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Your Stories: Hays Travel homeworker Michelle Rodde reflects on her 26-year career

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The award-winning agent is adept at social media and helping others develop. She spoke to Andrew McQuarrie

Q. What was your first job in travel? A. I’ve been in travel for 26 years. I was 20 when I started and worked in Going Places in Leeds city at a busy shop. It was near Leeds University, so we had a lot of footfall from that end of town – from young people in groups – and we loved it. We got groups of 20 young people sitting in front of us on a Saturday with their £50 deposits in their hand. We were on the main street. To this day I still work very closely with the girl who sat next to me in that shop. She’s a PTC as well, so when she goes away, I cover her, and when I go away, she covers me.

It was near Leeds University, so we had a lot of footfall from that end of town – from young people in groups – and we loved it

Q. Who are your customers and what type of holidays are they booking? A. Most are Jet2holidays and easyJet package holidays, mostly to Turkey, the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. Most of my customers are from Yorkshire and they’re not bothered about the weather. Most go away in April or October – they just love cheap trips. And I get a lot of big families who are regular customers and who recommend me to other people. I’ve also got into cruise a lot, and those cruise customers also now book their package holidays. They come to me for gorgeous five-star holidays.

I set up the [Facebook] page in winter 2017, and it led to John Hays making me a little video to say how well I was doing

Q. How much of your business comes through social media? A. Probably 95%. Word of mouth is the other 5%, I’d say. I try to publish at least five posts a day on Facebook. I’ll publish engaging, humorous ones regularly, which can go like crazy. I’ve got 113,000 followers and around 71,000 likes. They’re all real people – they’re not paid likes. I set up the page in winter 2017, and it led to John Hays making me a little video to say how well I was doing and encouraging others to take the same approach.

Q. What are your hopes for 2024? A. I’m hoping sales will be 15% higher than last year’s January and February. Last year we did £576,000, so it would be £662,400 if we hit target. From January to the end of November last year, I was probably on about £5m in sales.

My daughter Libby Rodde really wanted to work in a shop as an apprentice, but she couldn’t because of the pandemic

Q. Can you tell us about helping others in travel? A. My daughter Libby Rodde [born in 2004] really wanted to work in a shop as an apprentice, but she couldn’t because of the pandemic. So she helped me out and I trained her up and Hays Travel did the academy course for her online. After she had done that training, she could sell while I helped at the same time. She’s done it for two or three years now, so doesn’t ask me much these days. She was a Travel Weekly Agent Achievement Award ‘Young Agent of the Year’ finalist in July 2023 . I’ve also helped agents by giving them my leads. Michael Hughes , Paul Cooper and Nicola Sutcliffe have all done really well.

You do have to put the hours in – you can’t just sit at your desk and think the bookings are going to come to you

Q. What advice would you give to agents who are new to the trade? A. Give it a go, but you can’t think it’s going to be easy. You do have to put the hours in – you can’t just sit at your desk and think the bookings are going to come to you. You have to be able to find your market. You can’t look at someone else and think they’re doing well so you’ll do the same as them. You need to find what you’re comfortable with and what would interest you to do every single day of the week.

Q. What social media tips would you give to agents wanting to develop their business? A. Post something every day. If it’s not a holiday, just post a meme – you can pick them up just from following travel pages. And always communicate quickly on Facebook messenger and be friendly. Don’t open a message at night and then reply in the morning, because it makes the customer feel as if they’re not good enough. If you’re not going to reply until the morning, don’t open it until then. And always reply to Facebook comments. A lot of my colleagues say they can’t reply to comments, but I always reply to comments – even if it’s just to say, ‘Please see post’.

Dame Irene Hays gave me the award and she was nearly crying – she had a lump in her throat

Q. Can you tell us about the awards you’ve won or been nominated for? A. I was a finalist in Travel Weekly’s Agent Achievement Awards 2022 in the ‘Agent of the Year’ category . And in March 2022, I won the Hays Travel ‘Outstanding Achievement’ award in Tenerife at the homeworking conference. I was awarded it because of my sales and I was helping a lot of people along the way. Dame Irene Hays gave me the award and she was nearly crying – she had a lump in her throat. She said, ‘Whenever we need help, we know who we can call’. Then in 2023, I got the bronze award in the ‘Best Homeworker’ category at the Jet2holidays conference.

Can you tell us how the double-glazing sector helped your travel career?

My family has got a double‑glazing business, set up by dad and now run by my brother. When I worked with my dad, I used to help organise all the overseas trips. We did overseas trips to reward the salespeople for their sales, and we stayed in five-star hotels. Once my dad’s company went bust, I thought I would try being a travel agent. My brother has set up the double-glazing business again and it’s really successful. After I got made redundant from Global Holidays, I did some telecanvassing for him to get the money to do my Hays Travel training, which was £350. When doing the telecanvassing for a few months, I thought, ‘Wow, I can still sell’. I started with Hays Travel in June 2016, working in the lead-supported section of the homeworking division. I did that for two years and since then I’ve been doing the ‘normal’ personal travel consultant homeworking.

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How can we tackle plastic pollution? By everybody working together

25 Apr 2024

The official message for Earth Day 2024 has been for a reduction in plastic pollution, with the target of decreasing production by 60% in the next 15 years. We know that plastic pollution poses a severe threat to our oceans and wildlife, so I welcome the opportunity around Earth Day to raise awareness. 

However, as a sustainability recruiter, I also recognise that education on this topic is vital, particularly given the green skills gap we’re seeing today. In this blog, I’ll be exploring this topic in more detail, and suggesting solutions that your organisation can easily implement. 

Why do we need to tackle plastic pollution?  

Plastic pollution is wreaking havoc on marine ecosystems, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 100,000 mammals every year due to ingestion or entanglement. Our throwaway culture and excessive plastic consumption are unsustainable. Annually, we churn out a staggering 430 million tons of plastic, a figure which is projected to triple by 2060 . 

A holistic approach to tackling this pollution is required, whereby we amend our habits to reduce our dependence on non-essential plastic products. By conducting a comprehensive life cycle assessment (that factors in product design, production, consumption, and waste management), we have the opportunity to curb plastic pollution by 80% by 2040 and create up to 700,000 additional jobs in the process. 

How can your organisation take action on plastic pollution?  

It’s clear there are multiple benefits to us cleaning up our act. The numbers listed above may seem overwhelming, but they are a target we have to reach for. Here’s how to make a difference: 

Influence individual behaviour regarding plastic pollution  

On a personal level, we can make a difference by reducing plastic waste in our day-to-day life. Ensuring that your organisation’s people follow suit is a great place to start. 

Furthermore, research shows that most workers, particular those of younger generations, are willing to act. In fact, Deloitte have found that half of Gen Z are pushing their employers to drive positive change regarding sustainability. Meanwhile, a 2023 study found that 93% of respondents felt happier when working in an environmentally friendly workplace. Think of reducing plastic pollution as part of your employee value proposition , boosting satisfaction while doing the right thing. 

With this in mind, reducing plastic consumption and waste is an easy win. For example, avoid unnecessary food packaging – this includes water bottles or disposable coffee cups – and provide opportunities to recycle when possible. If these items are currently available in the workplace, it’s time to consider alternatives that will still appeal to your workforce. 

Educate and inform through green skills and career development  

Driving real change on environmental challenges such as plastic pollution means educating the workforce. we must bridge the green skills gap. In their 2023 Global Green Skills Report , LinkedIn found that just one in eight workers possesses any form of green skills. 

The same report highlighted the growing demand for sustainability professionals. In a LinkedIn live event for Earth Day , my colleagues Kirsty Green-Mann and Travis O’Rourke made the point that the responsibility doesn’t lie with what we traditionally consider green workers. 

The solution for this requires collaboration across the organisation, from designers and marketeers to supply chain specialists and policy makers. Each of these roles would benefit from green skills, which in turn benefits the business. This starts with investing in education, training, and development programs. In doing so, we can equip the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to drive environmental change.

Final thoughts  

Failing to act on plastic pollution through the measures outlined above risks damaging your organisation in a number of ways. Sustainable practices are good for your brand and make it more attractive to investors , employees and customers. 

That’s why it’s imperative that we reflect on the urgency of tackling plastic pollution and other environmental issues. By reducing our reliance on plastic through individual actions and influencing others, we can make a difference. Similarly, closing the green skills gap is vital for driving progress. The key message to take away is that we must work together to promote change on a global and meaningful basis.

Interested in other blogs on sustainability? Read more:

• Why a reverse mentorship program empowers Gen Z to boost your business’s sustainability efforts
• Why supply chain management can impact your Net Zero journey

Timothy has thirteen years of APAC recruitment experience and over this time has managed diverse teams specialising in Sales & Marketing, Retail, Professional services, FMCG, B2B, Travel / Tourism, Ecommerce, Fin-tech, Construction, Property, Engineering and Manufacturing recruitment. Tim now leads the Hays Sustainably practice, which recruit mid to senior level roles within the Sustainability and ESG space across Asia.

His success has come from executive search assignments where he has successfully placed some of the region’s most influential sustainability leaders. As organisations map out ambitious sustainability targets, Timothy and his team are well geared up to identify great talent to assist companies accelerate towards these goals, through strategic talent acquisition.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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