Nextination
  • Español
  • English
  • Home
  • About me
    • Contact
  • My World Map
  • CATEGORIES
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
        • Berlin
      • Greece
      • Helsinki
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Malta
      • Netherlands
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Sweeden
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
      • UK
    • América
      • Belize
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Emirates
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Uzbekistan
  • Shop
    • Print Shop
    • Presets
  • EspañolEspañol
  • EnglishEnglish
  • Español
  • English
  • Home
  • About me
    • Contact
  • My World Map
  • CATEGORIES
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Czech Republic
      • Denmark
      • Estonia
      • Finland
      • France
      • Germany
        • Berlin
      • Greece
      • Helsinki
      • Italy
      • Latvia
      • Malta
      • Netherlands
      • Russia
      • Spain
      • Sweeden
      • Turkey
        • Istanbul
      • UK
    • América
      • Belize
      • Honduras
      • Mexico
      • United States
    • Asia
      • Cambodia
      • China
      • Emirates
      • Indonesia
      • Malaysia
      • Philippines
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
      • Uzbekistan
  • Shop
    • Print Shop
    • Presets
  • Subscribe
  • 0 Cart
    No products in the cart
Nextination

Inspiration for Traveling

Nextination

Inspiration for Traveling

EuropeRussia

From Moscow with lots of love

By Esther 7 m read
MOSCOW

Hi Nextinationer,

This post is more personal than travel related, but I also like for you to know a little bit of my life behind the blog.

If you have been following me for a while, you already know that I have been living in Moscow since the last five years. Oh God! 5 years! I can’t believe time goes by so fast.

If in October 2014, when we moved to Moscow, I had been told that I would spend the next five years here, I would not have believed it. Once we signed the contract, we set ourselves to spend here three or four years top. However, one of the things that has also influenced us to stay that long, is that, Moscow is such an amazing city to live.

Yes, I am not crazy. I say it from the bottom of my heart.

MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW

 

One of the curious anecdotes that I have is that, every time I´m going on a press trip with other travel bloggers and they ask me “Where are you from?” and I say that I am Spanish but I live in Moscow, at first, they don’t believe me or they look at me with a weird face and they ask me “Moscow, in Russia? Really?

Nowadays,  I do not know if, as in the case of St. Petersburg that there is one in Florida, United States, there is another Moscow, outside of Russia. I think it is not the case. And the next thing they ask me, especially the Americans, is “And why?” “Do you like it?” As if living here was horrible.

The most curious thing is that those who ask me this are travelers, who are supposed to be open minded persons.

Obviously, this people have never been in Moscow, because they don’t know what it is like to live here or how the city looks like.

Eight places you can not miss in Moscow

Moscow, since the day I arrived, has been a surprise in the best sense of the word. A city that I’ve loved to discover in every way and that has left me speechless in many occasions.

In this post I will not talk about political issues but what it has meant for me to live here as an expatriate.

I remember that one day in October 2014, with below zero degrees, I took the metro in Moscow by myself with the intention of visiting the Red Square.

I must say that a month before I came, I was studying Russian, especially the Cyrillic alphabet that Russian use, in order to be able to move around by myself.

Today, five years later and thanks in part to the fact that the World Cup was held in Russia in the summer of 2018 and that it had millions of visitors, they put the subway names also written in our alphabet so that people could manage to move around easily. But this was not the case five years ago.

I remember, I was amazed by this “underground museum” full of marble, gold and sculptures. I remember getting off the subway and going out to the Red Square and be amazed again in this city for the second time in less than 15 minutes.

Then I visited the GUM Stores, a luxury shopping mall located in the Red Square. More than to buy, to try to get warm in one of its cafes. I remember going to the Armani Café, that nowadays is closed, and again, having run out of words with all the luxury that you can see there.

Amazing decorations, beautiful cafes and restaurants with delicious desserts and sweets. And oh! the coffee! I have no words to tell you the quality and taste of the coffee here. One of the things I will miss the most. Also, they have thousand types of teas and infusions and also lots of different kinds of juices, many of them fresh: apple, carrot, grapefruit, cranberries …

The food has also been a great surprise but not only Russian food. Once here, I had the possibility to try Ukrainian food, Uzbek food from Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan food and above all, my favourite, the Georgian food with its” khachapuri “among its many other delicacies.

MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW

Why am I telling you this?

Because today, five years after moving to Moscow, it’s time to say goodbye to this incredible city with tears in my eyes.

Moscow will always be one of my best memories. I arrived with the hope of being bilingual in Russian – haha, I know that I set very high goals-, but hey, although I am not bilingual today, I am able to have more than one conversation in Russian, something indispensable to communicate in a city where no other language is spoken.

Moscow will always be that place where I lived my first year after getting married. Our first year of marriage was accompanied by personal growth in many ways because we lived many new experiences here: managing ourselves in another language, not dying of cold, taking at the beginning one thousand layers and not understanding how the Russians could wear a simply jeans and sneakers or dresses and heels and to be able to walk in the snow.

10 apps if you plan to travel to Moscow

I learned to dress according to the temperatures and it turns out that here, I wear less layers than when I visit other places in the world in the wintertime. I understood why when I arrived to Moscow, they told me that Russians have at least 10 different coats and it turned out that today, I even have more, as well as many gloves, hats and scarves.

I learned not to fall while walking on a pile of snow and ice, to walk without fear of falling a snow plate from those stored on the rooftops. I learned to dress at home with summer clothes so as not to die of heat in winter and to put on my clothes only when we were about to leave home.

I learned to do ice skating and do it in a natural pond just 5 minutes walking from home. I learned that children in winter go to school on sleds and in short, I learned to really enjoy the 6 months of winter we have here.

I learned that crepes are not only French, because the “blinis” Russians eat here are the same. I learned that the Russian salad is real and not only a Spanish invention, only that, in Moscow it is called Olivier, by the French chef who created it and that instead of canned tuna it carries chicken pieces.

I learned that dim sum is more Russian than I thought because Russian “khinhali” are almost the same. I learned that I don’t know if Italian ravioli come from Russia or Russian “pelmeni” come from Italy. I learned to eat soup almost every day as well as herring and dill very often.

MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW

I learned that Russians and Spaniards have a lot in common. Russians love to spend many hours in the street, even though it is freezing cold, that they love to eat and dine late. But, above all, I learned that despite the cold and the language, life here is very easy.

That to take a taxi you don’t need to know Russian, but to use an app, and that, hopefully, it only takes 30 minutes to get from one place to another in Moscow. That restaurants, pharmacies and supermarkets never close. They open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What to do in Moscow with kids

Moscow will always be that special city where my daughter was born 3 and a half years ago. The city where she has learned to speak not only Spanish but also Russian and English.

I learned how easy it is here to live with children, that many taxis have baby seats, that restaurants and cafes have entertainment areas for children, that they have kids menu everywhere and that if you go to a restaurant with a child, They will give you the best table and paper and crayons for them to paint. Also, there are thousands of places and shows for babies and toddlers.

I learned that, despite the cultural differences and what may seem at first glance, the Russians are educated and that if you get to know them and they get to know you, they will be your friends for life.

MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW
MOSCOW

Now, a new stage begins for us. We have returned to Madrid, but we have not returned as before. A thousand things have changed us and we also did return as a family. It will be a totally different experience than what we have now but not for that reason, it will be worse.

We started this stage, although very sad to leave, with the hope of knowing what Madrid will bring us. Looking forward to discovering it. I will tell you all my adventures, starting next month from there.

Thank you very much for always accompanying me on my trips, virtually and for reading me every day!

If you have any questions or questions, you can send me an email or write it in comments.

If you want to see more pictures of my travels, since here I only put a few, do not hesitate to follow me in my Instagram clicking here. and subscribe to the blog here:

Thank you so much for reading me.

If you liked the post Pin it! 

From Moscow with lots of love

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • More
  • Email
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • WhatsApp
signature

Share this article

0
Esther
I believe in pursuing your dreams, in doing what you love every moment of every day, and in inspiring others to do the same. Because life is what you're living, so make the best of it!
  • previously

    previously

    11 curiosities of Bologna you should know before going
  • up next

    up next

    2019 recap and resolutions for this 2020

Post navigation

Previous PostPrevious 11 curiosities of Bologna you should know before going
Next PostNext 2019 recap and resolutions for this 2020
You Might Also Like
2019 recap and resolutions for this 2020
Route around Tuscany in 5 days
The Madison Hotel, the best choice in Hamburg
Discover the wonderful island of Crete in Greece
10 Basic Apps if you plan to travel to Moscow
Discover the amazing city of Hamburg in 48 hours

What do you think? Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

No Comments Yet.

Language

  • EspañolEspañol
  • EnglishEnglish

ABOUT ME

I believe in pursuing your dreams, in doing what you love every moment of every day, and in inspiring others to do the same. Because life is what you're living, so make the best of it!

Saber más

Exclusivo para suscriptores

“Suscríbete a mi Newsletter y tendrás acceso a contenido premium, mapas personalizados, sorteos en destinos increíbles alrededor del Mundo, y mucho más.”

“Subscribe now to my Newsletter and you will have access to premium content, maps, giveaways in incredible destinations around the World, and much more”

Recent News Slideshow

AsiaIndonesia

 Nextination has moved to Jakarta, Indonesia.

EuropeSpain

Mallorca Travel guide: Discover the East part of the island

AsiaUzbekistan

 What to see in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan

My Instagram Feed

My favourite aspect of travelling is the feeling y My favourite aspect of travelling is the feeling you get when you're in a new place, far from home. 
Arriving in a place that you have never been before. 
Creating memories. 
Falling in love with a foreign culture.
Tasting food you have never tried before. 
Learning, and unlearning. 
Feeling excited to be out of your comfort zone. 

What about you? What is the best part of travelling?

📍 H10 Ocean Suites hotel in Fuerteventura. The best place to feel yourself at home when you’re not. 

👗 @shein_spain  ID 10870523. You can a 15% off with my code NEXTI15ES

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #travelphotography #travelawesome #instatravel #h10hotels #wearetravelgirls #explorespain #spaintravel #visitspain #travelgram #traveler #sheinsforall #shein #ad #sheisnotlost
Sicasumbre astronomical viewpoint is the first on Sicasumbre astronomical viewpoint is the first on the island of Fuerteventura.
It is an ideal place both for observation and knowledge of the sky, as well as for enjoying the wonderful landscapes that it offers us. 
From here you can see a landscape of enormous beauty towards the Cardón Mountain Natural Monument, the Jandía Natural Park and towards the Hendida Mountain. 

You can not miss this place in Fuerteventura. Truly magical. I felt in another World! 

👉🏻 Wearing dress from @shein_spain  ID 10780545
Don’t forget that you have a 15% off with my code NEXTI15ES

🇪🇸 El mirador astronómico de Sicasumbre fue el primero de la isla de Fuerteventura.
Es un lugar ideal tanto para la observación y conocimiento del cielo, como para disfrutar de los maravillosos paisajes que nos ofrece.
Desde aquí se divisa un paisaje de enorme belleza hacia el Monumento Natural Monte Cardón, el Parque Natural de Jandía y hacia el Monte Hendida.

No te puedes perder este lugar en Fuerteventura.  Verdaderamente mágico. ¡Me sentí en otro mundo!

 👉🏻 Llevo vestido de @shein_spain ID 10780545
 No olvides que tienes un 15% de descuento con mi código NEXTI15ES

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #volcano #nature #travel #travelphotography #travelawesome #instatravel #damestravel #sheisnotlost #wearetravelgirls #girlsborntotravel #femmetravel #girlsaroundtheworld
If you are looking for a really nice family hotel If you are looking for a really nice family hotel in Fuerteventura, H10 Ocean Suites could be the best option for you. Located very close to the Sandy beaches of Corralejo and the sand dunes of Corralejo Natural Park this hotel has so much to offer: beautiful gardens, large pools, a tennis court and a varied program of entertainment for your family. 

Would you like to visit Fuerteventura soon? 

🇪🇸Si buscas un bonito y completo hotel familiar en Fuerteventura, H10 Ocean Suites podría ser la mejor opción para ti.  Ubicado muy cerca de las playas de arena de Corralejo y de las dunas de arena del Parque Natural de Corralejo, este hotel cuenta con hermosos jardines, grandes piscinas, una cancha de tenis y un variado programa de entretenimiento para tu familia.

 ¿Te gustaría visitar Fuerteventura pronto?

#wearetravelgirls #explorespain #spainpassion #spain #dametraveler #femmetravel #travelinladies #traveltheworld #visitspain #culturetrip #fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain🇪🇸 #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #reels #reelsviral  #nature #travelphotography #travelawesome #h10hotels
The Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes was declar The Natural Park of the Corralejo Dunes was declared a protected area in 1994 and is an almost hypnotic landscape that the island of Fuerteventura is fortunate to have.

This is also a volcanic island, so while in the centre we find a volcanic terrain of red and ocher tones, on the north side we will find a diametrically opposite landscape, with this field of clear dunes, the largest of all the Canary Islands.

Did you know about this beautiful place? Have you been to Fuerteventura? Let me know in comments. 

Wearing a dress by @sheinofficial @shein_spain  ID: 10471934. You have a 15% off with my code: NEXTI15ES

🇪🇸 El Parque Natural de las Dunas de Corralejo fue declarado espacio protegido en 1994 y es un paisaje casi hipnótico con el que la isla de Fuerteventura tiene la suerte de contar.

Fuerteventura también es una isla volcánica, por lo que mientras en el centro encontramos terreno volcánico de tonos rojos y ocres, en el lado norte encontraremos un paisaje diametralmente opuesto, con estas dunas, las mas grandes de las Islas Canarias.

 ¿Conocías este hermoso lugar? ¿Has estado en Fuerteventura?  Déjame saber en los comentarios.

Llevo vestido de @sheinofficial @shein_spain ID: 10471934. Tienes un 15% de descuento con mi código: NEXTI15ES

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #reels #reelsviral #volcano #nature #travel #travelphotography #travelawesome 
#wearetravelgirls #explorespain #dametraveler #femmetravel #travelinladies 
#travelreels
Bird view of beautiful Fuerteventura in Canary Isl Bird view of beautiful Fuerteventura in Canary Islands 🇪🇸 

#fuerteventura #fuerteventura_welove #fuerteventuraexperience #fuerteventuraisland #fuerteventura🌴 #fuerteventuralovers #fuerteventuravibes #canaryislands #islascanarias #spain #spain🇪🇸 #drone #dronephotography #dronelife #dronevideo #reels #reelsviral #volcano #nature #travel #travelphotography #travelawesome #instatravel
P O R T O 💙 Such a nice memories here! #portu P O R T O 💙
Such a nice memories here! 

#portugal #portugaltravel #visitportugal  #amar_portugal #travel #travelphotography #travelgram #traveling #travelawesome #porto #amar_porto #wearetravelgirls #girlsgoneglobal #dametraveler #femmetravel #travelinladies #travelblogger #traveltheworld #iamtb #welivetoexplore #culturetrip #traveltips
#wow_destinations  #travelreels #reels
Load More... Follow on Instagram
Nextination

Inspiration for Traveling

Copyrights © 2018 Esther García Sagrado. Todos los derechos reservados | Aviso Legal |Política de privacidad |