Money Money Money

Moscow, Russia - New Russia is awash in money. Sports cars, designer clothes, high end shopping malls, gourmet grocery stores. There seems to be a sense that the more it costs, the better it is. As a result, everything is overpriced (and the sad state of the US dollar does not help matters much).

As one of my co-authors commented "I am flying through money over here, and I don't even have a toilet in my room." That missive is from the Far East, so you can imagine how it's going in the most expensive city in the world.

I too am burning through my budget. The main problem is that I am trying to eat out two meals a day, the better to sample more restaurants. But that goal is in direct competition with my goal to spend $50 a day on food. When I say $50 a day, it seems very generous, but I am struggling!

What I don't understand is how ordinary people are surviving in this overpriced city. Although Russia has a small population of unbelievably wealthy residents, most people are decidedly middle class. Yet restaurants are packed, as are shopping malls, movie theaters and beauty salons. Economists warn about inflation, but to the average observer, there is no sign that the spending is slowing down. Here are some of my favorite examples:

There is a new Starbucks on the Arbat, and apparently it is the most expensive in the world. Go ahead, complain about  coffee-driven gentrification and overpriced real estate in the US. But Muscovites don't flinch at paying 200 rubles for a capuccino, even at the local chains. At today's exchange rate, that's more than $8. 

The new fancy "European Shopping Center" near Kiev Station is apparently the largest urban shopping center in the world. It contains an indoor skating rink, indoor parking, fitness club, movie theater and a slew of restaurants and designer stores. Including the capital's first luxury pet store and spa. Cats & Dogs features carrying cases and full pet wardrobes by all your favorite deisgners, as well as beauty services like grooming, manicure and massage. Business is decidedly brisk.

The Gallery of Russian Ice Sculpture recently opened in Krasnaya Presnya park. While the art of ice sculpture has a long history in Russia, it is usually exhibited outside. In winter. This gallery is a year-round, indoor exhibit, which changes every six months for your viewing pleasure. Nice way to cool off when summer in the city is getting you down!