10 years ago: Moscow-Murmansk-Moscow

As usual, March in Moscow was misty, chilly, and desperately depressive. Gray days started with late, uncomely sunrises when the sun is covered by clouds so badly that one not having a watch can't understand if the daytime had been already started or not. The days continued with onerous traffic jams on the dirty roads covered by muddy melting snow, and ended with moral and bodily fatigue, amplified by spring vitamin deficiency.

Where one, being immersed into such reality, would be dreaming to escape for a short holiday? Now it is difficult to believe, but in 2005 we decided to go to Murmansk – the extreme North Russian city situated within the Polar circle.

To continue, kindly see the sub-titles under the slide show below. 

Russian Dacha’s: the way to feel real Russian spirit

The aroma of the forest, full of wild berries, mushrooms and trees; the taste of fresh and clean vegetables that have been just picked up; the heat of Russian steam room smelling wood and herbs; the atmosphere of unusual relaxation and freedom; and unforgettable feeling of sincere and warm hospitality, so typical for genuine Russian character...

If you are visiting Russia as a part of the cruise or organized trip, you will be impressed for sure: Russian culture and architecture is very special and different from any other. But looking to the impressive towers of the Red Square or admiring the magnificent fountains in Petergoff, you will see just the cover of the book named Russia.

Kuz'minki Park, Moscow, Russia: alternative experience in the Capital of Russia

Would you mind to find yourself in the real forest being in the busy city of Moscow? It is easier than you can imagine!

Leave the center for a couple of hours; take 25-minutes trip by metro and 10 minutes walk - and you will come inside the Russian fairy tale. Looking to the 200-year-old trees which remember the Tzars and noble families, feeding squirrels and ducks from your hands, riding a boat on the calm water of Kuz'minskiy Pond, you soon will be ready to meet Little Red Riding Hood or Zolushka - and even Ded Moroz, the Russian Santa Claus who has the winter residence here!

Park Kuz’minki is more popular with locals than with the tourists. Before the Red Revolution, it was the summer residence of Golitsin family where they came by horses. Nowadays the park has a total area of 11,89 square kilometers.