That day, I decided to take a walk at VDNKh Park in Moscow with my friend, Yaroslav Purakhin. The weather was still a bit cold, but it didn’t dampen my excitement to enjoy the atmosphere of the park, which is known as a recreational spot for both locals and tourists to unwind. Yaroslav, who knows the area well, took me around and showed me some interesting spots that are rarely visited by others. It felt so nice to breathe the fresh air while having light conversations in the calm surroundings of the park.
We strolled along small paths lined with tall trees. In the distance, I could see the sun slowly setting behind the bare branches. The sky turned shades of orange and purple, creating a warm feeling despite the chilly breeze. That moment felt so peaceful, as if time moved a little slower, giving me space to forget the fatigue and longing I had quietly kept inside for so long.
Yaroslav and I kept walking, occasionally stopping at a few spots to take photos or sit down for a while. The park was fairly quiet that evening, making the sound of our footsteps on dry leaves very clear. Yaroslav shared stories about the history of VDNKh Park, which used to be the largest national exhibition site in the Soviet era and has now transformed into a modern city park, complete with museums, fountains, and family recreation areas.
When we decided to head back, we walked along a path already shaded by the evening light. Suddenly, snowflakes began to fall gently from the sky. It felt magical to see the snow descending as the last traces of sunlight lingered in the sky. I looked up, feeling the cold touch of snowflakes on my face. Yaroslav chuckled softly, saying that I was lucky to witness both a sunset and snowfall on the same day.
That moment became one of the beautiful memories I’ll always remember from my time in Moscow. VDNKh Park truly is the perfect place to unwind and find peace. I was grateful to experience it, accompanied by a kind friend, in a city I’m slowly beginning to love. Perhaps, amidst the cold weather and the bustle of the capital, there’s always a little space where warmth can quietly settle in the heart.
After enjoying a beautiful afternoon at VDNKh Park, I continued my journey toward the Kremlin area. That evening, I was invited to attend a friend’s birthday celebration held at a restaurant not far from there. The atmosphere in Moscow at night felt different — city lights glowing, the crisp cold air, and the grand view of the Kremlin that never fails to captivate me every time I pass by.
When I arrived at the venue, I met several other friends who had gotten there earlier. The party felt warm despite the chilly night outside. We chatted, laughed, and enjoyed traditional Russian dishes served at the table. It was such a pleasant feeling to gather in a place so full of history, celebrating friendship in a city that I’m slowly starting to feel is my second home.