Way to Russia Talk Lounge

BeeMaya · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 12:03 am Post subject: Woman Traveling alone?

Is it generally safe for a "western" (well traveled) woman to travel alone on the Trans-Sib train?

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

There was a woman who posted here last spring or winter about her solo trip on the Trans-Siberian. Apparently Russian men gave her far more attention than she would have liked.

Unfortunately I am unable to find post. As I remember she was advised to go to the Train Car Lady (every Russian train car has such an attendant) voicing her concerns, possibly asking for a transfer of compartments. As I recall, I advised her to carry and wield a large mean umbrella. Russian men harbor great respect for long pointy umbrellas.

Russia is a macho culture. Expect some come-ons, carry an umbrella.

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 612 Location: Moscow

I just located this thread from the beleaguered Harriet last year. Read here:

http://www.waytorussia.net/TalkLounge/viewtopic.php?t=5760

danbrew · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 4:27 am Post subject:

While I'm sure that there are some instances where women are given a hard time (hence the Harriet thread), I've read literally hundreds of threads discussing travel on the Trans-Sib and this is the only instance I've ever heard of a woman feeling "enough is enough!"

I'm certainly not suggesting it doesn't happen, and as the last poster says, Russia is a bit of a macho culture.

I did meet a solo woman traveler last year on the train from Beijing to Hanoi who had just completed the Trans-Sib and we talked quite a bit about her experiences - I was curious if she had similar experiences and asked if she felt uncomfortable, whether people hit on her - or worse - and she said no. She explained that she simply kept her wits about her and acted the same way she would when in a strange city.

Smile

nikir · Posted: Mon Dec 31, 2007 5:11 am Post subject:

As someone who has traveled on trains in Russia rather extensively (albeit as a male) I have to say that I have never witnessed any harassment or misbehaviour, aside from a bit of high spirits.

The carriage attendants run a pretty tight ship, as well there is either militia or security on board.

Groping of some sort is virtually unavoidable at one time or another owing to the fairly cramped conditions and the jolting of the train. Russians are curious about their fellow passengers and will often try to strike up a conversation. this should not be taken as an attempt to hit on you at every opportunity.

Carry an umbrella by all means if it makes you feel more secure, but be wary about brandishing it every time someone smiles at you or says something that you do not understand. You'll get a very odd reputation among your fellow carriage inhabitants.

BeeMaya · Posted: Sun Jan 06, 2008 11:40 am Post subject: Woman on TYrans-sib - OP

Thank you everyone!

I am SOOO looking forward to this trip. I come from a fairly Macho culture (Israel) so I think I'll be fine.