From Mexico to Moscow: More Secrets and Top Tips from Flight Attendants’ Home Cities
With Aeroflot and Aeromexico’s recent codeshare agreement seamlessly connecting travelers between Mexico and Russia, we thought we would take the opportunity to ask flight attendants from these member airlines to share some secrets about their home cities.InTouch spoke to Aeroflot’s Ksenia Fedushkina, who told us some of the things she loves about Moscow, and AeroMexico’s Laura Tello, who told us all about Mexico City.
What comes to mind when you think of your home city?
Laura: The downtown – it’s simply beautiful, and it’s never too cold, never too hot.
Ksenia: I think Moscow is best described in contradictory pairs – sprawling but cozy, metropolitan but hospitable, and modern but ancient.
Favorite restaurant
Laura: Pujol has been named as the best restaurant in Mexico City, and serves authentic, gourmet Mexican food. Or try Mole, from Puebla. Watch out though – it’s made with a lot of chilies.
Ksenia: Moscow has a vibrant food scene. Aeroflot Business Class travelers can enjoy a taste of what the city has to offer during their flight, thanks to the Michelin-starred chefs and Russian culinary stars that work with Aeroflot.
Best neighborhood
The Coyote Statue Coyoacán Mexico fountain Mexico City
Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Laura: Coyoacan is a beautiful arts and history hub in the center of Mexico City, where you can still experience traditional colonial-style architecture and Mexican culture.
Ksenia: My favorite walking routes include Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) to Gorky Park, the historic Kitay-Gorod neighborhood and Clean Ponds, or Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva Park to Botanichesky Sad (Botanical Gardens).
Must-see sight
Laura: There is so much to see and do in Coyoacan. Highlights include the Anahuacalli Museum for pre-Hispanic art, the Leon Trotsky Museum, the Museo Universitario Arts Contemporaneo, and the Central Library. Afterwards, you can take a stroll in the lush park Viveros de Coyoacan.
Ksenia: The iconic Red Square and the Kremlin have been the historical, geographical and spiritual heart of Moscow for nearly 900 years. It’s a sight not to be missed.
Hidden gems that often go unnoticed
Laura: Downtown Mexico City is simply beautiful.
Ksenia: The leisure and nature parks – there are dozens of them. Surprisingly, Moscow is one of the greenest cities in the world, with 40 percent of its land area covered by vegetation.
A great day trip
Laura: Valle del Bravo is also a good weekend getaway. It’s near the mountains so it’s much cooler, there are a lot of chalets, and the water makes everything look really pretty.
Ksenia: A visit to the well-preserved estates on the outskirts of Moscow makes for the perfect day trip. Arkhangelskoe Estate and Abramtsevo Estate are real gems, featuring rich museum collections, opulent mansions and magnificent parks.
Arkhangelskoe Estate
What’s one fun fact people might not know about your city?
Laura: San Miguel de Allende has been designated by the Government as a ‘Pueblo Magico’ (‘magical town’). I think it’s one of the best places in the world. It’s so beautiful, with winding streets, boutique hotels and a stunning cathedral.
Ksenia: If you visit Moscow, look out for seven buildings that look identical, referred to as the “Seven Sisters”. They include two hotels, two administrative buildings, two blocks of flats, and the Moscow State University.