Caviar

I am back to reality now again..

Everybody is so curious about Russia, not that many people have visited the place before even though it is the largest country on earth. Moscow and St Petersburg are full of colors with a mix of golden hues and magnificent architecture, the view of Neva River with lines of baroque facades truly present some romantic moments, the old-fashioned street corners give no traces of modernization. Everybody asked me how's the food in Russia.... I know that culinary adventure is an integral part of exploring one country, but we really shouldn't expect much from this place where alcohol and potatoes are the main consumables.

One exception is the caviar, the deluxe food that's produced in limited quantity now. You can't find the beluga kind everywhere anymore, the local stores will only put out salmon caviar but hiding the beluga caviar behind the counter. There's no trick in choosing caviar, always go for the premium which guarantee a heavenly experience. The lower grade caviar has some fishy taste to it and oftentimes too salty and hence not good for your taste buds.

Back to HK, recreated what I had in Russia, a combination of caviar, crepe and champagne, a truly amazing and delightful combination which sends you to a Russian palace.

We also dined at the most famous restaurant in St. Petersburg called Old Custom House. This is not the authentic Russian cuisine but more like European fusion. Although not on the creative side but food is really good, and they surely know how to feed people since the portions are really substantial.

Cultural shock

Well, not too much like a cultural shock, but it indeed sent me from a paradise (just two weeks ago in hokkaido where seafood is in abundance) to a dry dull land (where alcohol is more enjoyable than food).

What I have experienced so far:
1) First time peeing in a pitch dark restroom, can you imagine a plane without a lighted restroom?!!
2) Confused with the language and couldn't remember a single word although it seems so much like english
3) Russians never say "please", I basically have to stare at them and guide them to say the "please" word. (No kidding, I did that to a male flight attendant).
4) Mixing vodka and champagne and still manage to survive...
5) Having the same thing everyday: potato salad, mixed vegetable soup, pan fried fish fillet, ice cream. I can't take potato anymore..
6) Zero entertainment. I don't see them doing anything except drinking all day long..
7) Nothing to shop. What they can produce are handcraft jewelry boxes, fabergé eggs, matryoshka dolls, fur hats, cavier (now in very limited quantity), etc.....really nothing consumable that I can bring back

I basically have expected that early on.., but the architecture and scenery are truly breath-taking. I LOVE the Russian baroque style, although not too much to my own taste, but it fits well into the peripheral scenery. The onion shape dome is the signature of their baroque style cathedrals, unlike the classical and gothic style, it comes in different decorations with variations of colors. It is definitely a place where one should visit before he/she dies..