Riga really won me over. The last time I had visited was with my sister when I was 17 and the only thing I really remember is sitting in a park in the rain after realizing that holds had been placed on both our debit cards, we didn't know where our hostel was, and we had spent ...
Anti-Cafés and Non-Museums in Saint Petersburg
Sometimes a city totally overwhelms me with its beautiful architecture, laid-back vibe, and unique culture and I can't help but fall in love. But other times, my love for a city comes from the amazing people I meet there. Saint Petersburg was one of those times. Of course even ...
Suzdal, Russia: Charming or Absurd?
By the time we got to Moscow, Dan and I hadn't spent any time outside of a city since our stay at Lake Baikal. Now I do love cities, especially Russian ones, but by Moscow I had started to daydream about a quiet walk in the fresh air. Luckily just a few hours outside ...
The Truth About Moscow
I've traveled to a lot of places I had barely heard of before going, often with no idea what to expect, but Moscow was not one of those places. Literature, history, films, current events - talk of Moscow is everywhere. Some people say it's the best city in Russia, others say it ...
Peace and Puppets in Kazan, Tatarstan
Kazan wasn't originally on our Trans-Siberian itinerary, but after so many Russians told us that we had to spend a few days in the beautiful city (especially if we were taking time to see forgettable Omsk) we penciled it in. Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan, and proudly ...