An Adventure
Riding the subways of Moscow, Russia can be quite a challenge, to say the least. But it can also be an adventure and it is definitely a great way to mingle with the friendly people of Russia. Some of the subway routes are complicated and even duplicated, which is probably why I never seemed to go the same way twice to and from my hotel. Some of the personnel stationed in cubicles at the bottom of each escalator do not seem anxious to answer questions, probably because they don’t speak English. In fact, the language barrier is one of the greatest difficulties when traveling anywhere in Russia and can be particularly vexing when using the train or subway systems. Almost everyone else, including the roaming uniformed police knocked themselves out to try to help when I asked them for directions.
Steeped in History
The Moscow subway or metro was built in 1935 and now has more than 200 miles of track, mostly underground. It is one of the deepest subways in the world, with the deepest section more than 240 feet below ground. You will definitely get a feel for this when you are riding one of the interminable escalators deep into the ground below Moscow. Many of the stations near the center of Moscow are considered architectural marvels, displaying high ceilings, beautiful chandeliers and marble walls. Riding and exploring the Moscow subways should definitely be a part of any visit to this fascinating city.
An Embarrassing Moment
I had a funny incident occur when I arrived late in the evening on my recent trip to Moscow. After taking the last airport train to the city center I transferred to the subway to go to my hotel. It was only three stops away, so I didn’t take my backpack off when I sat down on one of the benches near the doors. The train was still crowded at that late hour and a young man who got on at the next stop sat down next to me. As we approached my stop I got up and grabbed what I thought was one of those steel poles to help get myself up with my pack still on. It turned out that I grabbed the hockey stick the young man next to me was holding. I nearly fell over and felt like a complete jerk. After looking at me like I was crazy for a moment, he and the rest of the passengers broke out in a good natured laugh. Fortunately, no one could tell that I was an American, but I was awfully glad when the doors opened and I could get out.
