Memories of Marxist Moscow - A Collage - Part 4
January 8th 2007 01:45
The bread cues in Moscow were real, I saw them with my own eyes, set against the backdrop of a colourless grey city, where a lack of advertising is, at first, unsettling. Starving masses living in a city where not a single neon placard is hoisted upward to glorify the almighty bottom line of profit and consumerism.
I can recall one exciting exception, however, in the centre of the city, near the newly created proto-type, ‘Western Tourist Co-op.’ There, a small familiar, red, white and blue sticker stood out from the grey malaise, defiantly declaring its product. Of course, it took a while to make out what it was selling, as the word was written in Russian. To an eye trained to English letters, it looked remarkably like the English word ‘STENCH.’ However, on closer scrutiny [amidst the tell-tail red, white and blue], I realised in a blinding flash, it was ‘PEPSI’ written in Russian.
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As the old military bus makes its way through the city, I notice that all the trees are bare because it is winter. With the exception of the vehicles themselves there isn’t a single bright colour to break the sombre monotony of earthy, clay-brown and grey. It is an old city; the buildings are typically Eastern European in design, with trolley buses and trams running from low-hanging overhead powerlines.
In comparison to the newness of Australia, the concrete seems dusty and grey here, like it has recently been covered with a layer of volcanic ash. The people look threadbare and down-trodden; there is a stillness and strength to them, as foreign and palpable as their depression.
Crossing the Volga
What looks at first like some promising splashes of advertising colour off in the distance, soon reveals itself to be just another group of citizens huddled in long food cues, pouring forth from shop-front doorways like human streamers. Each individual appearing as a ‘bauble,’ waiting for hours to secure a single loaf of bread for starving loved ones - who freeze at home without oil for heating. It is plainly obvious that Marxist Communism has run its course here as a workable paradigm.
A sad, sober energy permeates the tin shielding of the bus, silencing its occupants. There is no sound other than the heavy Slavic accent of a hastily appointed tour guide, accompanied by the occasional crunched gear and a random percussion of clicking cameras.
Red Square, flanked by KGB HQ
The grey has taken me over too and the lack of colour is cleansing my mind in a way that is unforgettable. Red Square appears with its earthy pie-bald spiral towers and behind it, finally, the world famous Kremlin with its gold topped domes. Again, I am reminded of Indian and Islamic architecture - yet Russian to the heart – a collage of clashing civilizations and ideologies.
The Kremlin
My camera jams again, signalling the end of a second roll of 36-shot film.
to be continued.../Final/
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Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
This is exceptionally fine work, graphic and sensuously pleasing contrasting completely with the sheer force of the dull grey and the anachronistic administration of Russia.
When can I borrow a bob or two? Your freeloading friend,
katyzzz
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
thank you for the very interesting, abstract words of appreciation for the colours and texture ... I also found it mesmerising.
...
ha! ...when I have some to lend... *whoop*
...tell you what, when it's published, that meal will be on me.. that's a promise...
Cheers
Lilla...
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Loving it - make sure you hurry it off to the Publishers so we can read all of it
Reminds me of similar scenes that I have witnessed in Africa - your description of the people fits them too
@ >>--------- ' -----------
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
*lol*
*reflecting* ..such a sombre, sad place back then... I bet it's different now?
I will go back there after my children take off, the book is written and I am free again to travel the globe to explore all the nooks and crannies I can find... can you imagine the changes I will witness over the 20 years I wouldve been away.
My God, just between visits to Europe and India, USA and Hong Kong I have seen so much change within 10 years ...
Thanks for your kind words, travelling sista...
It is a magic carpet ride to revisit it...
L
Comment by Marisa
New Spirit New Energy
I have given you a plug!
http://www.newspiritnewenergy.com/special-travel-moments/
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
... what can I say? Thank you.
I am thrilled, not only for the plug (appreciate your kindness), but becuase I inspired you to write more ... true magic! I hope you post some of your words and I get to read them. I think you write really well too, btw.
thanks again,
love, light and laughter,
Lilla
ps >>>whooshing over there now >>>