By now I was quite used to the hustle and bustle of a train station in Russia. When they scanned your bags in and out of the station; just be super careful and follow the crowd. The big station can be hugely crowded but clean and well decorated. We needed to manage our luggage well as the platform could be far and you need to climb the stairs to reach there. The train itself is a few steps above the ground so a bit challenging for an old person to get onto the train; with or without the luggage. But you persevered and pulled all the energy and strength that you had ,to continue the journey.
This train is old but functioned well. The facilities looked old but can do the job well. The toilet , for example ,used simple technology but served the purpose well. It has no pump/cistern ; you stepped on a little paddle on the floor , the bowl open wide as you shit and the poo discharged away. A little spray of water sprinkled down whatever left on the sides. No mess no smell. At the sink, you need to push a little metal for the tap to function. A mechanical version of hand detection technology. A brilliant execution of practical engineering. And a few other technologies that were designed to function specifically on a train. If you put a glass of water on the table inside the cabin; it would not easily spill over or slide down . The glass stays as much as it possibly could on the table. It shakes and jerks a little but wouldn’t spill despite rigorous movement of the train. A superb application of hydraulic engineering.
Those are local technologies from the brilliant minds of local engineers. Russia never imported technologies; they are known with their own unique technology. Yesterday,I stopped by Boris Yeltsin Business Center for a toilet break and passed by a bookstore. Out of curiosity, I went in to check out what they had. The big bookstore was fully stocked by Russian books and not a single one in a foreign language. and the store was full with people young and old. Do we have such a scenario in Malaysia? Nope. not because we don’t have books in Malay to stock up the store but we don’t have readers or customers to keep the store open and keep the business running.MPH in Shah Alam was closed down so did many other bookstores in KL. Our people don’t read that much and being on digital platforms should not be an excuse to refuse physical books. They vibe differently.
The point is when a society values knowledge well , it grows into a well informed people that breeds intelligent generations and intellectual future society. From this trip so far, I see Russian people as a complex society with a strong will to survive and determination to create a better life for themselves. The war, revolution and brutal events were the package that came with their transformation.
Our stop was an hour away but we’re already packed up and ready to go. Opps the case of miscalculated the time zone. But not to worry better be ahead rather than behind.
What to expect in Kazan ………
Kazan is one of Russia’s most vibrant and culturally rich cities, blending Tatar and Russian influences. As the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan, it offers a unique mix of history, religion, modernity, and hospitality. Here’s what to expect when visiting:
1. Rich History & Culture
- Kazan Kremlin (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – A stunning fortress complex housing:
- Kul Sharif Mosque (one of Russia’s largest and most beautiful mosques).
- Annunciation Cathedral (a historic Russian Orthodox church).
- Bauman Street – A lively pedestrian street with shops, cafés, and street performers.
- Old Tatar Quarter – Explore colorful wooden houses and traditional Tatar culture.
2. Religious Harmony
Kazan is known for its peaceful coexistence of Islam and Orthodox Christianity. You’ll see mosques and churches side by side, reflecting the city’s multicultural identity.
3. Delicious Tatar Cuisine
Don’t miss:
- Echpochmak (savory meat-filled pastry).
- Chak-Chak (honey-coated dessert).
- Kazylyk (Tatar horse meat sausage).
- Tea with milk (a Tatar tradition).
4. Modern Attractions
- Kazan Arena – A futuristic stadium that hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
- Riviera Aquapark – A popular indoor water park.
- Temple of All Religions – A unique architectural blend of different faiths.
5. Nature & Relaxation
- Kaban Lake – A scenic spot in the city center.
- Gorky Park – Great for walks and outdoor activities.
- Volga & Kazanka Rivers – Boat tours offer beautiful city views.
6. Festivals & Events
- Sabantuy (Summer Tatar festival with games, music, and wrestling).
- Kazan International Muslim Film Festival.
- Winter celebrations with ice sculptures and markets.
7. Welcoming Atmosphere
Kazan is known for being tourist-friendly, with many English-speaking locals, affordable prices, and excellent public transport (metro, buses, trams).
Best Time to Visit
- Summer (June-August) – Warm weather, festivals, and outdoor fun.
- Winter (December-February) – Snowy charm and holiday decorations.
Kazan is a must-visit for those seeking a mix of European and Asian influences, stunning architecture, and a taste of Tatar culture. It’s often called the “Third Capital of Russia” (after Moscow and St. Petersburg) for good reason!
