MARCH 2017APRIL 2017 7373Elektrozavodskaya
was unique among the
stations I saw, which
mostly had vaulted
ceilings with a few
soft lights. Here, these
intense, almost surgical
lights exaggerate the
symbolism of light and
the sun, which was often
used as a metaphor for
Stalin. The bas-reliefs
depict the war effort
during WWII.APRIL 2017 73MAKE IT HAPPEN
Qatar Airways plies the most
direct route from Singapore or Kuala
Lumpur with one stop in Doha (from US$777;
qatarairways.com). A metro ticket is US$0.50, and
allows unlimited travel until exiting; cards of multiple rides
offer discounts (five rides for US$2). Avoid peak commuter times;
after 8pm, or weekend mornings, are best. While you can explore on
your own, English signage is limited, and several companies offer
guided tours taking in many of the most impressive stations (from
US$27.50; viator.com). Lonely Planet’s Moscow includes a self-guided
route (US$21.99).