Back in the USSR.... for the first time.

Before Christmas, I was able to visit Moscow for the first time. Of course, it was mostly a business trip, and Mary was already back in South Dakota. But business is booming in Moscow. Not just the Olympics and World Cup but Malls! There are high-end luxury brand stores and malls all over the city center.

But there was also this grand old communist-era delicatessen. Back in the day, only the elite frequented this store, now it's open to everyone (so says my colleague who grew up in Moscow).
For 4 days, I only caught a glimpse of Red Square as I slowly past by its signature red brick walls (traffic is sometimes so slow, you go a city block in 15 minutes). You only have private drivers, there aren't many taxis... more on that later.

I finally got there thanks to Minnesota friend Sodie, who's also doing business in Russia in the hockey industry. It was raining and really late, but we got there using a hand taxi. Ok, what's that? Well, you walk out into the street, stick out your hand and, well, anyone with a car picks you up. And for a few rubles, drops you off where you want to go. I didn't ask questions but it was very efficient and better than walking in the rain. Probably not recommended by the local travel agencies.



Christmas is alive and well in Russia... imagine seeing these scenes even 20 years ago...













And, thank goodness, there's a Starbucks! Some things you just can't live without.



When I came home, I couldn't wait to hear the Beatles White album...back in the USSR...and imagine what Moscow must have been like in 1968.

Tschus, comrades.