Let me lead you through the streets of Moscow

by Brit Muscovite

Simple solution: find the closest known to you place and do not panic. Moscow is a megapolis, but even Moscow is not indefinite.

If you became so involved into appreciation of Moscow little yards that you no longer recognize where you are, you have two options how to proceed: either rely on your own boy-/girl- scout experience or ask for help from the natives. In the worst case you do not even have a map with you, you can remedy the situation easily in the closest newspaper kiosk.

 

This kiosks are virtually everywhere and it should not be a big deal to find one wherever you are at that moment. A map does not cost much , but will give you a sense of security and belonging.

Another option: in the close vicinity of the Metro station there is always a huge billboard with the map on it.

But if you see such a billboard, it means that the Metro is near by and once you know where the Metro is - you are not lost anymore: in underground you can easily find the station where your hotel/apartment is situated.

Additionally in each Metro station there is a blue-red box with "Info-SOS" sign on it: you may press the button and wait till you are connected with an operator.

But then you will have to explain your predicament in Russian and you will receive direction as to how proceed also in Russian.

Another good solution: pay attention to public transport stops:

Helpful will be if you pay attention to the signs on the houses: under each housenumber there is a little arrow

If you go right - you will reach the beginning of the street, going to the left will bring you to the end of the street.

You may need some re-insurance and decide to ask the native for the proper directions. Several useful phrases:

"Skazhite pozhaluysta gde blizhaishee metro?" would mean "Tell me please where is the nearest metro station" . If it it too difficult to pronounce, try: "Sorry... metro". It shouldbe clear enough that you are looking for the Metro station. Consider yoursef lucky if the natives will point you to the direction. Do not expect fluent English/German/French what not . Rely on the language of gestures and your beaming smile.

If you did not get the satisfying result after the first attempt - do not feel rejected, try again. Usually one of five people will be able to show the proper direction and understand some English. Even though there are 12 million people in Moscow, only few know Moscow and have been raised here. Moscow is the city of migrants who might feel as lost as you are in this megapolis.

If despite all your attempts you still do not recognize the vicinity, just hop on a bus or a marshrutka - all the routes lead to the next Metro station.

And be reassured: you will find what you are looking for in Moscow. One way or another.

by Brit Muscovite

Let me be a bit cynical here: you will be much safer if you do not cross the roads in Moscow.

It is a activity of extreme danger, increasing blood pressure and never-ending swearing. You should accept several most outrageous things as the reality of traffic and account for them in your pursuits of adventures in Moscow. First of all, Russian driver on average seem to have the similar suicidal and murderous attitudes.

It is as if being on a road brings up something wildly animalistic in people. However, the pedestrians do not seem too bothered with the dangers the road in itself poses, they also indulge into the acts of the mot suicidal nature.

Crossing the road in the appropriate spots on the green light seems as an insult for them, therefore, the jump in from of the running cars with the determination of a kamikaze and a criminal. Be prepared for this eccentric reality.

Several safety measures if you want to return home in one piece:

#1 Always choose to cross the road via underground tunnel, if it is available in the vicinity. You might loose a bit of time and see quite picturesque images of downtown, but that might also save your life as another driver from the hell of traffic jams will be speeding off regardless of anything around him.

#2 Never trust green street light. It does not automatically mean that all the cars will stop to let you pass. I know this is very rude of Russian drivers and extremely dangerous, but do not gamble your life on it. Whenever crossing a street pay attention to any movement around you and try to get to the other side of the road as fast as possible.

#3 On weekday be twice as attentive and ten times as patient.