It isn't really connected with the natural enviroment, but Moscow has survived many events in history. It has been invaded by the Mongols, burned to the ground by Napoleon and came within 100 miles of being beseiged by Hitler. Its people love to celebrate their beautiful city every year, and when I say celebrate, I mean they party like there's no tomorrow (funnily enough, the celebration lasts for two days, so tomorrow is also a party).
