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My view is that Russia would be fascinating in winter, the Russians take it in stride. Like visiting Quebec in winter.
But if you want to travel about fairly comfortably and do touristy things, summer would be a better time. Summer can be short there, so don't depend on having nice weather October or April.
Enjoy the bread, I really miss it. The round loaves you have to grab with your fists and rip apart with your teeth.
I will be fortunate enough to have two days and one night in St Petersburg as part of a cruise in August, alas will not be able to see Moscow.
I know this will just be a mere taste of St Petersburg and toying with idea of going through all the red tape for a Russian visa next summer so I can spend more time in St Petersburg and take the train to Moscow. On a cruise because you are there less then 72 hours, take an escorted tour you don't need visa, your tour ticket serves as a temporary visa.
I see you are from India according to your info so I'm not sure if you are tasked with having to obtain a Visa.
Cebun, does that bread have a name??
As far as best time of year? Weather wise and abundant daylight would be summer, May through September but drawback is tons of tourists.
I lived in Moscow for 2 years and got to visit many parts of the country and really enjoyed it.
The couple weeks surrounding New Year's Day is pretty amazing in Moscow, although cold of course. In Russian culture New Year's Eve is equivalent to Christmas Eve in American with Santa Claus(Ded Morose), trees, and presents. The center of the city turns into a huge pedestrian area for several weeks and markets, fairs, and skating rinks pop up all over. I don't think I've ever been anywhere else where they do the season as big as they do in Moscow and I've been to NYC, London, Munich, and a few other spots over the holidays.
The week or so around Victory Day(May 9th) is really interesting. The holiday celebrates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and is mix of Soviet nostalgia, somber memorials, and modern Russian nationalism(but ironically it's one of the few days where openly liking America is allowed...). The infamous Red Square military parade occurs on this day and massive fireworks displays occur all across the city.
For St. Petersburg I'd recommend visiting during the White Nights around June 21. There is a really nice party atmosphere near the Palace Square and it can be a little spooky watching the sun rise at around 1am on some of the lesser crowded canals.
Summer is also a good time to get out and see the Golden Ring towns like Vladimir and Suzdal. The Russian countryside is very lush and green during the short summers.
Last edited by DTL3000; 03-20-2018 at 11:19 AM..
Reason: Minor tweaking
Just ask for bread (хлеб) I'm sure you'll be shown the local variation, unless you are in a hoity toity place that sells American sliced whitre bread, baguettes or pita bread.
I haven't been in Russia proper in a long time, but one variation or another is de rigeur in any place the Russians have ever been and I found variations on the theme in six of the former Soviet republics. In Kyrgyzstan it looks like this and is sold in street stalls, and is an art form:
Just ask for bread (хлеб) I'm sure you'll be shown the local variation, unless you are in a hoity toity place that sells American sliced whitre bread, baguettes or pita bread.
I haven't been in Russia proper in a long time, but one variation or another is de rigeur in any place the Russians have ever been and I found variations on the theme in six of the former Soviet republics. In Kyrgyzstan it looks like this and is sold in street stalls, and is an art form:
Those breads are about 10-12 inches in diameter, enough for breakfast for several people. 15c is about US25c. сум луком means made with onions, there are many varieties.
Just ask for bread (хлеб) I'm sure you'll be shown the local variation, unless you are in a hoity toity place that sells American sliced whitre bread, baguettes or pita bread.
I haven't been in Russia proper in a long time, but one variation or another is de rigeur in any place the Russians have ever been and I found variations on the theme in six of the former Soviet republics. In Kyrgyzstan it looks like this and is sold in street stalls, and is an art form:
Lepeshka... not a "typical Russian" bread. I saw it in southern USSR - Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. It's more typical for Central Asia. Cost around 45-50c (0.009$)
Although not presented in the elaborate artistic style, I found that everyday bread had pretty much the same ubiquity, texture, mouthfeel, flavor, anywhere in "The Russias" -- Moldova, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia. Cheap and plentiful everywhere.
You went to Turkmenistan? What kind of visa did you have?
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