As far back as I can remember, as a kid, I was always glued to the TV screen, watching Hollywood movies that consistently portrayed Russia as the world’s number one enemy. These films depicted the country as a place where evil and bizarre experiments were conducted to dominate the world. Russia was shown as a cold, grey, and depressive land, inhabited by people with lifeless eyes, doomed to be defeated in the end, usually by the great Western hero, “Rocky Balboa”. Unfortunately, these stereotypes grew with me, and Russia became the kind of place I never thought I would visit, nor would I ever meet Russian people who could become close friends—people who, as it turns out, would become some of the best individuals I’ve ever met.

After years, this guy became a journalist and still hadn’t given Russia a single thought. Until one day, my editor-in-chief asked me if I wanted to visit Russia for journalistic purposes, related to the Russian House in Tunis. That day, I was like, "Wow, Russia!" I wasn’t sure. I hesitated. I didn’t know that I would soon visit one of the most beautiful, warm, cool, and lovable countries in the world. The only thing I knew about Russia at that time was that it had a rich history, full of significant events that changed the world’s destiny from the royal era to the Soviet era. So, I thought, "These people defeated the Nazis, why not give it a shot?" And that’s exactly what happened.

The date finally came, and it was a long journey ahead from North Africa, Tunisia to Moscow, Russia, about 7,000 km. I was full of thoughts. How would the people be? What would the weather be like? How’s the food? Would I really change my perspective, or would it stay the same or even get worse? Would I even meet the person who was supposed to pick me up from the airport? To be honest, I was a little bit panicked. During the flight to Moscow, I sat next to a Russian guy, and I decided to start a conversation with him in English to kick off my discovery mission. From that moment, my vision began to shift. He was a really nice guy who had worked in Tunisia for a while. He showed me pictures of his family, his house covered in snow, and his dog. I remember thinking, "Wow, this is a great start." It seemed like Russian people were genuinely nice. Even when we landed, he waited with me to make sure I met the person who was supposed to pick me up and take me to the hotel, and that really touched me.

Where history meets beauty in Moscow

The first thing I noticed about Moscow was how incredibly clean the city was. I mean, I’ve visited cities known for their clean streets, but honestly, none of them even come close to this one. I was also amazed by the beauty of the buildings lining the streets. The architecture was truly special, a charming blend of the royal and Soviet eras, with a touch of modernity in some areas. As I came to understand, there are two distinct parts of the city, one that preserves its historical identity and another that embraces modernity, like Moscow City. Moscow City was especially impressive, with its towering skyscrapers reaching above the clouds, offering a stunning, foggy view at night.

Of course, as a tourist and foreigner, visiting Red Square for the first time was a magical experience. It is one of the oldest squares in Moscow, and walking there felt like stepping into a beautiful fairytale, listening to the whispers of stories from centuries past. The red walls, the authentic and captivating cathedrals, and the huge statues near the square were truly mesmerising, rich with intricate details. One of the things I was most excited to see was Stalin’s sister, a stunning example of Soviet-era architectural grandeur that left me in awe.

I also visited the Victory Museum. Russian history had been an essential chapter in our high school lessons, but being there made me realise how little I truly understood about the greatness of Russia and the immense sacrifices its people made during World War II to save the world. I took a moment of silent appreciation after leaving the museum. I admired everything, the historical costumes, the immersive background sounds, the screens, the paintings, and the impressive models of military pieces that brought history to life in vivid detail.

Moscow’s universities add a unique dimension to the city’s allure. Lomonosov Moscow State University, in particular, caught my attention with its grand design and imposing structure. It felt like more than just a place of learning, it was a monumental piece of history standing tall, quietly reflecting the city's intellectual and cultural spirit.

Almost every building in Moscow seemed to have its own special story, but what I didn’t expect was how the metro stations could double as museums. The stunning statues, intricate wall decorations, and chandelier lights left me speechless. It felt like stepping into a world where the elegance of the past met modern functionality. I couldn’t help but think, am I living in a scene from the Back to the Future movie?

The tours weren’t enough for me. I wanted to connect more with the people, to see how they think, how they act. I wanted to roam the streets of Moscow without stopping, to visit the restaurants, the supermarkets, and discover every corner of this beautiful city. Walking at night in the cold air gave my spirit a refreshing feeling. It made me feel light and alive, even while bundled up in layers to stay warm. When you smile at people, they smile back. Everyone is helpful, even if they struggle with English when you ask for directions or help. Starting a conversation with a Russian felt natural. They would engage with genuine interest, eager to learn more about you and your perspective on their country. Do you like it? Do you feel comfortable? Their curiosity and warmth were wonderful. Not once did I feel like a stranger or different from them.

I saw cheerful friends who loved to celebrate life, lively families playing with their kids and dogs in the gardens, and people embracing the simple joys of everyday life. Far from the stereotype of cold or depressive individuals, Russians exuded a sense of vitality, humour, and resilience that was both inspiring and heartwarming. They love to gather, to laugh, and to enjoy life in their distinctive way, showing a spirited side that often gets overlooked.

During this trip, I made many friends and promised them I would come back to visit and discover even more about their country. They also promised to visit me in my homeland. At that moment, I even started considering learning Russian when I returned. The last day of my trip was a little bittersweet because I knew I was leaving. I found myself looking at the faces of my colleagues, who came from different countries all over the world, and feeling incredibly thankful to Russia for bringing us together. Meeting so many people from diverse cultures and places felt like a true gift. What could be more peaceful and beautiful than that? Russia is truly a land full of emotions.

Before I left, I made sure to visit Ploshchad Revolyutsii metro station one last time. I touched the nose of the bronze dog, following the tradition, and wished all the good things for this country, as well as for myself to return one day. Then, I went to Red Square, tossed a few coins, and made the same heartfelt wish.

Once you fall for Moscow, you’ll never let go

When I came back home, I was both happy and amazed at how completely my perception of Russia and its people had changed. I felt a deep sense of joy, mixed with a touch of sadness, as I found myself craving to learn more. I started exploring their writers, singers, bands, and movies. I discovered that Russian cinema is quite remarkable, and I listened to their songs, picking up a few words here and there and jotting them down to memorise. I fell in love with Russia, leaving a piece of myself behind. For months, I couldn’t stop talking about it, endlessly sharing stories with my family and friends, much to their amusement and sometimes annoyance.

I found myself thinking about Moscow almost every day. Little did I know, my wishes in Moscow were about to come true. I was going back again. This time, I was even more excited. As soon as I found out, I immediately started calling my friends there to share the news. The feeling was incredible, like returning to a second home. This trip would not only take me back to Moscow but also to Saint Petersburg and Rostov-on-Don. What more could I ask for? Everyone I had met on my first visit had insisted I shouldn’t miss Saint Petersburg, and now, it was finally happening.

Saint Petersburg was amazing. The city had this lively vibe with people from all over, and the mix of old royal-Soviet buildings with tall churches really stood out. But what made it even better was how happy the streets felt. Everywhere I looked, there were couples taking wedding photos, smiling, and laughing. It was like the city itself was celebrating with them. The canals, the palaces, and the busy streets just seemed to make everything feel alive and full of joy. It was a place where you couldn’t help but smile, and the energy was contagious. Moscow still took my breath away, just like when I first saw it. The city’s timeless beauty hadn’t changed, and as I walked its streets again, I felt a deep sense of nostalgia.

I also finally got to visit the south of Russia, Rostov-on-Don, for the first time. I had expected it to be different from the other parts of Russia I had explored, but once again, Russia surprised me. The warmth and hospitality of the people were consistent throughout, no matter the region. Unfortunately, this was the final destination of my second trip to Russia before heading back to Moscow. The mix of emotions I felt was overwhelming. I had developed such a strong connection to the land of Russia that it led me to visit again for a third time. When the time came to leave, I couldn’t help but feel a deep gratitude for everything I had experienced there.

I always considered myself someone unaffected by stereotypes, someone who didn’t let preconceived notions shape my views. But Russia taught me many personal lessons, pushing me to become a better person. It was there that I truly understood the meaning of the phrase "don’t judge a book by its cover." Russia is the most underrated place I have ever known. It is a beautiful land, rich in history, where people of different races, religions, and cultures live side by side in peace with the Russians themselves. Beyond that, we must never forget the historical sacrifices these people made, allowing us to live in the world we know today. Until next time, Russia.