Hello, everybody!
I’m Olga and I’m from Moscow. I’d like to tell you a bit about the city where I live. As for me, it seems difficult for foreigners to explore Moscow on their own and there’re several reasons for it. Lack of information in English and signposts, few people who speak foreign languages, completely different mentality. Here’re some rules for those who like to get acquainted with this city.
Watch out for your bag
Especially in the underground, on moving staircases, on other public transport and crowded places.
(This picture was taken by Wikipedia’s user Brateevsky.)Cross the road carefully
Remember that even if you’re crossing the road on zebra, there’s still no 100% guarantee that all cars will stop. So first make sure it’s safe and don’t be surprised that some cars won’t even try to stop before zebra crossing with a passenger waiting on the pavement. By the way, when the road is finally cleared from traffic, some passengers try to hurry when crossing the road so that the drivers won’t wait longer. That may seem strange however.
(The image is from https://commons.wikimedia.org/ )Beware icicles
And old blocks of flats, as you never know whether something falls down from the roof, walls or balconies. So it’s better not to walk right under the balconies or near the house’s wall.
Use underground and be on time
Never rely on ground transport, as roads are often very busy, especially during the rush hours (about 7.30-10.30 a.m., 17.30-20.30 p.m. for weekdays) or before public holidays in warm seasons as many people go to the countryside. Don’t think that buses and trams follow timetable, because it’s unreal with such traffic jams. However, in some districts there is a special way for public transport on the road.
(The image is from https://commons.wikimedia.org/ )Don’t try to find logic
And don’t be afraid if you’re looking for the right house for half an hour but can’t find it. It may be quite difficult in the centre, as a building’s address may include not only number and the name of the street or lane (avenue), but also “stroyeniye” - another number (there may be several buildings that belong to the area) or “korpus” (almost the same thing as “stroyeniye”). Well, it’s convenient to google the way before you leave.
P.s. We even have a kind of a proverb, “You won’t understand unless you’ve drunk a half-liter”.
