Russia:

Moscow

Moscow is central to Russia in many ways. It is geographically central and has historically been the political center during some of the country's most turbulent times. As the capital today, it is the center of politics and of the changes that are sweeping the country. More than any of these things, however, Moscow is the symbolic heart that has always sustained the vast land of Russia.

St. Petersburg

All the wonderful things you've ever heard about Russia; the large round domes that flare out like 17th Century dresses, the grand palaces, the beautiful snow falling across stark black sky known as "the white lights" all apply to Saint Petersburg.