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natulya
Just Starting
Joined: 24 Jan 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Australia
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 Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 3:50 pm Post subject: travelling to russia.. |
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Privet!
I have been planning to come to Russia for some time now, I have a Russian background really would like to come and experience what life is like over there.
So finally having decided travel dates dec09 - feb10, I am eagerly looking forward to making some definate plans even though it is still some time in the future.
I will be travelling with a few friends, all of of us are quite fluent in Russian, so I think getting around should not be a problem. The only thing we have decided on so far is New Years Eve celebrations in Moscow. Do you recommend doing this? Would the best option be going to Red Square? Or some other organised event in the city? Or perhaps there are better celebrations elsewhere? Any suggestions would be so helpful.
Also, do you think its better to stay in hotels/hostels or organise an apartment for the time we will be there? I see apartments seem to be a little bit more cost effective, but is it safe to be organising this all over the internet before I get there? I wouldnt want to book it all and turn up to know I dont have a place to stay. I presume accomodation around this time would be quite expensive as it would be a popular time to visit.
Ok, just one more question for now, alot of the tour companys that we have advertised here.. in Australia, only go to a few different places, there is not so much options for travel in Russia that we have access to as just say there is to other countries. Could anyone recommend a tour company thats based in Russia, that has a good reputation, and caters for younger travellers (21-30)??
Thankyou ahead for any advice anyone may be able to give me on these topics..
Natalie |
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danbrew
Just Starting
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2009 9:01 pm Post subject: |
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Having just did New Year's Eve in Red Square, I'll say that there are loads of other options that are better. I froze my ass off in Red Square for a few hours and the fireworks lasted for about five minutes. While it was a neat experience, it would have been better if I had been with friends and family and celebrating someplace nice and warm. There are loads of parties at the various bars around towns - many of the expat forums will have ideas on what to do. Visit expat.ru, thorntree, and others. Check the Moscow Times. Note that I asked the same type of questions you did a few months before my trip on all of the forums above and only really got responses a few days before New Years. Folks just don't plan these things out ten months in advance. More like a week.
Take a peek at my Red Square pictures here - http://danbrew.smugmug.com/gallery/6907558_qDgoi#441988105_PahVc.
If you're going to be there for a few months, definitely rent an apartment. I can't offer any specific advice, but I'm sure others here (and especially at the expat.ru site) will be able to offer concrete ideas. Again, this is something that you probably won't be able to do until shortly before your trip.
You'll need a business visa - which is not complicated to obtain. Since you will be there for three months, I don't think I'd bother with any complicated tours, you can easily do it on your own, especially since you speak Russian. Figure out what you want to do and then ask questions here and at other sites about how to best accomodate your requests. You certainly will not have any difficulties getting around Russia if you speak the language. I've been to Russia a handful of times and have never had any problem running around Moscow. I recently completed the Trans Siberian and had little challenges with my lack of Russian.
Sounds like you'll have a blast.
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qutikover
Just Starting
Joined: 16 Sep 2008
Posts: 3
Location: Australia
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| Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 5:10 pm Post subject: |
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Hey, Thanks so much for your reply! I appreciate you taking your time to respond to me. I've noticed sometimes your lucky to even get a response on here.
I was thinking there would be plently of options, I just wanted to get some advice before the others decide to go and book some horrible tour that all the travel agencies push you to do.
I definately will have a look at those sites you recommended. And your pics were fantastic. Transsiberian would be my ultimate trip, I was hoping to do it on this same trip however, I think it may be too cold for me haha Did you break your journey anywhere or was it pretty much train across country? Anyways, photos are great on NYE, I spent last year in New York and that was pretty cold for me standing there for hours waiting for the tiny ball to drop, but the atmosphere was amazing. definately don't regret doing it, but probably wouldn't go again. Not sure how I will handle the cold in Russia. Lots of clothes and plenty of vodka perhaps
Have you done the TS in warmer months? It looked decent in all the pictures you had. They really deter people from the rail trip as they say the conditions are horrible.
After reading so much about how they charge foreigners different prices to locals, I think I am going to be working on my accent haha I dont think we plan to stay in Moscow the whole time but definately I thought an apartment would be the way to go if it was a few weeks in each main city.
It looks like you had a really great time on your recent trip.. thanks for sharing your pictures with me!
Natalie |
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danbrew
Just Starting
Joined: 17 Mar 2010
Posts: 8
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| Posted: Sun Jan 25, 2009 11:59 pm Post subject: |
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Cold outside, inside the train was just fine. I did the journey non-stop - everyone told me not to do it, but I'm stubborn. I wouldn't do it non-stop again.
Simply being able to speak Russian will get you the "locals" price. While I'm not Russian, don't think I "look" Russian, and my Russian sucks, it was still surprising how many people chatted away with me in Russian. Most likely because I was by myself, and it was the winter time. I'd guess they don't see a bunch of tourists in the wintertime. I had a blast.
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dimis
Just Starting
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Mon Feb 09, 2009 12:10 pm Post subject: From Moscow/ Igor |
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Hi, Nataly. I know many interesting places and I can organize your support on my car. I also have a house behind city. In the evening of a barbecue. In the afternoon if will carry, we shall see as military pilots fly. Probably also it will be interesting to you to visit sacred places and to learn surprising histories about them. If want to lodge in гостиннице, I shall order places. Russia is very interesting country and I to you shall help to look at it from within.
Igor |
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dimis
Just Starting
Joined: 09 Feb 2009
Posts: 3
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Gustavo
Frequent Guest
Joined: 21 Sep 2008
Posts: 33
Location: Chile
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| Posted: Mon Feb 16, 2009 7:43 am Post subject: |
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Good luck with your travel!
I'm going in May-June 09 to Russia too. I bet it will be the best trip ever.
If I get any good tips, Ill share them here. |
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