I made a similar trip in 1984. I can see where the "atmosphere" could be considered less than inspiring. However, as a lower middle class scrub I will say that I felt safer there (Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.) than on any of my "sightseeing" trips to N.Y.C. I can also say I feel bad for people I have seen sleeping regularly on (and under…
I made a similar trip in 1984. I can see where the "atmosphere" could be considered less than inspiring. However, as a lower middle class scrub I will say that I felt safer there (Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.) than on any of my "sightseeing" trips to N.Y.C. I can also say I feel bad for people I have seen sleeping regularly on (and under) cardboard in D.C., San Diego, and L.A. for the past 40 years. Not sure what the situation is in the Russian Federation today, but I can honestly say that I never saw anyone sleeping on the streets in the U.S.S.R. while I was there.
Like anywhere, it depends on what socio-economic class level you experience a city---as well as what parts you visit. If you're living on the high end of the hog, then I doubt any metropolis would be perceived as stifling.
I made a similar trip in 1984. I can see where the "atmosphere" could be considered less than inspiring. However, as a lower middle class scrub I will say that I felt safer there (Moscow, St. Petersburg, etc.) than on any of my "sightseeing" trips to N.Y.C. I can also say I feel bad for people I have seen sleeping regularly on (and under) cardboard in D.C., San Diego, and L.A. for the past 40 years. Not sure what the situation is in the Russian Federation today, but I can honestly say that I never saw anyone sleeping on the streets in the U.S.S.R. while I was there.
Like anywhere, it depends on what socio-economic class level you experience a city---as well as what parts you visit. If you're living on the high end of the hog, then I doubt any metropolis would be perceived as stifling.