Getting around on the Moscow metro, after being away for over a year, makes you realize yet again how different people are here. The heaviness of depression or anger in so many faces. No smiles, even on the younger faces. People seem down and life-beaten. Smell of alcohol from people at the most random times and places. It is interesting that the very center of Moscow on a work day at 1pm is not crowded, at all. Where are all the people, I wanted to say? Also, in a cafe across from Kremlin, where a cup of coffee is $7 they don't take any cards, no plastic at all.....In fact not too many places do take cards.
Insufficient salaries, low pensions and prices same or higher than those in NYC, people are finding it hard to make ends meet.
Going home in the evening on a 'stranger', as my English friends call the random car you flag down on the street and that takes you where you need to go, i asked my driver a question. 'Do you and many of your friends feel they live exactly how they deserve to live?' After a long pause he said 'No, but what can i do?' The same, very same 'what can i do' response. The response that will eventually destroy this country.
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