 100km/h). Luckily they have underpasses for pedestrians and what must be one of the most spectacularly decorated and spotless metro I've seen.

And as for the people, well they're pretty fashionable at least in the swankier suburbs/city centre, with international clothing shops thriving. Theres kids wearing punk or goth clothes, and rollerblades are really popular especially in their larger parks. Speaking of parks, I was staying near Victory Park (celebrating WW2 or the Patriotic war as they call it), in a well off suburb in a 7th floor apartment.

As well as doing the usual tourist things I accidently visited a TV stations 10th birthday celebrations, in a large sports park - think concerts, fairground attractions. And also this great kitsch expo/show area... spectacular patriotic soviet pavilions and fountains with many selling crappy knicknacks, clothing, plant or furnishings inside... wierd.