Way to Russia Talk Lounge

init6 · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 2:52 pm Post subject: (Back) In The USSR

Sorry it took me forever, but the only net access I have is via internet cafe right now, which sucks. There's a limited number of terminals in this one by my school and only a few seem to actually be able to connect to sites hosted outside of Russia...it's extremely flaky.

But everything's going well. I'm getting settled in, but I'm not real keen on the fact that right now I only know foreigners from my school. Sad

I've met a few Russians at the Boarhouse but because I don't have a phone number yet (I bought a phone yesterday, but I still can't buy a SIM because the school has my passport) I can't exactly load up on contact info.

I've talked to Vic twice, but an unfortunate event on said night led to the loss of my friend's very expensive phone (a Nokia Communicator). We were leaving in a cab and I asked the driver to stop at a bankomat. He complied and while I was getting my money the militsiya rolled up on us. We had done absolutely nothing wrong and they made my friend get out of the cab and go sit in the militsiya car! Somewhere during the process it appears the cop, a young but incredibly surly fellow, grabbed his phone and pocketed it. I still say he lost it at the Boarhouse, but he talked to the manager the next day and no one had seen it (though I doubt someone would have turned it in).

The cop(s) tried to make a big deal out of the fact that my probisk (dorm ID) had expired on 5 September, but our spravki were completely in order. The guy was a massive asshole and I finally just asked him, "Skolka?" and handed him 500 roubles because I was getting so pissed off at this blatant thievery. It was obvious this guy was nothing more than a common thief because my friend gave him a million Romanian lei, which is only 10 bucks, and the guy snatched it right out of his hand.

Far from souring me on Moscow, it just made me realize that I need to be more careful when I'm not with Russians at night (and I was drunk and forgot to do all the important stuff like show him the copies of my passport and take his name and badge number). Lessons seem to sink in best for me when they cost me money, so it's one I haven't forgotten.

VIC - Not sure if you tried to call me yesterday, but that's why no one answered. I'm not sure how to get in contact with you, but if I can figure out how to buy a taksofon card I will definitely call you. Worst case, I'll be in touch with everyone here in Moscow who wants to meet me after I get my passport back and can finally buy a SIM card.

So, I've had one bad experience, many good ones, but I'm ready to start hanging out with Russians instead of spending 16 hours per day with Americans from my school. Confused

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 580

So finally you arrived to Moscow.
Sorry for your troubles with the cops, I hope this didn't scare you too much. Anyway I remember that somebody from WTR advised you to keep 20 USD in your passport for such case, finally I think it was a good advise.
As for asking the Cop's name and badge number, well... when you are a lonesome foreigner who cannot speak russian (for now), better keep a low profile.

The same happened to me (troubles with corrupted cops) in Almaty, they caught me pissing on a tree in a very hidden dirty place (because no choice : no toilet) and had to pay 20 USD and apologise one thousand times for "not respecting the country".

Anyway, I hope you will enjoy your trip in Moscow despite of this bad experience.

Camrade · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 4:03 pm Post subject:

2init6

you had some adventures in Moscow =)))
wild city... and cops are bastards as usual

good luck

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1599

Once you get your cell phone, Case, it will be your most powerful weapon against the cops.

Whip out your cell phone, and keep repeating "I want to call the embassy", "I need a translator", and yes, do have the embassy number saved there, or better yet, a mobile number that can be reached direct to an embassy worker on or off duty.

Magic words, "Call embassy"....

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 676 Location: Moscow

Sorry you were sucked in by the ruse at D&M. It's happened to many an expat. That place is notorious for this particular scam, I know of many who have been conned in exactly the same way.

The Moscow militsia/hookers/gypsy cabs are all in cahoots in this little con which inevitably starts with a couple of tipsy expat guys needing a ride home from the *Whoarhouse* after the Metro has closed. Also beware of your passport and cell phone in there. Dont leave either in your coat pockets hanging on the back of a chair. They'll be gone too....

Don't feel bad. I can name a lot of people who have also learned these very same lessons the hard way. Just don't fall for the "turkey drop" neear Red Square. That one will cost you more.

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1071

Casey, go to Albion and talk to the expats there and they will tell you everything about the scams. They can tell you ways to save money, because goes quick in Moscow.

Avoid places like the Hungry Duck and Boar House until you can get around better and speak enough.

Remember you are nothing but human cash machine to many people there. Being drunk at a bar that is known for foreigners recruiting prostitutes gives the police more "moral" reason to "fine" you. People hate the police, but they are doing what they have to do "to earn" extra money. If they think you have money and you are going to easy victim and you give them a moral reason, they will "fine" you.

tdk2fe · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 10:23 pm Post subject:

I'd imagine meeting russians that speak english in moscow wouldn't be too much of a chore. When I was there, there was another american who would want me to go out with him and party, which basically meant me trying to translate for him so he could get laid. Did it once, when it was just me and him, and it was a lot harder to get around (mostly because I don't speak fluently).

I always tried to have a russian friend with me at all times. I can't say how many times that I was stopped by police, or had encounters with nasty people on the street and a native russian friend saved my ass.

Also, not sure how long you plan on staying in Moscow, or where you plan on travelling in russia, but I would recommend at least trying to get to a city other than St. Pete or Moscow. You would be so surprised how different russia can be in smaller places, and amazed at how different the people are.

Anyway, good luck!

tdk2fe

cyndy22 · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:16 pm Post subject:

Hey Paul,
Welcome back! I guess the ban has been removed. Now behave yourself! Did you learn your lesson sonny? Wink

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

Now pay attention to why the rest of the world doesn't believe Russia is a democracy.

Vic · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:41 pm Post subject:

CASEY - I did try to call you as I promised around 15:00. I was beginning to get worried to why I could not reach you. I only checked the forums just now. My phone number is 8-916-923-9504 and my home phone number is 212-35-44. From a phone card it would probably only be able to reach the home number - someone will be home so please leave a contact number or anything when you call if I am not there.
Vic
P.S. Don't be discouraged about all this - my first days in the U.S. were not so pleasant either...just get through the first week and it is smooth sailing from there on!

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1599

Casey, PM me your number when you finally get one and hope we'll get in touch soon!

Vic · Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2005 11:47 pm Post subject:

cyndy22 · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 1:28 am Post subject:

Xela is right. But I think El Casey is yearning for Russian customs, culture, including law enforcement. He thinks his own country is shit but respects Russia. He is lucky militia accepted his drunken bribe. They could of instead put his ass in the jail in Moscow. Would that be a worthy story for a new aspiring journalist? El Casey you are so macho!

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

Yes, listen to the voice of reason, El Casey, especially the part about being macho. You're in corruptsville now, and its only going to get worse.

mr. barley · Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2005 6:33 am Post subject:

Maybe you should find a female friend to roam around with. My wife and I were in Moscow for 3 weeks and we went all over the place and never got a second look from the police. I think they figure a man and woman are a married couple and they don't bother them.