December 25, 2008
The Moscow traffic police have been out in full force since yesterday. They’re lining the ring road, hanging out on corners, eyes open, batons at the ready. I haven’t seen this many since the last time I lived here, just before Russia’s “economic miracle” took off. Back then, you’d know a holiday was coming because they’d all come out of the woodwork and stand around looking for cars to flag down and people to bribe (there are presents to buy). Can’t quite say, though, if it’s the krizis pushing them back to old tactics, or whether it’s been like this every year and I’ve just been lucky enough not to be in Moscow for the New Year (til now).

The Moscow traffic police have been out in full force since yesterday. They’re lining the ring road, hanging out on corners, eyes open, batons at the ready. I haven’t seen this many since the last time I lived here, just before Russia’s “economic miracle” took off. Back then, you’d know a holiday was coming because they’d all come out of the woodwork and stand around looking for cars to flag down and people to bribe (there are presents to buy). Can’t quite say, though, if it’s the krizis pushing them back to old tactics, or whether it’s been like this every year and I’ve just been lucky enough not to be in Moscow for the New Year (til now).

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