pauley
Just Starting
Joined: 14 Aug 2003
Posts: 3
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 Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 2:01 am Post subject: StPB Report (Condo's, Women, Food, Taxi, Horses...) |
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Hello Y'all... Just back from StPB...
Condo prices are rising faster than you can imagine. Yes "new condo complex's" are being built, but those of 1500 sq ft are going for $500K (yes a half-million dollars) and that's on a trolley line 10 miles outside the city! Yikes!
A *huge* issue is title. Russian condo's do NOT come with anything resembling "clear title" because there is no infrastructure to trace ownership back to some legally-defined start-point. Putin just came out with a decree stating "if you have paperwork, and you think you own it, then you own it". Whatever his intent, such a decree did not make me comfortable about handing over $300K cash.
Pushkin town is getting a reputation as a "desirable location" (seems a bit out of the way to me). Pushkin is a $20 taxi to StPB center. I must say it sounds neat to say you live "near Catharines Palace".
Ladies: Socially I saw two ladies in StPB, one a Ukranian "New Russian" which was a disaster by any standard, the other was with the most beautiful woman (native StPB lady) I have ever seen (LA/Hollywood included) who was the most incredible woman on the planet I swear (a "life altering experience" would be a fair description). So I guess I covered both ends of the spectrum.
Shit happens: I had a business that could be run internationally, but while I was in StPB the US Government changed the rules of the game (how stocks are traded, especially internationally) and I was instantly out of business. Rats. I was thinking I could do a year+ in StPB and had Sweet Marina on my mind...
Food: Sadko's (upscale/hip) on Nevsky (around the corner from the Hotel Europe) is awesome for $22 including tax/tip. A *vast* buffet all-u-can-eat, open noon-4pm as I recall. Note that the tax in StPB is a whopping 25% (20% VAT + 5% sales tax). "Idiot" restaurant (widely touted on this forum and elsewhere) was stinky and dank (we left due to the stench).
Horses: I really liked the girls on their horses who come out after work and ride around the Russia Museum area. I could get interested in this. For $18 for a half-hour you could rent the horse, which is well-trained and will walk around the circle in front of the museum (about 1/4 mile around).
Taxi: I really got into the habit of getting a taxi to take me (and friends) to the other side of town, then come back at a set time and pick us up (worked every time).
Ballet: No reserved seats at the Marinsky! In fact no "seats" in the conventional sense. Padded benches with backrest (very comfortable) and the worst seat is just 15 rows back from the stage (not a bad seat in the house). Get there an hour before the show and pick your spot. I went with a tour and so have no idea what a ticket cost. This is a "must-do" in StPB.
Palaces: Yes the Big Name Palaces are neat (and horribly crowded), but a $60 taxi out to the Peterhof ("Russian Versaille") is awesome (pay the $10 for your own guide). The cabbie waited for us (2 hours) then took us back and so $20/person for the ride --40 minutes each way-- was cheap. Also the Yusupov Palace right in the center of StPB is not to be missed (be sure to pick up your headset/recorder which tells a wonderful story at each stop).
Pulkovo: I've heard lots of horror stories about Russian airports. Defuse the issue by arriving/departing at such a time to beat the crowd. Pulkovo was a snap to get in/out. And the baggage came off the plane (Lufthansa; highly recommended) very quickly. Honest story: On arrival I was flirting with the 20-something uniform-clad agent... At the end of my paperwork check I saw the ends of her lips turn slightly upwards (not exactly a smile but hey I think this a real accomplishment).
Hotel: At the Grand Hotel Europe (5-star in Russia, 4-star anywhere else, $300/night tax included) the staff ladies (the beauties who run the desks, immaculately attired in blue short-skirt-suits and sexy heels) will respond to you in FRENCH when you offer pleasantries in English (i.e. "Good morning" gets a reply "Bonjour"). Note the breakfast buffet --included with your room cost-- has maybe 40 choices, uncountable delicacies, and cost $60 a la carte (but hey they did serve caviar --literally-- by the soup-bowl!!). Note that if you can get a StPB Russian to make your reservation for you (off season only) the rate drops to $200/night tax/breakfast included which is a deal.
Conclusion: Would I go back there? Depends...
NO if I were to be a tourist.
YES if I was looking for a neat, "way-different" city to spend a year.
YES YES YES I'LL BE ON THE NEXT PLANE OUT if Sweet Marina snaps her fingers.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
Pauley |
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