First Journey Day 74: Borscht and Ballet

Date: November 6, 2023
Location: Moscow, Russia

A gray, rain-brushed day in Moscow, Russia, turned luminous with ballet and beet soup. November’s chill pressed close, but the city’s cultural heartbeat—anchored by the Bolshoi and warm kitchens—kept the cold at bay.

Rainlight Over Moscow

Today in Moscow was memorable despite the gray skies and rain.

At the Bolshoi Theatre

I did not let the weather bring me down and instead opted to explore the city's cultural scene. I attended a ballet performance at the Bolshoi Theatre. The theater was stunning, with graceful performers telling stories through their precise movements. It reminded me of Russia's rich cultural heritage and the necessity of preserving these art forms.

After the Curtain Falls

After the show, I walked slowly through the theater district, enjoying the buildings and the mood. The rain had lessened to a light sprinkle, and the streets shimmered under the streetlights. There's something enchanting about Moscow when it rains—it adds a touch of wonder and love to the city.

Borscht for Supper

Finally, I capped off my day with a satisfying Russian dinner at a nearby restaurant—steaming borscht, dark bread, and the easy warmth of conversation. The good food and friendly people made me feel like I was at home. I'm walking back to where I'm staying now, thinking about how beautiful this city is and all the great memories I've made. I can't wait to see more of what Moscow has to offer tomorrow.

Choosing Stillness Over Sketching

I kept the sketchbook closed tonight, letting the performance and the rain do the speaking. Some days the act is simply to witness.

A City in Sync with Rain

Moscow seems to glow when the weather turns inward—chandeliers inside, puddles outside, and between them a thread of music that follows you home.

Travel Notes

• Weather: Moderate rain, about 8 °C; cool air, slick cobblestones, streetlights ribboned across puddles.
• Scents: Beet and dill from borscht, wet stone, polished wood and velvet lingering from the theater.
• Sounds: Orchestra tuning, the hush of pointe shoes, applause like rain, and then the fine drizzle itself.
• Reflection: Art is a shelter—tonight it was enough to listen, to taste, and to let the city set the tempo.

Continue the Journey

You may also enjoy yesterday’s quiet reflections in St. Petersburg: First Journey Day 73: Samovar Silhouettes, or linger in Moscow again with First Journey Day 75: Guardian of the Gallery.