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.

The Law of Attraction means that like is attracted unto like.  If we can align our vibration with what we truly desire, then we can attract anything that we want into our lives.   Attracting what we want is actually quite a subtle process.

In fact I see using the Law of Attraction consciously as creating the spaces to attract what you truly desire and here are 7 ways to enable that process and make it much more easy and effortless for you (as long as you get out of your own way) to attract the life you want.

The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by
imagination not tradition. Never mind etiquette, tradition
and timelines. That information is outdated and stuffy. Do
what will make you and your guests happy. It is a time for
fun and celebration, not pomp and ceremony!

Long gone are the days of "assigned" seating arrangements
and cookie cutter reception programs. Everyone waiting to
be told what to do next. Yawn! Today, you can "have it your
way". No, I am not suggesting that "Burger King" host your
reception. But, you could, IF you wanted to! That's the
message.

Federal lawsuit charges parts of the Violence against Women Act are unconstitutional.

Attorney Roy Den Hollander filed on February 14th, a suit in the U.S. Southern District Court of N.Y. attacking sections of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) and other U.S. statutes for violating the Constitutional rights of American men who marry alien females.

The defendants are the United States of America, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Executive Office of Immigration Review, No. 08 CV 01521. Roy Den Hollander is the sole plaintiff. Hollander has also sued in a New York State court to have Ladies Nights declared discriminatory in New York City nightclubs and bars.

When I passed this story on to a group of ladies with whom I was talking to today..

They were Completely Stunned that American Men would EVER take notice of something like this.

Or in other words..

They were MORE Surprised that WE Were Surprised that a Russian Woman would regularly prepare a meal in the manner that she does for her loved ones.

They were even more amazed when I told them that I had learn how to cook for myself a very long time ago.. And that most Men in the US also know how to cook for themselves too.

When ever this subject comes up in the company of Russian Women the question is ALWAYS the Same..

Well, the snow melts and Spring is here.

And although I would like to tell you that Russia is a big spring ..

To start this season, just the opposite.

Because now it's really dirty, muddy and messy affair.

Walking through the city, how to go maze filled with traps dirt, oil spots and slushy pools of black water.

Cool fragrant breeze ..

Chirping of birds emerging from their sanctuaries ..

And children's sense of optimism and wonder how a person begins to experience the full start of Mother Nature in all its glorious beauty and energy.

The glorious beauty and energy really ..

Nature is clearly its moments ..

And I can tell you that facing these beautiful sisters in the spring, certainly one of them.

Please extend a warm welcome to Lena and Luda ...");

Glorious Beauty and Energy indeed ..

I came across an old article that confirmed a lingering suspicion I've always had a Feminist, Cultural Marxism and Communism.

I've often said that Feminism and Communism were just two heads on the same monster since they both aggressively pushed "forced equality".

But paradoxically, I could never understand how Russian women with their background so deeply rooted in Soviet tradition and history have managed to maintain their feminine identities and traditional nature so completely intact.

Well, it turns out that the USSR was a disastrous experiment with Feminism in the early stages of Soviet history, and they knew better.

Beautiful Russian women and high heels ..

Especially really high heels have always been a bit exciting mystery to me.

Just what is it about this seemingly simple invention that guys, how I love so much?

I admit that I'm in eviable position because I get to watch the ladies in this part of the world go to some of the sexiest shoes in the world.