Dear friend,
Since this is my sandbox and I can post anything I want here, I decided agree to the suggestion of a reader who wants to travel to Russia and create an “open thread” about traveling to Russia. I hope that this will be useful to you and, maybe, provide an opportunity for some of you to meet face to face.
Anyway – here is the chance to 1) share your experience 2) give you best advice 3) maybe invite somebody?
Please use this thread in any way you like.
Cheers and happy travels!
The Saker
——-
The Motherland Calls: An open thread for the perspective travelerHello Saker readers,At the risk of ending up on the US no-fly list, my wife and I are considering a 10-day tour by plane, train and/or automobile through the western part of Russia. But with virtually no real familiarity beyond blogs, Guardian articles and the first 900 or so pages of ‘War and Peace’, I come to the enlightened and informed Saker community for advice. Travel advice. And hopefully some, insightful suggestions that one might not necessarily come across in mainstream resources.We may not be representative of most readers here, but we capture the North American, non-Russian speaking demographic of many, I think, so this thread will hopefully inspire and help others who might also be looking for an alternative to Cabo and Disneyland at some point in their futures.Why the heck am I looking for advice here, and not TripAdvisor or Conde Naste Traveler? Well, I’ve been very moved and I’d even say enlightened by the articles and comments about Russia that I read on these pages and hope that those of you who write informatively and passionately on its history, people and politics will also understand how a non-native could effectively see and appreciate Russia’s beauty and get a genuine, albeit small, taste of its culture from a relatively brief stay – be it memorials and monuments, museums, architecture or just by driving between destinations and stopping along the way.J.
Map of Russian regions and cities:
Satellite map of Russia:
I like trains, and I dream of taking the Trans-Siberian Express from Moscow to China. I have read that it can be done inexpensively.
My great-grandparents took the Trans-Siberian railway on their honeymoon. This was a few years before it was completed, so they rode I guess as far as it went then.
If you’re planning to take the Trans-Siberian Railway, take Christian Wolmar’s “To the Edge of the World” a highly readable account of the construction of the railroad interwoven with a mass of information about 20th century Russian history.
http://transsiberianrailway.org/index.html
“non-Russian speaking demographic”
From recent experience of my non Chinese speaking trip to China. A smart Phone with a good translator app for any language you will come across.
Type in what you want to say and have it translated into whatever language. Will make life easier than searching through a phrase book.
Somebody here may know a good app.
Another thing to consider, that may apply in Russia?
When in China most people were very friendly though a few were cool to hostile. This would change when they found we were Australian and smiles all round. Not sure why but thats the way it was. I suspect there is not a lot of love for the US for some in china.
I felt I should have been wearing something like a badge of Australia to identify where I was from.
Just a couple of things to think about and others here will be able to give better advice for Russia.
The feelings towards the US in China is very 2-fold.
Some youngsters literally idolize everything American… Future liberals anyone?
While others detest everything American, for a very good reason too! (even without the political stuff, the 1999 bombing of Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia and the current containing-China rhetorics!)
Of course the greater population doesn’t care, we like white skin) Chinese proverb says – white hides all blemishes :) (this is joke ;)
I’m Chinese)
“white hides all blemishes”
I like that one. Though very true in some parts of the anglo world.
OT @ Saker or webmaster.
I was just sitting here thinking about things, looking blankly at the screen watching the message at the top scroll over
Saker Message; No posts where found.
Me being a direct descendant of the of the first British subjects to be offered free passage to Australia (the chains and lashings were a nuisance but never look a gift horse in the mouth),
I had to google it.
I think were is the word.
“were” are you seeing this message, exactly?
Where am I seeing this message. I were and still am seeing it at the top.
Looks like I may embarrass myself here again KK but I’ll go out on a limb.
Just under Analysis .. interviews
SAKER MESSAGE: no posts where found.
I guess I’m wrong? Nope google says I am right. Where as in wear, were as in whir ?
I dunno. Am I right or wrong.
you are correct about the spelling – it should be “were”. I still can’t find where this is meant to be showing, as all the sections have content so should be finding something. But we don’t have a section called Saker Message. If the message is in the black menu area, that is a bug but I am not getting it. I suggest you close the page and open up the site again, as that may clear whatever bug is in there.
That typo is a WP bug since none of us actually wrote that text.
I will email the webmaster to see what can be done
hugs to all
The Saker
right above the “latest message”. when I have no posts I want to draw attention to it automatically generates this “No posts where found”. I can ask the webmaster if he can remove that.
bottom line: everybody please ignore that for the time being.
thanks!
Don’t worry about it Saker. I didn’t expect you to have to say something. At the moment I’ve nothing better to do . Communication is whats important and that’s what you are doing. cheers. Peter
“everybody please ignore that for the time being”
Sorry, I can’t possibly ignore it … just see my name above…
Today is Sunday, and as any law abidin’ hypocrite I went to Church. Service started, everyone seated, but I just keep wanderin’ ‘round. The usher pleads “Please Sir, why you don’t take a seat?” and I replies “I can’t, I am a Roaming Catholic”
Lol! Thanks for that OC
BTW… Shouldn’t that be ‘and I replied’
Regards
Susie
Damn! Lol…. Or ‘and I reply’…
Regards
Susie
Hi Susie, ’tis as I says – ‘n here’s an advanced English grammar lesson:
I replies – we replies
you replies – you replies
he, she, it replies – they replies
I says – we says
you says – you says
he, she, it says – they says
‘nd here’s a better version of the previous (with an apostrophe):
… and I replies “I can’t, I am a Roamin’ Catholic” …
(Whatdayasays :-?)
My old man went to Arkhangelsk with the Arctic convoys during WW2 so we have friends in Northern Russia since then. My son just has left for Saint Petersburg, he wants to see the famous White Nights and to go canoeing to Karelia.
Here a link to a touring agency you can use if you want to go there:
http://www.nordictravel.ru/
and the White Nights
http://www.saint-petersburg.com/virtual-tour/whitenights/
Tours? how do you do the thumbs down? How do you get to know people following a tour guide. Sights you can see in the glossy magazines ect.
People you need to talk to.
Me bein a true blue Aussie thought I would just buy a plane ticket to China. Bloody red tape, had to get visa ect ect,
BUT when I got to China very few spoke English? Watta bummer.
Bugger the tours. See the people.
So how many times did you visit Russia, mr Bazza McKenzie?
Do you care to share your experiences? ;)
It’s true that most Chinese you’ll meet in China don’t speak English well, or at all. But younger Chinese have often studied English in school, and can read and write it well enough. So carry pen and paper and you’ll be able to communicate much better.
The reason they can read and write English but not speak it well is that their English teachers also can’t speak it well, due to a lack of native English-speaking English teachers. Want a job? Go teach English in China.
Rarely you’ll meet Chinese people who speak English fluently, despite not having had an English-speaking parent or having lived outside China. This is usually because their university training has included an intensive study of English phonetics, not normally included in English courses.
I have no idea whether this is also true of people in Russia.
I strongly recommend to read about the City you are visiting. Visit google maps or google earth and identify the monuments and get familiar with the local environment. Depending on the purpose of your trip and your budget, it will be wonderful to learn about Russian culture and lifestyle. Most people are friendly, but also shy and respectful. In general, it is safe. I strongly recommend Saint Petersburg, Moscow and Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad). Take enough cash and a travel belt. I highly recommend to find apartments. For me it is better than hotels because you can cook, buy food, and that will force you to interact with people. Now you can obtain a 3 year tourist visa, but you may be allowed to stay within the country a maximum of 90 days every time. You can also obtain a 30 day tourist visa. Do not stay longer because you will be penalized financially and forbidden to enter the country 5 years. It is worth it!
Do yourself a big favor and memorize the Cyrillic alphabet. Also spend your spare time before you go with Rosetta stone, or Pimsler. You will be glad you did.
I went on a three week solo ramble through Ukraine in 2004. I do not know how I could have survived without having at least a basic knowledge of the language including reading and writing it. Of course that was 11 years ago, and Ukraine, but anywhere off the beaten path, things can get weird quick if you can’t communicate.
They called the cops on me in Sumy when I tried to check into a cheap hotel because I was by myself and not with an official group. I had to explain to the authorities that the law had changed and foreigners could roam freely about their country. They were incredulous, but took my word for it. I had written most of a book about those experiences, but have never had time to finish it.
I wound up getting married to a Crimean girl buying a home and have lived a happy and interesting life since. Fell free to get in touch with me wortherthorth@hushmail.com
I would stay away from Rosetta Stone; I can’t say enough bad things about that lot.
I’d recommend getting on the Transparent Language email for a helpful email every few days:
http://blogs.transparent.com/russian/
also, Oxford “Take off in Russian” is good; the man is very good but amusingly the English accent sounds a little like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
There’s a lot of useful stuff on Youtube but some of it is terrible. There’s an official Russian site that is free too that was set up for the Sochi Olympics. The link is eluding me.
There’s lots of free stuff if you search the net. Publc libaries usually have language books, DVDs etc.
Anything but Rosetta Stone. Anything.
Perhaps you have in mind the one from RT.com: http://learnrussian.rt.com/ http://learnrussian.rt.com/lessons/
Another excellent one is: http://www.russianforeveryone.com/
***
Automatic two-way dictionary:
http://ru.pons.com/перевод
Automatic Russian language resource:
https://ru.wiktionary.org/wiki/Заглавная_страница
Automatic word declining:
http://www.morpher.ru/Demo.aspx
Conjugation of verbs:
http://www.russisch-fuer-kinder.de/de_start/schule/texte.php?auswahl=konjugation
Etc.
Why are you so down on Rosetta Stone?
Just 2 cents from a Russian on some cultural differences. This will be useful for any first time traveler to Russia specially from North America.
You will notice that we normally don’t smile at people we don’t know because to us such smiles look somewhat fake. Some Russians will be even taken aback when approached by a stranger who smiles at them. This does not apply to children though. If you need help from a stranger, the correct way will be to approach them in a reserved and calm manner. And we really dislike the “let’s knock this damn thing down and build a bowling alley instead” kind of guys… Such people will not feel welcome in Russia.
“Small talk” to strangers would be a mistake as again it would seem fake to us. We like it when others express their opinions and emotions sincerely and, the most important, we are not politically correct.
Be patient with customer service. We are much less spoiled and can tolerate a lot of inconvenience but to a foreigner it may feel burdensome.
Have a good trip!
I’m surprised that after reading Guardian articles about Russia you didn’t become a rabid Russophobe, LOL!
Unfortunately, I don’t have necessary experience to give advices. However I’m afraid that your openhearted but at the same time a bit naive attitude could cause disappointment. Especially without having a guide and even basic knowledge of Russian? So maybe start from beginning – places like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Crimea have plenty of sights to see.
“However I’m afraid that your openhearted but at the same time a bit naive attitude could cause disappointment.”
I hope not. There is a difference between naive and open mind.
J. will most likely run into good people and problems. I never go on tours or go to see the sights that are advertised in magazines. I go to see/get to know the people (See, sounds like a tobacca chewin redneck).
Off the beaten track. No culture, no country is perfect. Human character is the same the world over and every culture. The good. The bad.
That is right approach, I agree. But to travel like that, I think one need to know at least some language. At least for the reasons to not lose opportunity to meet interesting people, see interesting places and basically understand what is happening around you, not just watch beautiful nature. Because outside of Moscow and couple other big cities, majority of people doesn’t know anything in English, except maybe “yes” and “no”. And of course all nameboards, titles etc. are in Cyrillic and as George already advised above, ability to read it would be helpful.
Yep – learn the alphabet.
Your anxiety level in using the subway systems will plummet if you can (sort of) read the signs.
Hi J, yes I would love to move to Crimea. I would love to find out how to go about that…even if only for my dream. And also I would like to know about Crimean…I don’t even know which city is which except that Sevastapol is quite independent and on the water. I doubt I could afford to live on the water…I would have to live inland.
Anyway, its all a dream, but what if …..
@Ann
Crimea is a beautiful place, and you are not far from the Sea, even if you live inland.
Last time I checked, home ownership is pricey in Sebastopol and all cities on the road to Kerch.
Evpatoria which is nearer Simferopol is not so commercialized. Further North, to the Ukie border, it is mostly rural, will be lower prices for homes. And there”s the Tatar issue.
Renting a flat is not too expensive, but the problem comes when they fiind out you are a foreigner.
Probably need to find a Native friend to help out, they rent the flat and sublet to you. Must be a very good friend. Need to check on the home ownership laws in Russia, for foreigners.
There are new visa types for specialists, there are services that can help in that, as always need to find an honest business, beware of scammers.
Under Ukraine, Police, Immigration, or anybody with some punitive authority were pretty greedy, and I absolutely detest going near any of them, too many unpleasant experiences.
Some say that things are changing as the authorities now are Russian, need to return and check it out.
Regular people are regular people, they suffer the same, andthey have to confront the Man everyday, too.
People are still adjusting to the new realities in Crimea.
Dreams are worth pursuing, so don’t give up.
The Empire of Chaos, of Ilusions, has a way of grinding us down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjEq-r2agqc
But, there are other lands, just never forget that You are the same You, wherever you are.
To Ann,
Hello, are you sure you want to go to Crimea ? There is permanent “martial law” there , Russian tanks are causing traffic jams and “curfews from dawn to dusk and dusk to dawn. Putin’s soldiers are behind every 10 Crimeans. Please think twice before you head to that place, see for yourself. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oj0m-QVXFZ0
Ibrahim, you are a LIAR.
I was in Crimea, in Simferopol on 2015 new years eve, and I saw none of the garbage you’re peddling. There are NO armed troops, only uniformed soldiers I’ve seen ar going to their barracks or back home. NO guns, NO tanks, and definitely NO liars like you.
Muslim Crimean Tatars are NOT killing Orthodox Russians and vice versa. Everything is fine and normal. Occasionally Ukraine turned off the electricity and later on completely sealed the land border to Crimea to all trafic including rail, but there is always Ferry in Kerch. And on the other side is Krasnodarski Krai, and it is pretty and peaceful, just like Crimea itself.
And for any traveller to Russia, and especially Crimea – at least some language is important. Be aware that bank cards still don’t work in Crimea, thanks to that black moron in Washington. I myself was stuck with no money, and no ATM would accept my foreign card, so I had to make a trip on the ferry and get my money on “regular” continental Russia.
If you want to drive, be aware that roads are not up to European standard and travel times will be almost double to what westerners are used to, especially in winter.
Don’t forget to register your visa within 72 hours on arrival. If you’re in a hotel, they must do that for you by law, but if you’re staying private chances are that locals won’t know anything about it. Search the net on how to do it in local post office. If you don’t do this, you will have problems on the border.
And if anyone is interested to know – Russians couldn’t care less about USA or sanctions. They have been through much worse, that most westerners can’t even imagine. They are tough and decent people. Go see for yourself.
LOL, +Mikie, it was sarcasm. Did you actually watch the video at the link he posted?
Yep, thanks for posted the vid
No, I didn’t bother watching the video after reading the comment.
My apologies, Ibrahim, if you were joking, I’m just a bit allergic to all the “Russia=bad” bullshit coming from every which way.
Sorry again. GO RUSSIA! :)
Mikie,
NO NO NO, no apology is needed, not at all. My sarcasm was a little bit overdone. I suffer from the same allergy. May God almighty keep Russia safe and strong.
Ay caramba !!! I am busted ;>(
Haha,that was a great video.Its a wonder how the “poor suffering Crimeans” can stand “the misery” I saw in the video.With “living under the Russian boot”,it looks like they “barely” have time for a song and a swim before heading back to the “salt mines”.
that’s ok Mikie…Ibrahim…thanks for the uplifting news about Putin’s tanks on every corner…now I really want to go there. How do I find the way ? Please list what needs to be done to get 5 horses, 2 dogs and myself…with my 5000 books…over there….on $100K cnd.
Yes, Ann– It’s a wonderful dream isn’t it? When I was 19, I hopped a bus & travelled all over Mexico, knowing only 20 words of Spanish. It was a bus pass, so I just got off any place that seemed interesting & spent a few days. I was alone, met many people, learned lots of Spanish, overturned many of my presuppositions. I’ve been back a couple times, for a few months each. All wonnnderful experiences.
I would dearly love to travel to another unknown place, and Russia is a not-to-be-fulfilled dream for me.
well, Penelope…I’m into it…if you are….but I have some animals to take…so I have to research it….but I’m into it. Let me know.
I would have studied Russian for my prospective trip to Rus. at the end of this year… But your language is too hard Saker)
Tried and tried, gave up (rofl), will just employ my English-speaking Russian friend to bring me around ^^
“Tried and tried, gave up (rofl), will just employ my English-speaking Russian friend to bring me around ^^”
You’re as bad as me. Take care and have a good trip.
I’d recommend spending the 2-3 weeks just to get acquainted with the Cyrillic alphabet. Once you can ‘say’ Russian words there are within them a lot of words that are borrowed from other languages or that have a similar root. By saying them it is sometimes obvious what they mean.
Суши and такси, Sushi and Taxi respectively, come to mind and are almost exactly the same pronunciation.
бутерброд -sandwich or literally butter and bread; translliterated: ‘booter brot’. I think that must be borrowed from German.
Just make a list of basic phrases in Russian and print it out.
Something like this – http://www.linguanaut.com/english_russian.htm
Few years ago I met a 70 year old Russian hitch hiker who used this method and he did well with it travelling by himself in English speaking country for four months.
Be careful with that site, the example it gives for “bathroom” actually means “bath room”! People will think you want to take a bath if you use the phrase there. Say “tualEt” (toilet) instead. Or “ubOrnaya” (washroom) if you want to be polite.
Ac4
Yes . Butterbrot in German. Cheers
there are a lot of french based words in russian, so don’t be put off…….
Russia and English are part of the same language family, so if you can parse a few cyrillic letters and sounds, many words like “bank” and “restaurant” are very similar. If you have time before your trip, concentrate on the alphabet and how it sounds more than conjugating verbs. And learn the words for “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry I don’t speak Russian very well.”
Good luck.
Not a travel book.But a book on Russian culture that I liked was “Land of the Firebird”.I’d say,St Petersburg for the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace,Admiralty Square,the canals,Peter and Paul Fortress,Smolny,St Issac’s,and Kazan Cathedrals,St. Michael’s Castle,Yusupov Palace,Potemkin Palace,the Bronze Horseman statue,Peterhof Palace.Then,Pushkin,and Gatchina suburbs with the Tsarskoye Selo Palaces, Gatchina Palace,and Pavlovsk for Pavlovsk Palace.St Petersburg called “Russia’s window to the World”.Petersburg (or nicknamed “Piter” in Russia is a city of over 5 million people and Russia’s second city after Moscow.From there you could visit the rural beauty of Karelia,and also sail the Gulf of Finland.You could also visit Finland and Estonia (they are close).You could go to Novgorod (along with Kiev,the first real city in ancient Rus) and Pskov for ancient Russian sites.You could head to Moscow,the heart of Russia.And visit the old historic cities with monasteries and fortresses that surround Moscow “The Moscow Ring”.In Moscow itself you would see a city of around 14 million people (metro area).With the Kremlin’s walls,churches and palaces,the Tsar Bell,and Tsar Cannon,the World’s largest of both.Famous “Red Square” is on one side.And the Moskva River on another.St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb,Moscow University,and several World class museums and libraries can be seen.But also a modern city,with tall buildings and much night life.As well as the renowned Moscow Subway and Bolshoi Theater,the most famous in the World. Suburban Moscow also has several Palace Museums to visit and pretty countrysides.Then there is of course the Urals,by way of Kazan and on into Western Siberia and that beautiful rugged country.And in the South to Sochi and its resorts,with the coast nearby.Or into Crimea with its great beaches and Yalta.I have just began to name the sites to see.
People go on holidays/tours ect to see the sights they see in magazines or whatever.
The people of the Russian Federation, from what Saker has put up here? Many backgrounds/ethnic groups. Simply heading off is the way to go.
It will be a great experience. I’m oz, you’re, scuse the term, yank. Have a great trip.
St Petersburg, greatest city on earth. Restaurant Маяк. bar Рюмочная. Vyborg, Valaam, Staraya Ladoga, Solovetsky island, Suzdal, Velikij Novgorod, Pskov.
Odessa is also a nice city in the western part of Russia ;-)
Hi J
We have travelled from Crimea to St Petersburg by train. We booked the train travel on line at
http://realrussia.co.uk/Trains/Tickets
This is a UK based office but very helpful. They sent our tickets by International courier service and they arrived in Oz 2 days later.
Have also travelled in Russia with Intrepid Tours – they have small groups – 9 people and take you off the beaten track.
Check out the ‘Soviet Cafe’ in St Petersburg.
A must – get your gear off and take a banya – Russian ‘Turkish steam bath’.
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/top-destinations
Hope this helps.
“Odessa” : Ach – presently under NaziNato occupation. Wait a bit until Bessarabian Novorussians have liberated it !
A friend of mine here in Australia visited Russia and felt the people were surly and rude. ” They didn’t smile” he said.
This article explains it: http://russia-insider.com/en/why-dont-russians-smile/ri6935
So if a Russian smiles at you – take it as a sign of real genuine friendship. Smiles are reserved for people you know and like. But otherwise don’t take lack of smiles at all personally.
Yes, that’s true. We take our smiles seriously :) and smile only when we feel like. In fact, we prefer a sincerely grim looking person if he/she really has a reason to feel grim over a fake smile. After all, why would you smile at me if you don’t even know me?
If you dont mind… we the portuguese travelled the 4 corners of the world and we use a smile as a universal sign of friendship and good intentions. Of course some people could fake but a smile was always a universal sign of friendly (pacific) approach.
To get to know people stand on a corner and ask where the nuclear wessels are.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdSJFrhb-HM
Learn the basics of tge language, numbers, alphabet, key phrases, it will make a huge difference for your trip.
West Russia on motorcycle is great and St Petersberg on bike is great, friendly motorcycle city. Get Yandex Navigator on your phone and maps, it is very helpful and will give locations of important places be it restaurants, chemist’s, supermarkets and so on. If in Moscow you can use Yandex Metro to help find your way around on the trains. Speak Easy Russian is a good language phrase guide for your phone too.
Karelia is gorgeous as is Petrozavodsk, which is on a beautiful lake shore. First time in a Supermarket there with group of Finnish bikers and locals waved me through the checkout que so I could not be left behind. They were very friendly and I thanked them in kind.
Sure, don”t grin like an idiot all tye time there as people will think you have a screw loose but be polite and curtious and they reciprocate in kind. The Russians have a healthy distain for authority figures but are more than ready to deal with situations themselves. Be it an accident on the road, bad behaviour in public or other. People take action and are not afraid to act if there is a problem, unlike in tye West where much is now divested to “authority figures”.
Seemed to me to be more a case of people there being responsible for their behaviour. Gave me a feeling of actual freedom compared to how I feel in the Anglo West.
Personally, I want to return and explore the country more but after more language studies.
Oh and if you are invited to someone’s home, take a small gift with you. Nothing brash or expensive, just a token of appreciation.
Justin, man, you are really getting it, specially in your “feeling of actual freedom compared to how I feel in the Anglo West.” I spent over 20 years outside of Russia and I get the same feeling whenever I am back in Russia. You are totally free to say things you truly mean about issues you would not dare to speak out publically in the West. Nobody will look at you disapprovingly. Nobody is going to sue you. No government officials will show up at your door. Enjoy it.
Seems to be a lot of Aussies in this thread. Я тоже.
Regarding learning Russian, I’m fortunate to have a teacher now, in a small class. But before that I found this site useful:
http://www.russianforfree.com/
I also like Fennell’s book “The Penguin Russian course”. There is also a “New penguin Russian course”, but I like Fennell’s better. Quite old, but not hard to find online.
To get a feel for the sound for the language I download VVP’s speeches etc — the audio, together with the Russian and English text. Then I play the MP3 through headphones on my player while I’m working. I don’t try to listen, I just let it repeat over and over. Without being really aware of it, words seep into my mind.
I find Russian a little difficult, but not impossible. Learning a language is really memorising tho, so work is involved. Just one small step after another. And as my teacher says, “revision is the mother of learning.”
Michael
My Spanish teacher used to say,”you can’t really learn a language completely,until you learn to think in that language”.I think he was right.
What I can share as tips which made my traveling experiences so amazing is :
– As already mentioned, to learn the alphabet, it’s easier than one could initially think.
– Moreover, to learn rudiments of language. This is practically helpful, and very useful to better get in touch with locals, who will always appreciate the effort. It also helps to get closer to the culture itself, opening you a dimension inaccessible to the tourist sticking to some other international language. For this purpose, it exists very well done booklets like Assimil Evasion for the french speaking (I don’t know what equivalents exist for the english speaker).
– Get informed about local savoir-vivre, which can slightly differ from western codes. It can help to avoid useless frustration and unintended mistakes.
– Get in touch with some locals prior to the trip, via communities like couchsurfing where you can meet openminded travel lovers who’ll be glad to provide you with relevant tips
– Get informed about local specific threats, as dangers and how to recognize them may differ from one country to another
Kind regards,
La Luciole
Visit the birch forests and drink birch sap fresh from the trees in spring.
We here in west Africa, we can not locate Russia and any travel agent to apply for entry visa. And as it now, who over in Russia can send us an invitation letter.
We are ready to come and visit some of our Russian friend and to see their culture.
Sincerely,
ORIS
I can’t travel to Russia, I’d love to but as a black man I’d be knifed on site. African students keep hearing that Russia has some top-notch education to export, but when they go over to buy some.. they get knifed on site, have to stay in their student dorms. The Russians themselves ask “why do they keep coming here?” I can answer that…. the message hasn’t gotten through t them that studying in Russia is not worth ones life, Russia has nothing of value worth buying with ones blood.
Weirdly, neo-nazi/white-supremacism is pretty big in Russia, which is very odd considering how many millions of slavs like-minded Germans were happy to mow down. It’s a shame anyway.
“African students keep hearing that Russia has some top-notch education to export, but when they go over to buy some.. they get knifed on site, …”
Who do you keep hearing it from?
The videos of the skinheads on their pack-hunts are all over youtube. Look, I wouldn’t be surprised if the white supremacism so prevailant in Russia has its roots in the same place as the people waving Wulfsangles in Ukraine, backing groups with such thinking would have been an obvious play to those outside Russia working against the former communist regime… just like with Banderites in the 50’s etc. But the fact is this stuff is well established in Russia now, thousands of young men wander the streets carrying knives and knuckle-dusters looking for blacks and Asians and gypsies to attack.
African students and immigrant workers should avoid Russia, they hate us there and their education industry isn’t worth the trouble. If you want to sell your labour in an advanced nation to send money back to your family in whatever WTO/WB/IMF/CIA/NATO-ravaged home-economy you originate from… just choose somewhere less cold and knifey.
I appreciate Russia, I’d love to visit… but these are the facts.
It’s not the matter of skin color. No working-class person really appreciates any foreigners coming over and undermining the job market positions of local people. Just ask Polish people how welcome they feel in Britain, or Turkish people in Germany, or Gypsy people in France.
The real disaster of African immigrants in “white” countries is that their “foreigner-ness” is immediately visible. People see you and they immediately suspect you came over to do their job for 1/2 of their pay, because that’s what dark-skinned people usually do. Even you yourself mention wanting to sell your labor, don’t you? Thing is, when you succeed in selling your labor, it means some local person misses their chance to sell their labor. Which makes them angry, quite naturally, because they also have families to support, and you just helped to make their life more miserable.
It’s not personal. These people don’t really perceive you as individuals, you’re just a “force of nature” for them, an external factor, something they can blame for low wages and rising unemployment. It’s a shame, since we’re all workers and we should stick together against the “elites”, but sadly, this is how it is.
So yes, you are somewhat likely to run into hostile people who will perceive you as a treat to their livelihood. Not just in Russia, but all over the Europe, in Australia, in the US, likely in Asia too. Russia is no worse than others when it comes to random violence; the chance of getting assaulted “for being a foreigner” is always there, in pretty much any country in the world. It’s an immigrant’s occupational risk, I guess.
Wow!! Patris Lumumba is spinning in his grave. There are plenty of black people in Russia, former students of many universities, some are on Russian TV quite often….
You’ve heard wrong.
I don’t care about sports, but apparently after certain Olympic games years ago in Russia, many black athletes and visitors either stayed or returned to live there permanently. I’ve seen with my own eyes chocolate-black girls speaking PERFECT Russian… which makes sense cause they were BORN there.
A friend of mine told me that with recent sanctions foreign bank cards stopped working in Crimea, so foreign (black) students have no means of getting to their money. What they do is travel by ferry to continental Russia to withdraw money from ATM, but they don’t all go – they send one guy to get everyone’s money. And guess what? He didn’t get knifed or robbed or anything.
My friend did yell at him cause he had 15 bank cards and was in line in front of her… and fleeced the ATM of all large bills, so she ended up with a bagfull of 100-ruble bills ;) But that’s what you get when you’re in line in front of a large Russian woman in a hurry ;)
There were neo-Nazi gangs attacking African students in the early 2000s. Based on the news reports, they were caught, prosecuted and jailed. I would not be surprised if those gangs were financed from abroad as they seemed too organized.
Currently, it is hard to find more anti-Nazi country than Russia. If they (skinheads) dare to show up anywhere, they would be immediately arrested by police at best or beaten up by locals at worst.
But yes, you have to make your own choice, if you are concerned about your safety, better stay at home.
Racist incidents have been on the decline in Russia. The issues you are speaking about occurred during the early 2000s when the country was in utter chaos. Nowadays, these attacks are isolated and happen in a case of “wrong place, wrong time”. If you keep your wits about you (as you should in any foreign city) and stick to safe places, you’ll be fine.
P.S. Having the media shape your perception is entirely wrong….am I to believe that all Londoners are at risk of decapitation because of the Lee Rigby murder a few years ago?
How about going on a commercial tour? I keep dreaming about those Viking river cruises, one of which stops in Moscow near the Kremlin. Someday I’ll have the money.
Oh, and every country has skinheads or the equivalent. Sad, but there it is. If you travel with a group the first time, especially mixed race, you are probably safer.
Where to start? I worked in Russia and Siberia for 6 years and have travelled almost every summer to Russia for holidays. I am married to a Russian national. I speak Russian. Since 2005, I avoided the airlines and went by road to Moscow and back to London, thus ensuring many interesting touring holidays in Eastern Europe. Apart from the odd horrendous queue at the Latvian Border to get in and out, it’s all been fine. When the volcano in Iceland grounded airplanes a few years back, I put my family on the train to Berlin and collected them by car. Some years, if I didn’t go I put them on plane somewhere else like Stockholm or Vienna, met them and had a holiday touring about. So I know a bit about this sort of thing.
The important stuff:
1 You only have 10 days, which isn’t really enough to see western Russia.
2 I am unsure of your driving experience and confidence. Have you driven abroad in developing countries? Have you worked abroad before in developing countries?
3 You can’t read or speak Russian. Do you speak any European Languages apart from English?
Suggestion:
Assuming 2 and 3 are both “no”, then I wouldn’t recommend hiring a car, as you will waste time getting to grips with things. I would also suggest NOT buying a package tour, but arranging the flights, hotels and trains by yourself. Anyone with a modicum of common sense and confidence can do it. There is an internet resource called http://www.waytorussia.net which is useful if not entirely accurate (it used to be very very good but went downhill in recent years) and a good travel site http://www.realrussia.co.uk. Fly into St Petersberg, spent a week there in a reasonable hotel, get the train to Moscow, spend a week in Moscow, fly out of Moscow back home. As to what you want to do in each City, you need to do your own research as everyone is different. Consider trying to hire a student as a guide for a day or so if language is an issue.
That’s it really – good Luck
Excellent advise!
How to hire a student? is there any reliable agency where one could be found in advance?
The hotel concierge will easily be able to help source anything from student guides to ladies who charge by the hour. I realise that there is an element of trust and risk but even if someone came “from an agency” that doesn’t fundamentally change the “risk” which in my opinion is likely to be very low. Hire someone for the day, get to know them, just do something touristy with them in a safe environment. Later, once the rapport is established, plan something more adventurous. Remember the students get money and language practice.
in the big cities you can ‘hire’ a translator and guide for a day or days. They will speak english and show you the sights and give you lots of advice, cultural and otherwise, they will also be able to say good places to go and maybe some not so good places for tourists to go. If you don’t speak Russian I think something like this would be great for a first time visit and you would feel at home very quickly. St Petersburg and especially the Hermitage/winter palace are exceptional. If in Moscow get yourself to the recently refurbished Bolshoi theatre for the worlds best ballet.
Just google tour guides in moscow/st petersburg etc sure you’ll find someone easily.
You will need to book well in advance for the main theater at the Bolshoi, and the prices are pretty steep, although that may have been somewhat mitigated by the falling ruble.
The Age of Pretence from the Archdruid John Micheal Greer.
The first of a new series on the decline of empire,culture and all things associated.
http://thearchdruidreport.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/the-era-of-pretense.html
Most on this blog will recognize the signs and symptoms.
Is this an open thread … or … an open call for new recruits to infest Mother Russia with CIA agents? … Or merely an innocent “honey-pot” to detect who isn’t loyal to Uncle Sam and Apple Pie and send him/her on an all-paid-for-by-taxpayers vacation closer by (to Guantanamo)? My, my…
After the pole shift, Langley will be irrelevant.
After a number of visits to Russia in recent years I can fully recommend a trip there. I have traveled several times in the Russian Far East and visited small villages and major cities. I have slept in small village dachas and dug fresh vegetables for supper, picked wild mushrooms and berries and drunk the finest of Samogon with the locals. I can also full recommend an evening in the Taiga cooking Shalik and drinking the local beers. Life is so different out there that I fell in love, not just with Russia, but with a local girl who I ended up marrying some years back.
Beware if you visit Russia, it is an enchanting country, full of culture, ethnic diversity and truly a most wonderful place to experience. I plan to live there when I retire.
So, some advice to would be travellers, a list of ten do’s and dont’s –
1) Research your trip well and learn the basics of Russky yazic (Russian Language). The three words you will need most are ‘please, thank you and excuse me’. Good manners go a long way in Russia.
2) Most important, always carry your documents at all times and register your visa as soon as possible on your arrival to Russia. Most hotels will undertake this for you, particularly in the bigger cities, but, if you are staying in private accommodation then things become more complicated. The landlord/owner of the property has to attend the FMS with you and act as your guarantor during your stay. I few extra Rubles or Dollars may persuade an otherwise reluctant landlord. You can also register in the offices of Russian Mail, (Российская Почта), either way be prepared for long queues and the exchange of Rubles. Loose you passport and migration documents at your peril. You could end up with administrative fines or at worst an unwanted extended stay at the border when you try to leave.
3) Men should always be prepared to give up seats to Babushkas on public transport, for that matter, to any female who may not be accompanied by a man. Traditional male values and chivalry are respected in the older Russian generations.
4) Be careful taking photos in sensitive places, transport hubs, military compounds, governmental buildings. Technically many of these places require a permit to take photos. As a photographer I learned this almost to my peril when taking photos as I crossed the Russian border into China. I was held for quite some time by the Russian side while documents were checked very thoroughly. Also I have been stopped on the tarmac at two of Moscow’s major airports for taking snaps of my plane. Just be warned, a high spec digital camera and telephoto lens will draw attention, use something more discrete if you have to;-)
5) Avoid tours unless you are just a city tourist. They can be very expensive but more so you will miss the delights of visiting the ‘Real Russia’. Buy train tickets, (you’ll need your documents that you always carry with you), and be prepared for long distances. 12-18 hours between destinations is not unusual. Forget all you knew about travelling in Europe, this is Russia we are talking about. A beautiful and wild country, specially so, once you are east of the Urals travelling Trans-Siberian.
6) A small flask of good Vodka often comes in useful when meeting new acquaintances when travelling, then you will soon see smiling Russians, trust me on this ;-)
7) Eat traditional Russian food, it is very good and mostly healthy. Besides, you will hard pressed to find much western food once you are away from the cities. Even without the current sanctions !
8) Carry enough cash for your needs, but discretely in small bills. Sometimes it is difficult to find Avtomat’s (Cash Machines) in the smaller settlements. You could be a hundred or more kilometers from the closest one, so be aware of this fact.
9) Take a small first aid kit with medicines that you know and trust. It can be difficult to buy paracetamol etc if you don’t speak good enough Russian. Medicines can also be extremely expensive or difficult to obtain away from the cities.
10) Finally, another health issue. Be aware that if you visit or plan to stay in rural areas, and the Russian Taiga (forests) and immense rivers are wonderful places to be, that TBE, Tick Borne Encephalitis, is endemic in Russia. I would advise the full course of vaccinations to be made some months prior to your visit if you go in summer months. Otherwise, dress appropriately in such wild areas. There are bears and tigers in them there woods you know!!!
So, based on my experience that is all I can advise about visiting Russia. Most of all enjoy your visit and please try to see some of ‘Real Russia’ and not just the major cities. I wish you a wonderful experience and if you are like me you may never want to leave the country.
Счастливого пути мои друзья.
I spent 3 lovely months in Russia during the summer of 2003. I went to see first hand
the land of my ancestors. My grandparents emigrated from Russia in 1908, you see…
Using the internet, I made friends with people across Russia, before I went.
Then I brushed up on my Russian.
I flew from Hong Kong to Moscow, first. After a week in Moscow, I went to St. Petersburg, where
friends organized a one room apt for me on Vasilevski Island.
Every night I studied another lesson in My conversational Russian course, and the following day I
practiced that lesson on the street with real people.
I saw a concert at the Magninski Theatre, art at the Hermitage, Pedrovorets, and other sights in and around St. Petersburg. My Russian friends helped me learn how to use the Metro, the Trains, and the Busses.
It was a wonderful time, capped by seeing Putin during a ceremony downtown.
Then I went off by train and bus to Volgograd, Kursk, Minerali Vodi, Saratov, Kazan, Ekaterinburg, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, and Irkutsk. I took the local trains, or local busses.
I had a wonderful time, and the further east I went, the better I liked both the people and the country.
So, go!
INDY
For me, this is so true … Real Russia is East of the Urals. Next stop Baikal then on to Kamchatka !!!
If an elderly non-wealthy citizen of one of the Five Eyes, while in Europe, wanted to leave the Empire permanently, not just to make a visit to Russia, how to do it? Apply for a tourist visa for the longest time then somehow change to permanent? Apply for asylum? Marry a Russian? I suppose the bureaucratic obstacles would be formidable.
Find a job in Russia (like teaching English language, consulting, etc) and work/live for a while. See if it’s what you want to do. You’ll have options to stay longer after a while.
I cannot wait to visit Russia!
My background includes Ukrainian (among others) and I have been around Russian-speakers for most of my life. However it was only until recently did I decide to start learning how to read, write and speak properly. I live in NYC and am in my upper 20’s so I can *hopefully* find people who aren’t too busy to speak with.
I’m game to visit anywhere in Russia. As I enjoy national parks, scenery, mountains/lakes/ and open space, what would be some good national/regional parks where I can do day hikes (up to ~15km) that are within 3-4 hours of Moscow/St. Petersburg? I wouldn’t mind taking a train/bus to a smaller city staying there and renting a car for a few days (Driving appears to be another adventure!)
Have a look:
http://englishrussia.com/
The above satellite map of Russia is dated, the superimposed country borders show Crimea as if it was outside Russian Federation… (The other map is incomplete, no Crimea there.)
WANTING TO TRAVEL TO RUSSIA:
1) my close friend Roman Yakovlev operates a travel agency out of Ryazan.
2) he has travelled the world and understands the needs of travellers, he knows Russia well and can make exceptional travel arrangements at very reasonable prices.
3) in sept/oct he accompanied me on an amazing trip across Russia. See here to read about it,
/to-russia-with-love/
4) his website can be found at,
Остров Сокровищ (Treasure Island)
http://www.ostrov62.ru
5) we will be putting more English information on the website soon. He can communicate in English fairly well as can a few of his pleasant staff members.
6) tell him Kolya sent you and you’ll be treated well :)
Not knowing much about Russia I don’t know how useful this site is, but it is at least interesting
http://understandrussia.com/grumpy-cat-russia/
YOu might want to check out
http://coursera.hse.ru/russians
The main focus of this course is to look at the interrelations between different types of contexts (cultural, institutional, professional, social, interpersonal and others) within the intercultural communication process using Russian – Western communication as an example.
There is also http://masterrussian.net/forum.php
another site on Russian culture and language (with much contradiction and variety). http://www.expat.ru/s_russian_mind.php There are quite a few of these on the web.
Possibly Americans are more bound by cultural ‘norms’ and conformity, while Russia is more diverse, with many cultures (and republics)?
Love that cat!
August the first I ‘ll start my trip to China on a Zundapp 50cc. The most effective machine for long distance ‘slow’ traveling.
Germany, Poland, Bela Rus, Russia, Kazakstan and China to Turpan citty.
Don’t expect a full out war before next spring.
Please visit Belarus. I think we all are curious about the atmosphere there. Is it really “the last dictatorship” in Europe with everything just like it used to be during Soviet times… or is the story a bit different?
How different are the Belorussians than Russians and Ukranians? How do they view the future?
Latest news from Cassad –
“Captured Russian military, captain of the 3rd brigade special troops of the armed forces of Russia Evgeny Erofeev and Sergeant Alexander Alexandrov, gave
evidence, as their team is fighting against Ukraine.
16.05.2015 about 14:30 in the district of Lugansk thermal power plant (the city of Happiness
Luhansk region) had been fighting between the battle group of the Department of counterintelligence of SBU (fulfills approved by the SBU leadership task in the area ATO) and the division of the 92nd separate mechanized brigade (in/HR V, town of Chuguev, Kharkov region, performs tasks for the protection of the station) with the intelligence detachment of special forces of the armed forces (up to 30 people).
During the fight, was wounded and taken prisoner by two Russian soldiers. From the Ukrainian side, the loss amounted to: 1 – killed (APU) and 1 wounded (vdcs SBU). As a result of interrogation by officers of the vdcs of these persons, it is established that they belong to the staff of the 3rd guards separate brigade of special purpose GRU GSH VS Russian Federation (the 3rd guards separate the Warsaw-Berlin red banner order of Suvorov III degree the special forces brigade/h, 21208, Togliatti, the brigade commander – guards Colonel Shchepin S. A.).
Detainees seized an AK (Russian production).
Now the detainees are held in a municipal hospital in Kramatorsk (Donetsk region). From the testimony of captain Erofeeva E. V. and Sergeant Alexandrov A. A., they arrived at the rebels controlled territory in March 2015 in the subdivision of his brigade and served combat reconnaissance and sabotage tasks against the ATO forces.
On may 16 they were tasked to reconnoitre the territory of Luhansk TPP, to ascertain the condition of its protection for subsequent capture by the divisions of fighters “LNR”. Additional facts confirming Russian citizenship of the detainees, in particular, their addresses living, learning and working (in the past), as well as information about close relatives who live in Russia.
The commander of the reconnaissance group captain Evgeny Erofeev
, V. (18.01.1985 D., born in Kuibyshev, Russia, Callsign “Dolphin”),
Senior intelligence officer, Sergeant of contract service Alexandrov
Alexander (07.01.1987 D., born in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia, Callsign “Alex”).”
Let me get this right! The SBU is expecting us to believe that the Russians would send “Russian” serving soldiers on a spy mission to northern Ukrainian occupied areas of Lugansk Oblast.Instead of using some of the thousands of native Lugansk soldiers that fight with the NAF.And who actually know the territory and people they would be traveling in.As well as would speak with the same local accent (or some of their hundreds of thousands of native Lugansk citizen supporters).If you believe that I have a nice new bridge in Brooklyn I’ll see you cheap.
Off topic – wrong thread.
I have checked Cassad site and there is no such report there.
Looks like another masochistic action by the Kiev Ministry of Truth and SBU, which is famous for shooting own feet :)
Apparently they were injured then kidnapped from their own guardpost, inside LPR territory.
translation from LPR official site
http://lug-info.com/news/one/kievskie-siloviki-zakhvatili-v-plen-na-territorii-lnr-dvukh-boitsov-narodnoi-militsii-3281
Two servicemen of the LPR people’s militia were captured by the Ukrainian forces, the head of the LPR people’s militia headquarters Sergey Kozlov told a briefing at the Lugansk Information Center today.
“Yesterday, on 16 May, at about 13.00, near the line of demarcation on the Seversky Donets River, east of Veseloye, an enemy covert ops group attacked an observation post of the LPR people’s militia. During the ensuing battle, Ukrainian soldiers wounded two of our servicemen, Yerofeyev Yevgeniy Vladimirovich and Alexandrov Alexander Anatolyevich, and took them captive. We assume that they’d torture them for further provocations. We don’t know what happened to them. The leadership of the Republic, together with the command of the LPR people’s militia, established a group to negotiate their exchange. Yerofeyev and Alexandrov voluntarily joined the LPR people’s militia a few months ago. In order to confirm our info, I brought extracts from the personal files of these guys (showing the journalists their enlistment contracts in the LPR people’s militia and their LPR military ID cards). I call on the OSCE monitoring mission to attend to this seizure of LPR people’s militia servicemen by the Kiev forces, which occurred on our territory.
You should certainly go! I promise you’ll have the best time ever! I work with lots of Americans who traveled to Russia recently (the last couple of months) and everybody comes back with the same conclusion – best trip ever!!! I recommend using Invisa company for getting your visa (3 year is the best deal). They have FB page. Learning language might tale too much time, so just hire an English speaking guide there. Pretty much everybody in Russia speaks very decent English and it’s not a problem. I’d say, start with St. Petersburg first as it’s more European and easier to navigate and understand and then Moscow. It can be too overwhelming to start with Moscow (too big and too much to see!). If 2 capitals are not enough, I’d go to Yaroslavl or other ancient Russian city with a lot of old charm (and unique architecture/history and natural beauty). Anyway, don’t hesitate! It’s safe, it’s cheap (exchange rate is still in favor of a dollar) and is totally fascinating! People are hospitable, helping, caring and warm. You’ll make lots of friends guaranteed! Udachi! Good luck!
Ahh, finaly.
Russia, is bigg, hehe, mindboggeling bigg and covers a lott.
I would rather chew russia over several tripps, and diversify it.
One tripp I want to do my self, since I have been there, outside Moscow and SpB.
Is the boat on Volga from Yaroslavl to the Caspian sea (takes a while, depends on the extent of the boat tour, and luxury as to your ability to pay for it), and then take the train to Crimea/krim, and you would see the senral area of the Russian mainland, from ancient times to the present.
I was numbed, I admitt it, no ofences intended Russians, but I like to drive my self, and I have done it in Russia, in the days of “god and vodka”, hehe, insane traffic, and I have driven in Moscow in the rush hour(s), hehe, I have never laughed so mutch in my entire life, the traffic was jammed to an enxtent I find unbelivable.
And the holes in the “asphalt”.
And women in mini skirts.
I dont know how I have survived this tripps, hehe, but its wurth it.
I hope that what shocked me, the apearance of Viborg was numbing, it looked as nothing was done to it since ww2., despite the lovely land surouding it, the city was horrific to behold.
Otherwise, Russian food is good, Cauchasian is my favorites, really new and unexpected resepies of quisine, and the Vodka, the beer I dont know, since our deliveres of pure piss, have bougth up Russian Beer makes as Balticas witch I realy liked when it was Russian, but this days I have no idea, it may have been watered out and cheeped into oblivion as the rape of Chekian beer, for years, and now they tase, muddwater.
If your a Fishing freak, ICE fishing is religion is Russia, hehe, everybody does it, and all the ways possible. Eastern North Russia is untutched land, and fishing, in Kola penninsual is beyound belife but sricktly regulated and I like their way of doing that, to preserv for the future and to make shure the diverstey is existing.
Thats it, and I never belivied Birtchsess could be that bigg, I grew up in a wrold where they where small, in Russia they grew up to the sky.
I was impressed.
peace
ALL: Thank you for the overwhelming response. I’m grateful for every suggestion and please keep them coming. You have my word that no posting names will get back to my CIA handlers.
I will definitely work on learning the cyrillic alphabet, Russian phrases, and becoming familiar with translation apps. Very good to know. A local guide for part of the trip seems like an excellent idea that I never would have thought of.
And it’s encouraging to hear that one can go off the range with some basic language skills, common sense, and if one doesn’t smile too much :-I The links, suggested readings and local stops between the large cities will all be studied – we have many months to prepare.
Overall, naive and innocent as I am, you’ve confirmed for me that this can be a fantastic trip if once prepares appropriately for it. Your responses are very much appreciated.
John
You are now committed to writing an article on how it all went for posting here later on!
You’re on!
You may not t have time, but try to read “Russia at War,” Alexander Werth’s majasterial account of the USSR and WWII. He was the only war correspondent to spend the entire war behind the Russian lines. You will learn about the courage and bravery of the USSR men and women and also some very special Generals, especially Chuikov.
If you’d like something a bit unusual and adventurous, why not go to Solovki (the massive monastery on those islands in the White Sea). It used to be a major religious, cultural and military centre in Russia’s far north. The singing is lovely, if you’re there on a holy day. It’s a great place for taking walks. I was also particularly impressed by the very long canal network that criss-crosses the island, built centuries ago. You’re sure to discover all sorts of wild animals and forgotten corners. If you can spare the room in your luggage, you can bring an inflatable kayak or two along (you can get the Intex K1 Challenger for $70 on Amazon, or $120 for the less-stable two-seater), and explore the canals at your leisure – one can easily spend a whole day doing that. They also give guided tours in motorboats, but it’s not as interesting. Inflatable kayaks can also let you explore St. Petersburg’s canals (to make them easier to transport when on land, you can bring a lightweight, foldable metal cart, like they sell at Walmart. When in the kayak, the cart will fit under the top front net). Important when using inflatable kayaks is to learn to get into them without getting the inside wet (you do it by taking off your dirty shoes and putting them under the net on the top front, soles facing up, and stepping into the kayak only in your clean socks).
If you’re in Moscow or St. Petersburg, you should visit at least one or two of the major art galleries/museums if you’re into that at all; Russian Romantic-era art is amazing. And attend at least one or two “high art” performances; ballets, musicals, dramas, etc.! Some friends went to Moscow recently and were amazed by the high artistic level of performances there (if you don’t speak Russian, you’ll want one with surtitles in English or with no words).
I don’t know what you’re interested in, so it’s hard to give tailored recommendations. As a musician, I would visit the Glinka Musical Instrument Museum in Moscow, and perhaps sign up for one of the boat tours with the Russian Horn Capella (if they’re still doing those…).
Just to whet your whistle for travelling to Russia…here are some photos taken on our trip last summer:
http://greencrowasthecrowflies.blogspot.ca/p/the-spirit-of-russia.html
We had a great trip. Went on a Viking Cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow. Visited some smaller cities in between. Our Viking guides were top notch…we got into all museums without waiting, etc. It was a comfortable way to see a lot in a short time. If I were a younger person, I would emigrate to Russia…that’s how much I loved the country. I dream about going back…but it likely will only be a dream.
I haven’t been back to Russia since 1985, when I was a student and spent a year in Voronezh… I have applied to work as a volunteer at the Football World Cup in 2018. I should hear soon whether they want me or not. Keep your fingers crossed for me!! I think the interview went well except for the part where they asked me to tell them all I knew about their preparations for the Football World Cup etc and I admitted I didn’t know any more than it was taking place in Russia in and then I went and said that football wasn’t my thing! But I am really hoping that this works out and I’ll get to see a bit of the Motherland then.
I think the questions can be addressed to somebody like me, as I’m Russian and I live in Moscow. And if I know when you are coming I can be there to give a helping hand. (Though from mid-June till September 1 I’m away – long teacher’s vacation) Anyway you can contact me using email sparling5@mail.ru
This thread is a great idea.
My name is Sophie, and I write a non-commercial advice blog about traveling to or living in Russia. I respond to all questions by email and post the best ones on the blog.
Ask anything at http://www.asksophie.ru :)
Here is a brand new web portal http://strana.ru/places for travelers.
It looks like it’s in Russian only. It gives you the list of regions, cities and towns, main attractions and maps.
See also :
http://russiatrek.org/
http://iconosquare.com/tag/travel_in_russia
http://www.travelrussia.net/
http://www.allrussiatours.com/
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowForum-g294459-i705-Russia.html
http://russianblogger.me/
http://www.russiantrains.com/en/page/orientation-in-russia
Russia Essential Travel Guide
Useful travel tips for your journey
We’ve made it easy to book your Russian rail tickets online, but that’s only part of the journey. Upon your arrival you will see plenty of signs in Russian, and meet people who often don’t speak English. Thus, finding your train station, platform and carriage may be difficult at times. But don’t worry! Russian Trains has prepared The Essential Travel Guide for Your First Orientation in Russia
Happy traveling!
Hi J. and hello from Russia.
Few tips for you:
1. Learn Cyrillic alphabet. If you be able to read “ресторан” as “restoran” you may guess its a restaurant, bingo!
2. Tourist infrastructure are pretty weak here. Even English translation in public places are not common, so back to p.1
3. Russia is all about people. Look at the great peacetraveler22 blog in LiveJournal, under “Russia” tag. Must read!
What a wonderful Post! I’ve gone through it once, but going to again and again until I hit all the links. Thanks to everyone who posted.
To those who think they can’t learn Russian, still give it a try. Hey, I’m 73 and am learning, so can you! If you have trouble learning the alphabet, here’s a few hints.
1. I used this web site: http://www.russianlessons.net/lessons/lesson1_main.php
I copied and pasted the Alphabet Table into a word document, then printed it off. Use imagination for remembering Russian letters. i.e., For me, to remember Ч (Ch) reminds me of a chair, П reminds me of a dog house so I remember P for pet, I remember И (short e) as in meeting someone and shaking hands. Whatever clue helps you.
2. Also I memorized 8 at a time always reviewing the first set, first and second set, etc after learning a new set.
3. Learning your numbers will help you with money in Russia. The web site I posted has audio files which are helpful.
Back to the Post – I have read so much about Russia I truly love the country and would love to spend time there. Someday I’m going to have to meet someone who can help me figure out some issues like I’m on Social Security (U.S.) so how would I be able to collect that if I lived in Russia? I wish there was a way I could put money in a Russian or Chinese bank.
It would be neat if I could find someone in my area who would be interested in living in Russia for the 3 year visa. That was sure good news someone posted.
Exciting Post. Thanks Saker and thanks again to all who have posted.
How’s the night life in Хатанга? :)
I absolutely agree with those who suggest learning the Cyrillic alphabet. It very much helps when travelling to Russia. Also learn to say hello, although difficult to pronounce but it seems a bit like hi, hey, hello, etc in English, various forms seem to be acceptable, goodbye (easier to pronounce) and thankyou (very easy to say). I’ve been to Russia four times now and have loved it every time I visit. The people have a very dry sense of humour. My partner and I have done a trans-Mongolian trip (via Regent Travel in the UK). This is on the trans-Siberian line but a dedicated tourist train. It rattles along at night and each day you stop off in a town/city and have a tour and lunch. This was a fantastic trip and included Lake Baikal, which is very beautiful. Waking up each morning and looking out at meadows full of flowers and forest was just beautiful. We’ve also been to Saint Petersburg independently, just booked a flight and a hotel. Walked around a lot as it is a very pretty city. We visited the artillery museum and of course the Hermitage. Allow 2 days for the Hermitage – you can book a special two day pass but only online. You can’t purchase it at the entrance. The Hermitage is very beautiful – a palace, museum and art gallery combined. Wear comfortable shoes! We also visited the Pushkin museum in St P, which is very good. Was in Moscow for this year’s Victory Day. Absolutely fantastic experience. Moscow is gorgeous at this time of year, with the trees coming back into bloom and everything looking fresh. The atmosphere was joyous. There is so much to do in Moscow you need to visit more than once. We saw the Cosmonautics Museum – fab and also Star City. Again, booked through Regent Travel in the UK (their Cosmonaut weekend trip). I have also been to Crimea (when it was in Ukraine). This, too, is a lovely part of the world and well worth visiting (ignore what the UK’s FCO says about it).
Yeeesss…, beloved Russia and Motherland…
But Russian media depict the tragic truth which asks to think more than deeply before any decision.
Russia has wonderful land and mature technology for NPPs,
All those not biased in those issues know the worst kind of green power is wind energy. Why Russia is going to develop the shit? Who will pay for it? Where is to build it? By whom and for whom?
Gas is clean, oil is necessary. Small dams on small rivers were demolished in the US to revive the beauty of the Nature. Why Russia wants to spoil the scenic landscapes?
Russia intends to increase number of green power plants 10-fold — Energy Ministry
http://tass.ru/en/economy/795935
Now I know, the existing power lines are so rusted they will crumble down soon and there’s no money to rebuild them. Some morons think they will find funds for green power. Yes, RF will rob expats and that will save the RF economy.
What a “wonderful” future for the Motherland. First let revive Russia, make the state sound then You may ask what prospective immigrants think and whether they would take the expected decisions.
Perhaps ‘off topic’ but definitely ‘on principle’ …
A small South African community needs signatures to help stop a proposed a rather dubious Australian mining company from mining on their lands.
It may be a long way south of the Ukraine, and a much smaller local issue. However, nonetheless, the same type of ‘evil’ stalking the Ukraine today also seeks to destroy a local African community, its peaceful way of life, and its preferred sustainable development path.
These words below from the petition could describe many places in the world where unwanted strangers seek to exploit local people. These local criminal thugs, under the paid influence of international vested interests seeking only a fast buck and quick exit once the loot is taken and the environment destroyed, are indeed the same type of fascist creatures taking over the Ukraine government and seeking to destroy its lands and culture through fracking and GMO agribusiness:
“MRC have partnered with a few individuals in the community. They are known as “the crooks of the village” and stand to benefit financially. They pretend to represent their community’s wishes and on May 3, assaulted community members with guns and machetes, leaving three injured. The crisis has reached a tipping-point.”
I’m hoping the Saker will allow his community network to become aware of this good cause through his site. If you are so inclined to support a good cause then please consider signing the petition at:
Link to petition
Some background can be found here: Link to background video
Thank you.
Russia is so big and varied, it’s hard to give travel advice because so much depends on your interests. I’m a gear-head, so my choice of destinations is motor races and airplane factories. In summer, the small towns have tractor races and dump-truck races. But the next guy might be a fine artist who’d prefer the museums of St.Petersburg. Or you may be into water sports and end up on the beaches of Sochi. I can usefully suggest that you make use of Google Earth to get a closeup view of any place you’re curious about. You can look at other people’s photos, or you can go the Street View and drive up and down the streets of your destination.
Never had a problem in Russia because I’m from Austria. But heard from other travelers that you may experience little nuisances if you are American.
Hotels and businesses are striving for a professional attitude, but the little man on the street is not. Make yourself an Aussie, and you will be fine.
Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about a clown named Obama who tells us every day on TV that Russia must be punished. He sows, you harvest.
Best regards
My wife and I booked a 12day river/canal cruise St. Pete to Moscow ’07 departing late Sept ’08.
( big discount booking so far ahead and visas no problem however do request extra days return date just in case).
The cruise included two full days each St. Pete and Moscow w/daily stops and day-tours en route.
But Russia/Georgia/ Ossetia blew up several weeks before trip so we were nervous knowing of USA meddling there. Yet we never experienced any sense of hostility from anyone.
Boat was an older German vessel but just completely refurbished. Rooms small but well done.
All breakfasts and dinners aboard included and food was excellent.There were several hundred passengers.
We docked at a major town each day then toured area in bus with excellent guides from ship.
Highlights for me: the Hermitage(Art!!), beyond sight of land on two huge lakes, watching shoreline countryside and small villages, locks between canals i counted over 150, excellent on board entertainment, Moscow subway and the Kremlin , plus CHURCHES everywhere even smallest towns. I wandered into one while tour group buying stuff at a huge bridge market (Yaroslavl). This beautiful church had ongoing baptisms and weddings in two side chapels. Main part of church filled –babushkas, street people, stunningly beautiful women, men in business suits, manual workers, all ages– praying and venerating icons. There was no liturgy just people praying in church on a Tuesday afternoon! Amazing–unlike USA or Western Europe with their empty cathedrals!
This tiny taste of Russia bestirred a strong desire to visit again tho am approaching age 80.
I hope this may be of help. I discovered that RT has a learn Russian section:
http://learnrussian.rt.com/alphabet/
Rgds,
Veritas
Great article.A lot of useful things.I also recommend online courses for learning Russian.The first lesson is free, the teacher is a native speaker, which is also not a little important.I recommend it
https://golearnrussian.com/