Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Paul Holmes · Lounge Wizard Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1011

I read lots about the concerns about travelling to Russian. I am curious what is people biggest concerns and what would eleviate these concerns?
Stuff like not knowing the language, police, bureaucracy, food, drink too much vodka and getting married to Winston Wu, transportation, or dropping the soap in an all male banya?

What kinda services would like to have to make the journey a better stay?
For instance, I would like to order tickets online so I can watch a live sporting event. The same thing can be said about Theatre tickets and Museum.

5_Zvehzda · Moderator Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 347 Location: Arizona

Hi Paul,

You've visited Russia before many of us in this forum. But after my first journey to Russia in October of '05, and based on my travel experiences there - the best info I can give, truthfully, is only regarding the language barrier. My advice to any traveller . . . learn as much as you possibly can about the Russian language. I've discussed this to some people I know personally, where I clearly explained to them, "Russia is not Germany, Holland or Scandinavia - where most people there can probably speak better english than your neighbours next door. It is Russia . . . different story."

Language comprehension and communicative ability, it's the only real concern . . . in my opinion.

Rick · Posted: Sat Jun 10, 2006 9:31 am Post subject:

Are you going to make a 'real' poll out of it, Paul? I was hoping I got to choose between dropping the soap in an all-male banya and getting married to Winston Wu.
My concerns would all be related to the language barrier. It makes it harder to get good prices for some services (taxi's for instance, i hate the idea of even speaking to a cab driver), send militia away and to get around easily.