My first introduction to the mystery and wonder of Russian cities was as a teenager when I happened upon Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel, in my high school’s library.
As a wealthy socialite, Anna frequently traveled between Moscow and St. Petersburg and Tolstoy’s descriptive prose painted vivid and inviting images of these cities in my mind. I was hooked from the first page and my fascination with all things Russian continued into university.
In addition to taking as many Russian history/literature optional courses as I could, I also watched movies such as War and Peace, The Brothers Karamazov, Doctor Zhivago, Reds, Anastasia and Burnt by the Sun. As well, my reading expanded to include works of the other great Russian masters such as Dostoevsky, Chekhov, Turgenev, Pushkin and Pasternak. The more I delved into the world of the Tsars and communist revolutionary figures, the more my desire was fueled to one day visit the ‘motherland’ and explore its two main glorious cities.
Harkening back to my initial introduction to Russian society and customs, the idea of a Trans-Siberian railway adventure like Anna Karenina would have taken holds great appeal, but I am also open to a river cruise along the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers.
Whatever the mode of transportation I choose to take between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I am so looking forward to roaming these rustic and rambling Russian cities and soaking up every last bit of their collective histories!
Sights to see in Moscow:
Sights to see in St. Petersburg:
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