185:Old Arbat

I guess the old Arbat can be compared with La Rambla in Barcelona in terms of somewhere to promenade* when you have nothing better to do. It is popular with both tourists and locals.
I found myself with some free time yesterday afternoon and, having heard that Wendy's (the famous American burger chain) had arrived in town and set up shop on old Arbat, decided it was time for a stroll and to sample the burgers on offer in Wendy's. Here are some of the things I saw as I wandered aimlessly along the street:
A street concert, one of many throughout Moscow laid on by the City authorities. I found the sight of the bride and groom a little sad as they didn't seem to have any friends with them. (Billy and Betty no-mates?)

Here it is - the first Wendy's to open in Moscow. Prepare for an invasion. In terms of market placement I would suggest it is a little up-market from McDonalds but not as much as TGI Fridays.

This charabanc offers free transport to the Museum of Erotica on new Arbat. There was also a Museum of Torture on old Arbat. Whatever floats your boat. Needless to say, I didn't visit either of these salubrious (?) venues.

Bring on the dancing girls!

Well well, Moscow is becoming a tourist attraction. This city sightseeing bus has been a well-known sight around town in quite a few cities in Europe. It has finally arrived in Moscow. A few teething problems which I'm sure will be ironed out in very short order. For example yesterday there were quite a few roads closed off for the city's birthday so the bus had a different route from normal. After it had been going a few minutes they came around with headphones. The commentary was in English or Russian but didn't always match up with where we were and often had us looking on the wrong side of the road. Still, as the bus was half price yesterday (Rs 300 instead of 600), one can't really complain.
*to promenade: to take a leisurely public walk, ride, or drive so as to meet or be seen by others:they promenaded along the waterfront