Travelling in Russia, including customs, lodging, eating out, etc

Planning your first trip to Russia? Your mind must be swelling with questions then.

After all, there always has been a lot of controversy and stereotypes about Russia. The very word Russia summons up quite equivocal (and rather stereotypical) images that tend to baffle, if not scare a foreign person. While with most Western European countries everything is more or less clear, Russia leaves most foreigners completely clueless as to what to expect of it. It is truly hard to find any adequate answers and not to drown in this vast ocean of stereotypes, obsolete facts, and contradictory information that surrounds Russia. Even now that its borders have been open to foreign citizens for over a decade, Russia is still shrouded in mystery. It keeps foreigners wondering… What is Russian life like? Is it safe to be in Russia? Is it difficult to travel to and around it? Is life in Russia expensive? What exactly do I need to bring with me?.. and so on, and so forth. Who can possibly answer such questions about a country better than a native who has been living in it most of their life and knows it inside out? So, let me become your Russian guide to Russian everyday reality to help you form the most realistic impression of what Russia really is like. I would like to begin with something that concerns people most these days – safety issues.

Safety in Russia

One of the most common and least accurate stereotypes about Russia is the one that makes it look like one of the most turbulent places on Earth with the most rampant crime. The recent terrorist attacks in Moscow, regrettably, have only helped to perpetuate the negative stereotype. It is apparent, however, that virtually all of our world, including Europe and the USA have become targets of international terrorism, not just Russia. In this particular sense, one’s personal safety is no longer a matter of geographical location. Rather, it is largely dependent on one’s own behavior.

According to American sources, the crime rate is actually substantially higher in the US than in Russia, although it has increased in Russia since the demise of the Soviet Union. That means that the precautions an individual should take traveling in Russia are identical to the ones recommended elsewhere in the world, including the USA. It is understood that people are most vulnerable to crime in a foreign country. In this manner, in Russia foreigners become easy prey for those who do not exactly mean well. Therefore, I suggest you keep in mind that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and follow some simple, yet arbitrary rules on a day-to-day basis. First of all, avoid flaunting valuables or large sums of cash and flashing your wallet. Secondly, you are strongly advised against walking alone at night or through deserted and secluded places at daytime. Third, be careful striking up acquaintances with strangers. Try to not too attract too much attention to yourself either, especially in crowded public places (unless you want to be eased of your wallet or even worse).

Do not be paranoid, though. Just be wary. Be friendly and open-minded, but do not forget to use your common sense. Hospitability is, beyond all doubt, a Russian national trait, but remember that there are black sheep in every family. So, watch your step as you go and you will be safe and sound.

You might also want to memorize the Russian police and Medical Emergency phone numbers – 02 and 03 respectively. You can dial them toll-free from any public phone. Just in case. Hope you will never have to dial them, though.

Let’s face it; if you’re looking for advice on marriage, you could spend DAYS researching on the internet without even scratching the surface of all the marriage advice that’s out there.

But the sad fact is, that’s what most people in your situation do…they RESEARCH…but never ACT on the concepts and ideas they learn about because they come up with “excuses” for why THEIR situation is DIFFERENT.

Well let me tell you….your situation is NOT different. And as EXTREME as MY marriage was…my “situation” was NOT different either…

Perhaps one of the most amazing things I’ve ever witnessed is the deep level of pride that Traditional Russian Women quietly carry within themselves.?

It’s something that’s incredible to experience but it can be very difficult to describe since it run’s completely counter to what Western Men are commonly used to seeing in the Women that surround them.

A Russian Woman’s pride is expressed in various ways but it’s especially noticable during the Dating Phase with how they expect to be treated by a Man.

Now the very first thing you should know about Russian Women and Dating is this…

They will NEVER Actively Pursue a Man.

As you may know from reading my blog Saturday night is my ritual music club night. ?

And I usually get some great photos from these visits.

Well last night was no exception.

By the way from now on I’m going to be displaying all photos in the normal posts sections and not with separate pages.? I’ll be moving all of the other photos as well onto their individual announcement posts too and will delete the original photo pages soon..

BUT DON’T WORRY!!

Think for a second ..

When was the last time you actually saw a woman making clothes?

Or even make minor repairs to them.

Now I'm sure some of you may know who is a skilled tailor, but in general this is what you really feel like it usually happens to women around you?

I'm willing to bet that it is extremely rare with most modern women, and if so ..

I know you do not think it was possible to Siberia, but it becomes a serious hot.

Wet, wet, and lots of sun non-stop interrupted by only occasional rains during the summer.

In any case, during the day, as you either want to hang out on the balcony to try to catch the wind from entering rivers.

Or

You retreat inside to catch a cold, served on tap.

Gentlemen,

If you do not want to wait another year or more to ride, until you finally come to Russia or the CIS ..

Then it's time for you to get your affairs in order to take the big leap.

Spring came early and the weather is perfect now for your excursions.

Travel season is upon us and the window of opportunity "for a suitable weather from now until the end of September.

Gentlemen,

The reaction against feminism officially began from their own ranks.

It started as just a few drops leaking through the dam.

But now it's starting to look like a trickle.

The latest evidence to support this comes from the self-proclaimed feminist and writer Anna Pasternak.

Natalia Vodianova has been on our radar before, and it's always interesting to see how successful young lady, as it moves through life.

Apparently she was very busy in the tradition of a real Russian lady as a young age of 27 she was a devoted wife and mother of 3 children.

It certainly qualifies as a super woman in my book.

This is especially true given how difficult it is to overcome and poor childhood, but continues to reach out to help other children.