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Intourist
Talk Show Host
Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 245
Location: Moscow
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 Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 11:46 am Post subject: |
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| MrSpice wrote: | Intourist: As I said, Estonia is a much more developed nation than Russian and always was. It's a different culture. Even in the soviet times when everything was and looked the same in all cities in soviet union, once you crossed the border into estonia, you could see the difference. The streets were cleaner and everything worked better. I am not excusing russia's poor tourist facilities, I am just trying to explain why they are not up to the standard of some european countries. The "face" of russia that people see when they get to Moscow or St Petersburg is quite different from smaller cities and towns. It will take a while for Russia to become as trourist-friendly as even Estonia, if ever.
I personally think that one should concentrate on things that are timeless like beautiful buildings, architecture, bridges, views, etc. and on cultural things. That is what Russia is good for. If you don't care about this or if it makes no difference for you whether you see Neva river in St Petersburg or Danube in Vienna - no reason to go to Russia.
I am certain that Cyndy has not visited or seen many of the marvels of St Petersburg since she would not have enough time. I also think the fact that so many signs are in Russian and so few people speak and understand English makes it less inviting for many tourists. Since I speak the language and had no language barrier, it was easy and fun for me, but someone like cyndy could have a hard time. |
Spice,
I think you and I essentially agree. What you write is true. Estonia is indeed a different culture. But Russia's innate traits don't preclude it from attempting to do what other cultures have done. I just think it's defeatest to admit that Estonia is different, so we can't do what they did. There ARE examples (mostly far and few between) of places or sites that are hospitable. I still recall with great pleasure my first visit to the Pushkin Cafe restaurant: a fully Russian owned and operated Russian restaurant. The service was impeccable, distinguished and had a personal touch that ensured my continued patronage many years later.
What many fail to see is that the great treasures this country has to offer would be so much more enhanced by assuring the potential tourist of a hospitable journey.
And it shouldn't be that much of a stretch, either. I was first in Moscow when it was still the Soviet Union. Everywhere I went, the proverbial red carpet was rolled out. Host families, restaurants, hotels, and everything in between. I felt like royalty. It's something that's changed throughout the 90's unfortunately. Russians CAN be quite adept at ensuring that foreign guests enjoy their experience. Remember the St. Pete 300 anniversary ? When they essentially redefined the 'Potemkin Village' by putting up fences or walls to hide the uglier parts of the city ? If they want, Russians can made a foreigners experience quite pleasureable, but it's been sorely lacking in many areas the last 10 to 15 years.
Regards,
Intourist |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 5:28 pm Post subject: |
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I agree and have emailed the travel agent we used. I told him that we would of been better off had we stayed at one of the mini-hotels you refer too. I told him that I don't understand why he thinks Hotel Mosbva is so good when rooms are very small and service is bad. He told me that he knows that the reception people could care less for tourists! I guess he thinks it's good value but not in my opinion. So actually I have tried to encourage him to steer his clientele to the mini hotels rather than this soviet monstrosity! He did not appreciate this but thats ok.  |
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MrSpice
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 3431
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 6:44 pm Post subject: |
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| come on, Cyndy :) Do you really think the travel agent cares for your advice? That's why my favorite travel agents are Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. They don't care, but they are good. |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2005 7:13 pm Post subject: |
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Not only did he not care for my advice. He was offended.
I had thought since the guy is a Russian teacher in Boston area public schools and organizes trips for students, he would know more than EXPEDIA ETC, which I also normally use. It really wasn't the case. My advice for anyone who might have special needs for travel is to check things out yourself by telephone and email. Travel agents are not reliable. |
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MrSpice
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 3431
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