A visit to the new Russia of today is an encounter with an undiscovered land. The dissolution of the Soviet Union provides new opportunities to explore the heartland of Imperial Russia. The ancient European cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg and the timeless village life of Siberia are brimming with rich cultural heritage that has once more come to life. One of the most notable features of present day Russia is a renewed celebration of the wealth of its past and the potential for the future. Ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colorful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are regaining the creative reknown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is in full bloom.