Moscow Metro System

Today I shall write about the wonderful metro system here in Moscow.  This really is a great system.  I have attached a map of it for you to see how easy it is.  Now don't let the language and names confuse you.  David took us on it the first time and since then Luci mastered it.  She could get us around on it with no problem.  The whole system connects so if you are on one color but need to be on another simply ride to the connecting spot.  The metro is very inexpensive so it is a great way to travel. 

Now of course there is a catch.  I think I might have mentioned once that Moscow is not wheelchair or stroller friendly.  It is a bit more stroller friendly than wheelchair.  In some parts of the city they built ramps to get to the metro system other parts they added steel bars (that may or may not fit the wheels) on top of the stairs.  These bars are extremely steep.  So it is tough.  Now they might but a ramp on one set of stairs but the next set of stairs your on your own.  No rhyme or reason to it.  Some metro stations have a wide enough pass through for a wheelchair/stroller some don't but once you get through you have this steep escalator.   You have to go down a very steep escalator to get down to the trains.  The first time I rode them I had a bit of vertigo.  Sheri mentioned she had a similar problem after having her children.  So I wonder if this is common for all moms with babies.  I had to fold up the stroller to get down it.  So thankfully people are with me.  There was always one holding the stroller and one holding sweet baby Owen.  And then someone to help carry the stroller up the stairs with Owen in it.  So obviously this does not work if I am by myself.  I will have to rethink how to travel the metro.  Maybe when my front pack comes in on the ship or even a small umbrella stroller would work.  

Now the southern gentleman is long lost here.  People rush onto the train; don't let you sit; and push you out of the way to get off.  Luci was standing and this guy sitting next to her kept elbowing her for being near him (mind you this is a packed metro car.)  Luci stood her ground.  The guy gave her a dirty look when he left but she held her stare to let him know it was not okay.  Go Luci!  

We did ride the light blue metro one day (this is the day that Sheri was sick) and we had someone offer to help carry the stroller; give us directions, and offer us a seat.  We were a bit shocked.  Of course the person offering directions didn't help much because she was speaking in Russian.  But the thought counts.  

So that is the metro.  I do enjoy and will have to figure out a way to travel on it.  A bonus is that Owen always falls asleep on it.  The movement and the noise is soothing to him.