View from hostel #1

In fact, in Aviamotornaya in east Moscow where Mike and Misha grew up, and where I stayed with their parents, they were tearing down one such building because it wasn't tall enough. All buildings six stories or less were being gradually replaced with bigger ones. (Aviamotornaya means the major industry in this neighborhood was at one time the making of airplane propellers.)

In this picture, you see how everything looks dull and bleak. The shops look closed even when they're open. Can you figure out why?

It's because there are no lights or neon signs like Western stores would have. Also, they keep the doors closed all day. The sign on the right says "REMONT OBUVI" (=repair of footwear). Next to it is an apotek (=pharmacy).

Moscow, Russia -- September 1995