I never cease to be amazed by the traffic in Moscow. This is the Garden Ring, one of several "ring roads" in the city. It is rarely, if ever, completely deserted. But at peak hours it is incredible.
This is why we don't have a car here and rely on the Metro and our feet. Yes, it is exhausting sometimes. It is certainly difficult at others (like today when Baboo has fencing class and I have to schlep her equipment bag to and fro). You sure can't just toss stuff in the back of the car like I did in my past life.
The kids' schedule this year means we are in the Metro later than we were last year. Commuting at 5:00 p.m. and even 4:30 p.m. is a lot more crowded. With their backpacks or the big sports bag . . . sometimes I'd almost rather just walk than deal with being packing in like sardines.
Some people take the "wild taxis" or private cars you hail on the street. But when the traffic is as dense as in my picture, I know I can get home faster by walking.
12 comments:
it's a good walking city - - too many lazy car drivers out there, so not enough people doing it. i walk 2 miles to the office and then 2 back every day, and try to walk to all meetings as well. been doing this for the last 5 months - - learned more russian, saw a lot more faces, saved a few rubles from the metro, and lost 40 pounds. walking 8 miles day sometimes is an incredible stress relief - -and moscow is more than the most expensive city in the world. i;d say it's GOT to be one of the most difficult too.
On the bright side, cars seem to be following traffic lanes. Here in Baku, traffic lanes are blissfully ignored.
Walking maybe inconvinient at times but it sure is a great excercise. When I came from Moscow to Phoenix my biggest shock wasn't the heat but absence of pedestrians on the streets.
How is it everyone lost weight by walking in Moscow but me?
I agree with Rabbit and VC. When you have a gorgeous metro like Moscow's, it just gives you another reason to walk. Of course, there's the metro smell. :-) Expatresse, what Rabbit isn't telling you is that you have to hop along from time-to-time. Hopping is the weight loss trick! Put it on Youtube! :-)
My husband and I have lived in Europe and we didn't have a car, either - we walked, took the bus and rode the train. For longer trips where we felt comfortable driving, we rented a car. I actually miss all of the walking we did when we lived in Europe - don't get out here like we did there.
Stopping by from SITS to say hello!
I love the view from your window - the church, not the traffic :)
Stoping by from SITS.
I love Moscow, but the traffic is something else.
I was born and raised in Slovakia and went to school in Russia for 1 year. I miss Europe everyday...
I love how in the blue hour everything is lavender...xov
Hey! I saw The Moscow News today, and not only are you in it, but YOU'RE ON THE FRONT PAGE! That's cool, Amanda!
Traffic was HORRIBLE yesterday all over the city of the "Yaponchik" mafia boss funeral. It was DENSE!!!!!!!!!
p.s. Funny post about the lollypops!!!1
That is wicked cool traffic. You're making me wish I were hanging with you in Moscow!
Yikes! What a view, I would enjoy sitting on my balcony with a drink and being thankful I'm not in it.
...ahhh brrath in that fresh Moscow lead and carbon monoxide
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