Russia is certainly different. In 1983 there were no smart people, no spikeheeled boots, no BMWs, no shops that I recall apart from the ghastly and terribly sad GUM in Moscow. No souvenirs except in the overpriced hard currency foreigner only shops. Lots of people wearing black and red flower patter scarves - haven't seen one of those. Lots of prunelike old ladies in shabby clothes.
There are still floor ladies at the hotels looking after you but not so fierce.The shops are amazing and international and there is enormous range of scent, coffee, good food to buy. I like it better now. Don't have to feel sorry for Russians any more- in fact from some of the looks I get, the position is reversed but then I am a shabby and worn tourist with no furs and NO PHRASEBOOK!!!!!