Well, forget about the days of the Soviet Union ! The modern Russia is all about consumerism, rampant running consumerism. The West's materialism and overconsumption has finally met the East here in Moscow. McDonalds (of course), Wendy's, Burger King, Subway, Cinnabon, Nike, and the omnipotent Starbucks. Even though there are these modern global megaliths, surprisingly there is no Walmart. I wonder what the Russians think about these products? Do they embrace them? Do they scoff at our overwrought capitalism? I have yet to stop and get a Starbucks, but I know before it is over, I will embrace this collective global economy. More blogging later. Today we visited two schools and tonight we leave on a night train through the Russian countryside--off to Minchurinsk. It will certainly be an experience. Moscow--city of 17 million people--over 10% of Russian's entire population to a city with only two hotels... We shall see if the West has permeated into the heart of soul of the Russian countryside or if it is only here in Moscow. | |