Easier for Tourists

A few weeks back my hubby and I read a newspaper article that claimed Moscow was trying to improve itself so that it would be easier for tourists. We literally laughed out loud. We have been here long enough to know how to negotiate, navigate, and avoid, but we have not been here long enough to forget how confusing it is at first, especially for a non-Russian speaking foreigner. We read this in April after a long, snowy winter spent mostly indoors.

But Spring has emerged and so have we. It's true. The claims are true. Everywhere I go lately, I feel like shouting "AHA!" when I see something new. For example; the metro system is pretty simple, but with 12 lines of different colors and numbers, it can be confusing at transfer stations. The city has installed brightly colored decals on the floors of the platforms so that as you are walking, you can know which way to head and it's in English.

Also, they have marked the floors where the metro car doors will open so people can line up appropriately. When I say line up, what I mean is shove in.

Secondly, more signs are posted in both Russian and English. One we found at a nearby park with directions to the children's playground, bathrooms, and information.

And bathrooms! What a change. In English we say, "Where is the restroom/bathroom?" In Russian you ask, "Где туалет?" Literally "Where toilet?" More recently, the bathrooms are well labeled in the British manner "WC" for Water-closet, and there are even signs directing you where to find them. And not just squatty potties, but actual toilets. But wait...there's more! Some of these new bathrooms are free! Can you imagine? I said FREE BATHROOMS!

Now I am going to address the metro/bus passes. I may have mentioned previously that the metro fare was 26 rubles. It behooves you to pay exactly 26 rubles or in the case of two rides, 52 rubles. Or in the case of 20 rides, 520 rubles. On the bus it was 28 rubles for one, 56 for two. You get the point. Now, in one EASY pass, you can get 60 rides for metro and/or bus for only 1200 rubles! What? A discount for multiple rides? That's right! One ticket makes each ride only 20 rubles. I can't tell you how enormous this is. I feel like a wealthy oligarch walking around with my 60 ride ticket. Well, actually the wealthy oligarchs are in the fast lane of traffic. Nevermind.

Lastly, I want to add this brief note about wi-fi. What if you're out one day by Catherine the Great's Summer Palace and you're picnicking in the park. What's that? You want free wi-fi? No problem. Here it is. Some metro cars advertise wi-fi, but I don't know about the accuracy of their claims.

I feel like I've got it mastered. Maybe it's time for a new challenge...