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.

I recently had the unpleasant experience of turning thirty much to my chagrin. However, I will forever allege that this was not my fault. Time was moving much too swiftly and although I tried my best to stay in the sexy and swinging twenties, I lost my grip and fell flat on my face in my thirties. I am led to believe that I will not be allowed to return. The horror. The horror.

More often than not, the first kiss is the clincher for couples; it is the one that helps them make up their mind on whether they wish to kiss the opposite person again. Here are seven great kissing tips to help young men make their first kiss a memorable one and then build upon that success. 

Sex is what brought us here. Without sex, you and I won't be here.

There is nothing cheap or dirty about sex. It is the attitude towards sex that makes it degrading, sinful ,and dirty .Sex can be beautiful and precious.
It fulfills the function of procreation, it could also be a means to commit the most heinous crime.

It is important not only to be aware of our sexuality.We need to acknowledge its importance as a factor for a balanced life. It is the fire that keeps the flames of romance aglow, the strong fiber that keeps a relationship together against all odds. It is refreshing, it is healing. Respect for sex add meaning
to our human existence and relationships.

If you spent any time browsing through this blog, I am sure you will see that I'm a big believer in spending as much time as humanly possible in this part of the world.

I was never a big fan of the traditional process of the agency, nor am I a supporter of any of the dating sites that seem so popular these days as a match or eHarmony dot com ..

Unfortunately .. but I'm proud old-fashioned guy when it comes to courtship and relationship.

I truly believe that the simple normal plain ol 'human interaction the way nature intended us to communicate and bond.

The biggest problem I have with any of the so-called modern web dating methods is that he is trying to sell us more comfortable as opposed to a true male to female connection.

Masha out of town right now, but I had the opportunity to tell her about how gracious you were appreciating her videos.

Her response?

Well let's see ..

    * In spite of her face turning a shade of red ..

    * Or an absolute surprised look of disbelief that came from her blue eyes ..

    * Because she even giggled non-stop, which reminded me to be still in primary school ..

I think it's safe to say ..

I know it can be hard to believe ...

But you will not believe how many beautiful girls I've met here who do not believe that they look like models ...

My friend Snejana is a classic example of this.

Incredibly humble with her self-esteem and completely baffled by what I would like to beautify this blog, taking her photos.

Well go ahead and read the article and then check out my comment below.

    Why Russia to wealthy women are still reluctant to go Dutch

    By Shaun Walker in Moscow
    Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Personally, I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day.

First and foremost, I am deeply grateful to all of you amazing to visitors and participants who are there helping to make Russian Women the real truth is what it is.

Hopefully, this site is a modest, but significant as a beacon for those of you who wish to pursue their dreams, to find love, happiness and a little truth in this often upside down world of ours.

Not only do I wish you all the luck, but I would also like to add one very important caveat to this request.

Now I admit the following article can be a little biased, because it came from the English edition of the newspaper Moscow Times ..

But hey ..

I do not think I could have done better to write such an article was inspired by our favorite women in Russia itself.

But in ANYCASE ..

I can certainly relate to this guy.