A midsummer's heating up

Many apologies for not blogging in nearly a month!  Along with the temperatures my workload has significantly increased.  And I have been enjoying both.  Enjoying them both tremendously, as a matter of fact.  So much of that has to do with my location of course.  Moscow is just one of those places that despite its flaws, I love more and more over time.  Be it discovering a new tram line, a new park, b1tching out (or even verbally abusing...) some out-of-line babushka or dedushka to get what you want, knowing there's money EVERYWHERE, or even falling asleep on the labyrinth-like metro and somehow always waking up in for your stop, Moscow is a place that once it is felt, everything somehow just comes full circle.  Of course, this does not always happen with ideal amount of delicacy but it just somehow does. 

And now that it's summer, I feel a lot more sentimental about this place than I would normally and I appreciate it so much more because:


1) Moscow shows itself as a sort of "city of dreams" with all the festivities and commerce projects get promoted outdoors now that the weather is nice.  For instance, I just randomly came upon a some authentic Singapore Cuisine demonstration in the city center.  Okay, Moscow's not New York (well ... is New York really a city of dreams?  I digress), but after being in that not-to-be-mentioned village up north, it was so nice seeing foreign interest in investing in Russia.

2) Moscow moves fast.  The escalators on the metro.  They way people walk.  How decisions are made.  Even if it's wrong, fast is just fun!  Okay, that sounded a little risque, but I swear I didn't mean it that way.  Honest!   Since coming back here, I feel like I've been allowed back in the AP classes instead wasting away in a "special education" zone where watching molasses move is more hopeful than anyone trying to get work done.  No (sarcasm laden) I'm not talking about you-know-where. 

3) Moscow is grand, imposing, Soviet, and doesn't give flying flip of a flapjack if you like it or not, BUT is still somehow accepting of her shortcomings.  Despite all the extreme wealth, poverty, etc. Moscow is somehow oddly modest and can take your worst insult of her only to excrete it, thereby thwarting your attempt at criticism.  No need to resort to a reactionary response indicative of a place with an inferiority complex that lines every orifice of its habitation from the grand palaces to rectum-inspired neighborhoods only twenty minutes away.  (Reeeeowww!!  Scratch!)

4) In Moscow, there is a growing understanding that people are in charge of their own lives.  It's up to them to change things.  And things can actually change in Moscow.  It might be slow, but the process of learning how to do this is happening faster all the time it seems.  If there's broken glass, it gets swept.  If there's a a problem with public drinking, parks close off and monitor entrants.  If an airport has slow service, more staff can be hired to improve it.  It's not perfect, but I know Moscow is getting better at functioning.  No, I just feel like it's changing.  Unlike it's northern disgruntled, slothful half-sister, Moscow is simply not content looking like a beautiful courtesan complacently comfortable with reclining against her c^m-stained, Romanov dynasty-looking pillows.  (Fangs!!  Hiss!!)

Now I fully feel why snakes produce venom.  Some environments call for it and why try to force one into withdrawal??

Whoa, who knew I'd be bashing that place so ... violently??  I just appreciate being back here so much and the summer brings out this city for all the potential it is has.  Moscow, you'll forever keep my eyes open and embrace me with your charms, of which many are waiting to be discovered.  It's not just the metro that's a labyrinth.  The whole city really is and something new and good is always waiting around some bend.  This is one maze I'll happily continue down, though without the unexpected giddiness of a naive Icarus-like character.  Cynicism and grouchiness always come in handy in the end.  ;)

In front of MGU University Tower and Vorobyovy Gory at the Moscow River and Third Transport Ring, May 2010 -- One of my favorite views on earth in the best of seasons.