Our flight touched down at Domodedovo Airport around 2am, some 42 kilometres south-southeast of Moscow's city centre in Russia.
Stepping out, we encountered a bone-chilling temperature of nearly minus 2 degrees Celsius, a stark contrast to the climate we are accustomed to in Bangladesh.
In short order, our guide, hosted by the Sputnik news agency of Russia and affiliated with the New Generation 2023 program for young reporters from over 10 countries across various continents, greeted us warmly.
This was the last week of October when we, three Bangladeshi reporters, set foot in Moscow for the first time. Our guide and drivers swiftly escorted us to a hotel near the city centre.
En route to the hotel, the midnight road was nearly deserted, with mild rain, marking Moscow's first October rainfall of the year, offering a welcoming embrace to this ancient city of 900 years.
Notably, despite the sparse traffic, the driver diligently adhered to every traffic signal—a departure from the norm in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
On subsequent days during our stay in Moscow, we consistently observed a commitment to traffic rules among drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
This collective adherence conveys a compelling message about Moscow's disciplined culture to newcomers.
Moscow, rich in cultural heritage, boasts numerous historic buildings that stand with unwavering gravity and cultural significance, preserving their essence even after centuries of construction.
Undoubtedly, one of Moscow's primary attractions is the Red Square, situated in the historic centre on the eastern walls of the Kremlin. Recognised as a city landmark, it features iconic structures like Saint Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the GUM, earning Unesco World Heritage Site status since 1990.
The Red Square left a lasting impression on me and my friend, Mone, who was also an invited journalist from Bangladesh.
During our three-day trip, we visited the square three times—during daylight, evening, and midnight hours—to witness its serene and colourful beauty and the charm of its surrounding areas.
A noteworthy incident occurred on the first day as we strolled along the Red Square's footpath.
Barek Kaiser, a Bangladeshi student pursuing his PhD in Moscow, shared that the footpath's bricks were as old as the square itself. When repairs were necessary, reconstructions were meticulously carried out using the same pattern and coloured bricks to preserve the historic place's authenticity.
This revelation prompted a sense of regret for the neglected state of Dhaka's old and historic buildings, many of which are around 400 years old.
Unlike Moscow, our authorities have not prioritised maintaining the originality of these landmarks, clearly highlighting a missed opportunity to safeguard our cultural heritage.
The underground metros and subways in Moscow are a noteworthy attraction, considering the entire city is interconnected by an extensive network of metro rails. Among the residents of Moscow, the metro system garners widespread popularity, operating frequently 24/7 with minimal ticket costs.
What sets the metro stations apart is their unique design and ambiance. Each station possesses its own distinctive features, maintaining a clean and well-decorated environment adorned with historical paintings and sculptures. Walking through multiple stations provides an educational experience, allowing anyone to delve into the rich history of Russia.
However, the language barrier poses a challenge to outsiders since all metro station directions and signboards are exclusively in Russian. The metro connections follow a circular design beneath the roads, and as the city expanded over the years, a second circular connectivity was strategically added beside the initial circle. This deliberate construction design showcases Moscow's meticulous urban planning.
In Bangladesh, where initiatives like metro rails, elevated motorways, and flyovers are underway for improved road connectivity, there is much to learn from Moscow. Traffic management and road connectivity in Moscow, particularly emphasising public transport, are undoubtedly a great source of knowledge for Bangladeshi experts.
Roads there regularly see a scarcity of buses and private cars as the majority of the population opts for the metro.
A Bangladeshi friend based in Moscow said that one has to pay a hefty fee of 400 Russian Rubles an hour for parking a car anywhere in the city, except in designated spaces. This strict policy greatly leaves people to rely on public transport, discouraging unnecessary private vehicle usage except in emergencies or for extravagant purposes.
During our trip, our schedule was accurately managed, adhering to the predetermined programs outlined by Sputnik. This itinerary encompassed classes, interactive seminars, meetings with Russian high officials, and a half-day excursion for sightseeing.
Late autumn in Moscow presented a picturesque scene with trees adorned in yellow and red leaves, complemented by clean roads and impressive statues, universities, and buildings. This environment brought to mind my boss' pre-trip comment, asserting that I would appreciate Moscow for its grandeur—a sentiment that resonated with me as I experienced the city's enormity.
Similar to the geographical location of Dhaka, Moscow is situated along a river, the Moskva.
The key lesson from Moscow lies in its effective approach to maintaining river cleanliness within the city—a valuable insight for us to consider.
We found the people of Moscow to be very strong in their work ethics, along with their industrious nature. There was a noticeable absence of idle time; instead, the residents devoted themselves to their endeavours, emphasising efficiency and productivity.
Before our journey to Moscow, we had heard much about Russian vodka, and unquestionably, its taste proved delightful and particularly suited for the late autumn and winter in Moscow. Surprisingly, the price was remarkably affordable, compared to that of a bottle of mineral water there.
Additionally, Russian breads served in local restaurants were not only delicious but also presented in various shapes and colours, adding to their appeal.
On our last day, as we headed to the airport for our flight back to Dhaka, we encountered a dreadful traffic jam in Moscow. Consequently, we had to abandon our bus in the middle of the city.
Opting for the underground metro and later taking a taxi, we managed to reach the airport promptly. Fortunately, we managed to witness this year’s first snowfall in Moscow during our journey to the airport.
As I wrap up, I would like to share a humorous anecdote: it is often said that three things are unpredictable in Moscow: weather, traffic, and women! While the unpredictability of traffic and women in Moscow is already similar to those in Dhaka, I must confess to the fact that the weather in the Russian capital indeed proved to be exceptionally unpredictable.
