Hello. The Moscow Metro is one of the world's most famous metro systems. It has several lines that cross the city east-west and north-south and diagonal, and one "ring" or "circle line" that traverses them all. It's pretty ingeniously designed. It's grown a lot and is still growing. [Wiki says] It started back in the USSR in 1935 with 13 stations (I'm guessing the red line was the first.) Now there are 185. I find that hard to believe, but it's true. I didn't think there were that many! I was pretty surprised to see a plaque at my stop (Strogino) that said it was completed in 2008! [Wiki says] It's the most used metro in the world, besides Tokyo. I like it a lot. The metro is cheap, clean and practical. I use it almost every day. I go to work and back on the dark blue line. One of the benefits of the apartment I chose is that I don't have to switch- I get on at Strogino (or Arbatskaya on the way home) and when I exit the train, I'm at my destination. Strogino is on the far left, 4th from the last stop. The Russian looks like this: СТРОГИНО. See map:
Yes, the red line was first. Arbatskaya, where I work, is the only one where four lines come together, reminding me of L'Enfant Plaza, for those of you familiar with the Washington D.C. metro. Red, dark blue, light blue, and gray. See it in the middle there? So you see I travel 8 stops on my daily journey from the edge to the city center and back, taking about 35 minutes (that white dot doesn't count).
Here is the official website in English for those of you who are interested: http://engl.mosmetro.ru/
And here is a picture of the inside of Strogino:
Don't know when they took this picture - it's so deserted. All of the stations are different, with a special unique design. Many are named in honor of Soviet "great things" and ideas, such as the one named for 1905 street, the one named for October (month of the revolution), and partizans' station. Or rather, they're named for places they lead to, which are named in honor of now outdated Soviet ideals. I know what you're thinking: where is Leninskaya? Well, the whole gosh darn thing is named in honor of Lenin. It's officially called "The Moscow Metropoliten in the name of V. I. Lenin." I'm thinking ok, that guy knew what he wanted, and intended good things, but isn't it a little strange... if you think about it... that we all use a metro in the name of a guy whose dream didn't come true, the country he created having turned "evil" and flopped? And not only the Moscow Metro! There's the National Library, a zillion statues and monuments still standing, and much more. He's there still, in Red Square, a waxy figure lying in his mausoleum. When I pass into the metro, if I happen to glance at the official title, I will think of him, and wonder what's in store for Russia's future.
They don't have a Stalinskaya, I don't think (thank God). He got a city named after him, a name they later changed. By the way, I've never seen Lenin and never will. Why would I want to see an embalmed body? There are so many beautiful things to look at here instead. Russians are weird.
Many other stations are named in honor of great poets, authors, scientists, etc. There is a "metro tour" you can do if you visit. It will take you to the best known, most interesting and beautiful stations. There are a lot of sculptures, mosaics, etc.
Every morning I hope to get a seat. But most mornings, it's a pipe dream. The best I can do is position myself in front of not one but two seated people, doubling my chances that one of them will leave and I'll get to sit the rest of the way to work. It's customary and even "the rules" that one must give up one's seat to the elderly, passengers with children, the handicapped, and pregnant women. But in the morning I think no one notices these things. Everyone is tired and envious of the seated. Most times as we ride the metro, especially during rush hour, everyone is quiet. Often there's a game of don't-get-caught-making-eye-contact. However, many people read, watch video on a mobile device, do a crossword or close their eyes. Sometimes people play the accordian and hope for donations.
In other news, we had a "concert" at work today. My EFL kids (English as a foreign lang - 4 and 5 year olds) and other people's EFL classes stood up and sang English songs for parents. It was cute. Thank God it only lasted 1/2 hour, including "meet and greet" afterwards.
I want a Christmas tree. I've decided to get one. Last time I went to the store, (Dec. 2), they didn't have any yet. We'll try back on Sunday.
Love and blessings,
Beth
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