Traveling to Russia

Three months in Moscow during my first internship at InterSystems - my first experience living abroad for an extended period. With a population of over 145 million across 11 time zones, Russia is a country of enormous scale that defies simple description.

Fun fact: Moscow's metro system is not just transportation - it's an underground palace with stations featuring chandeliers, mosaics, and sculptures. It's often called the most beautiful subway system in the world.

What I Experienced

Moscow in summer is surprisingly pleasant. The city comes alive with people strolling through parks, outdoor cafes, and cultural events everywhere. Living there for three months gave me time to explore beyond the tourist highlights.

Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil's Cathedral are iconic for good reason, but the real Moscow reveals itself in its neighborhoods - the bohemian Arbat Street, the Gorky Park waterfront, the endless boulevards lined with Soviet-era architecture mixed with ultramodern skyscrapers.

Working in the World Trade Center gave me a glimpse into Moscow's business world. The city moves fast and works hard. My colleagues introduced me to Russian hospitality - which often involves far more food than you can possibly eat.

Practical Notes

• Summer (June-August) offers the best weather and white nights
• Moscow metro is efficient but crowded, cheap, and worth exploring as an attraction itself
• Russian hospitality is generous - be prepared for long meals
• The city is expensive by Eastern European standards
• English is not widely spoken, but younger Russians often speak it
• Book theatre and ballet tickets in advance - it's worth it

Photography from Russia is available for purchase with commercial license - ideal for Eastern European travel marketing, Moscow destination content, or Russian architecture wall art.