An Eye on Russia

After reading Art Wild’s story I was terribly underwhelmed. His story spanned four pages and only in several paragraphs did he mention the Soviet Union’s most noteworthy and interesting asset: its citizens.

While Wild was fed propaganda on these tours, as he candidly concedes, I learned about the Soviet experience on my recent trip by meeting Soviet citizens in their zoos, cafes, bookstores, temples, parks and playgrounds.

My memories of the Soviets’ breathtaking monuments, vast museums and ornate subway are not nearly as vivid or endearing as the memories I cherish of the Soviets I met and the conversations we shared.

TODD PICCUS

Tarzana