MOSCOW

Russia is a country that I had never thought of having business with or visiting at all before. From what I heard since I was a child that Russia is like the opposite polar of the giant consumerism country. My imagination could not escape the norms of aging cityscape, overpopulation, strict law enforcement and society under pressure of military and war. And when I further found out more that Moscow is the most expensive city in the world at the moment, I was even more curious to explore the development and regime.

The first thing I noticed was that there were minimal comprehensive signs. Advertisement, vending machines and even the menu at the airport café was written in Russian only. A stroll down the Tourist Street and only Russian words were visible. A simple process of buying a bottle of water turned in to a sweaty exercise and scribbling session.

Dinner time demonstrates why Moscow is the most expensive city. Prices in the menu are unimaginably high and the beer is ridiculously cheap. Fruit juice costs more than beer; which is unusual for me. And cigarettes are relatively very cheap. Bad influences are easily accessible.

I think that a country that undergoes a long restraint of war is like a mind with lack of sleep. Even the body functions day by day, the invisible deficiency can be sensed deeply inside.