There's an interesting article in this morning's San Jose Merc about the "world's most expensive city," and it lists Moscow as number 1 - overtaking Tokyo.
The economic growth from just six years ago is amazing at best, and admirable at most. It would seem that their 10.5 percent inflation rate would harm any economy, but seeing the progress made by the Russians in such a short period of time is miraculous.
I wish them well.
This was close to midnight on our last night of crusing towards St Petersburg. It was just an amazing sight to behold.
cicerone imposter wrote:There's an interesting article in this morning's San Jose Merc about the "world's most expensive city," and it lists Moscow as number 1 - overtaking Tokyo.
The economic growth from just six years ago is amazing at best, and admirable at most. It would seem that their 10.5 percent inflation rate would harm any economy, but seeing the progress made by the Russians in such a short period of time is miraculous.
I wish them well.
From a related article in today's The Guardian:
Quote:
Land grab
· According to the 10th World Wealth report published this week, Russia is one of four countries in the world with the fastest growth of "high net-worth individuals" in 2005. It has 103,000 millionaires.
· In ten years the area of new housing being built in Moscow every year has risen 60%. The average price per square metre of residential land is £1,800, 40% more than Berlin.
· Moscow has 33 dollar billionaires, more than New York or London. The only billionaire woman is Yelena Baturina, a construction company boss whose husband is the city's mayor.
· Russia's 100 richest people have a combined wealth equal to one quarter of its GDP.
· House prices in Moscow have approximately doubled in the last six months. An Izvestia investigation this month found at least 10% of the price of every new apartment went to corrupt officials.
source:
Row of wooden shacks becomes a symbol of Moscow's battle with its own people
A market on Nevsky Prospekt in St Petersburg. I purchased two bars of chocolate candy here.
One of 18 locks we passed through.
My stateroom was the one with the partially opened window - third on starboard.
Beautiful pictures. Thank you for posting them.
Virago
Virago, You're welcome; my pleasure.
You are making a masterpiece of the artwork. Very beautiful.
satt_fs, If you send me your mailing address by PM, I'll send you a 8.5"X11" hard copy. c.i.
cicerone imposter wrote:satt_fs, If you send me your mailing address by PM, I'll send you a 8.5"X11" hard copy. c.i.
Thank you, ci.
I have already printed it out..:wink:
That was a nice picture journey, thanks cicerone.
I especially liked Catherine's Palace, just beautiful.
Great tour, c.i.
I'm envious that you've been to the Amber Room.
Oh sigh. St. Petersburg. I need to get there. ALways wanted to go.
Awesome tour, c.i. Thanks!
I'm just happy to hear you have enjoyed it.
I think most people have an opinion about Russia that is probably a few decades old, and don't realize how much Russia has to offer the visitor.
I'm really grateful to SerSo and his wife for meeting me at the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, and to SerSo for spending the day with me, because that enriched my visit to their country.
I hope to return the favor some day.
This is an example of the onboard entertainment.
click here for film
