FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE.

Moscow, the capital of Russia, a cosmopolitan city reveling in its new found freedom. Home of beautiful architecture and the once fearsome Kremlin, Jennifer Robson soaks in the cultural extremities and, of course, the vodka..

Visiting Moscow, it was difficult to imagine what lay in store form me in this city that has long lain behind the curtain of communism. Political icons and ideologies may have taken a tumble, but Russia is still wrapped up with mystery and intrigue.

With only a hazy grasp of daily life in Russia, I envisage mile long queues for non-existent food, rampant crime, prostitution and relentless drug trafficking. But, with countless cultural and historic treasures and sights, that were once only available on the news or in bad spy movies, having stood the test of time, and artistic legacies from Zhivago to Karenina, Russia is a must-see destination.

Russia dwarfs all other countries in Europe and used to be extremely problematic to visit. Currently, it's possible although visas are still a necessity.

Arriving at the airport, which can only be described as small, brown and scary, I was subjected to an hour-long queue in intense heat and scrutinizing stares at immigration.

Russia's summers are very long, dry and hot, while their winters reach sub-zero temperatures. A land of extremes indeed.

The collapse of communism, over a decade ago, has slowly changed this once isolated and feared city into a hive of new restaurants, clubs and supermarkets. Even a swish underground shopping center can be found yards away from Red Square.

Having said that however, Moscow is not the ideal city to indulge in a massive shopping spree. Prices are high and everything seems to be last season's stock.

The sights however are something else. Spectacular and breathtakingly stunning, behind every monument, statue and building lie fascinating stories and legends.

St Basil's Cathedral is unbelievably surreal to look at first hand. Built in the 16th century for Ivan the Terrible, no description can give it justice. It's simply picture postcard perfect. Legend has it that Ivan blinded its creator, to ensure that nothing so beautiful would ever be built again.

To the West of St Basil's is the Lenin Mausoleum where the man himself lies underground. To visit is free, but no cameras are video equipment is permitted. The police usher you round Lenin's corpse with alarming speed, branding their truncheons if you make a noise or even pause for thought.

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