Way to Russia Talk Lounge

KuG · Just Starting Joined: 20 Apr 2006 Posts: 4

Hi

I'm a student (25) staying in Moscow for about 6 weeks. Anyone intrested in hanging out like a tourist in the weekends?
Or maybe even going out?

cheers,
Kurt

Ekaterina · Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2006 11:38 pm Post subject:

Hi Kurt,
I would go somewhere out of Moscow. I think about visiting Velikiy Novgorod or Kazan. They are not far and may be done within a weekend.

Xela · VIP Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 781 Location: Shanghai

Ekaterina,

Please bear in mind that Kurt means he wants somebody to go with, so might well be interpreting your words as an open invitation.. Wink

Ekaterina · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 1:15 am Post subject:

Xela, I really want to go somewhere on the weekend and don't mind to take someone along.

Xela · VIP Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 781 Location: Shanghai

But you don't know anything about this guy.. He could be a complete weirdo or something.

Are you really that trusting, Ekaterina?

Ekaterina · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 5:02 pm Post subject:

Xela, I trust people until they show me that I shouldn't trust them. This guy is a tourist and want to see some sights, it's enough for me to trust him.
When some visitors don't have a place to stay or can't afford to stay in a hotel I let them stay at my place and give them a key from the apartment. I had many guests from different countries and just two of them turned out to be not nice people. They were very rude and unthankful American and Canadian.
I travelled a lot around the world and met many people who trusted me and helped.
Don't you think that it is nicer to live if you trust people?
Notice that Kurt looks for fellow travellers on this forum so he also trusts people and doesn't mind to travel with someone he has never met before.

Entropy · WayToRussified Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 429

Xela · VIP Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 781 Location: Shanghai

Ekaterina,

I agree that it's nicer to live trusting people, but I also believe that in the real world you need to keep your wits about you.

Regarding handing your appartment keys over to complete strangers, I am truly surprised. Even more so if you are a woman like your name suggests. But then you probably have an instinct to help people out more than to trust them, which is a seperate matter. Trust comes into it, yes, but it isn't what defines your actions.

I notice what Kurt's position is, but at the same time, he is the one going over there as a tourist, and that is the leap of faith in itself right there.

It just surprises me, that's all..

Entropy · WayToRussified Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 429

Xela,

I have travelled to foriegn countries and have met people and been given the keys to their house. Most people are reasonable and respectful. In fact, the first people to treat to such kindness are still close friends today. I have come to regard such friends as my family that I have chosen.

While there is always risk in anything, there are also rewards. While you avail yourself to some risk, you hope that you have assessed the other person reasonably and go from there. There are no guarantees in life.

But there is only one life to live. So that dictates taking some risks to get the most out of life.

I think Ekaterina has a great spirit and great willingness to help others. That is to be commended and congratulated.

Entropy

Xela · VIP Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 781 Location: Shanghai

Entropy,

This is a conversation between Ekaterina and myself.

If I'd wanted your take on things I would have most probably asked you for it. Shhh

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 580

Entropy · WayToRussified Joined: 02 Mar 2006 Posts: 429

Kesha · Posted: Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:44 pm Post subject:

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6979

Yes Ekaterina has a great spirit, and although risks are taken and certainly I wouldn't do that more often than not, it can lead to some good times. I just wish you safety. But you are the native there and I am sure you can take care of your self...especially if you are a seasoned traveler. I have met girls though in other countries who have ran into major problems from travelers. Two years ago I met a girl in Costa Rica and we traveled together-shared a room and it was purely just as friends. But she read that I was ok. Actually I was more afraid of her. No but we had some good times. Best of luck to you, and to Kurt. Xela talks a lot of smack in all her posts-she thinks she owns these forums.

Xela · VIP Joined: 06 Jul 2005 Posts: 781 Location: Shanghai

Kesha,