Truly Julie in Moscow where Hershey’s Kiss-esque domes sweeten the skyline.
I recently visited Moscow for 48 hours. I know…so hardcore and crazy. But so is Russia! Luckily, I was able to cover a lot of ground in that short time (including a trip to the countryside to experience a swanky lake beach club) thanks to my friend Alexei who’s a Muscovite. During the day, I marveled at the buildings in Red Square. My predictable favorite is the Saint Basil’s Cathedral (pictured above). Such a beautiful church…with a chilling history. Story goes…the architects had their eyes gouged out 
after finishing the church in the mid 1500′s. Ivan the Terrible wanted to make sure that they never re-create it. I was also beguiled by Cathedral of Christ the Savior (pictured right). This cathedral was demolished during the Soviet years and rebuilt during the 90′s. During the night, I gawked at the flashy Moscow club scene like a 
teenager who snuck into a college party. I didn’t hit up any of the up-and-coming “hipster” bars (many of them in the cool Chocolate Factory District) as Alexei said with a cringe, “those people wear Tshirts and shorts at night.” We jumped around to a few clubs and spent the most time at the very posh rooftop lounge called Soho Rooms. Few trends I noticed: live cover bands are popular, if you’re a woman…you can wear anything from a red carpet worthy gown to the hoochiest skirt (saw both and everything in between at Soho Rooms)…Botox and lip-fillers are alive and well in Moscow…and the wealthier and more 
“oligarch” you are, the prettier the girls are at your table. Oh…and one vital tip: don’t order a martini in Moscow. Their definition of a martini is a pre-mixed, syrupy
concoction that makes a vodka shot seem much more appealing. I think overall, my biggest fascination with Moscow is the juxtaposition of the old and new Russia. The effects of privatization is 
anything but private. From fashion to food to behavior…the wealth that has poured into certain sectors is quite visible. However…like a shadow behind a tall, soaring building…Russia’s communist past is still very much there. You see it in people’s faces. And to me…that was more colorful and mind-bending than any spiral onion dome.
