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How to look inconspicuous
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Post new topic   Reply to topic    Way to Russia Talk Lounge Forum Index -> Russian Contexts, Myths and Truths
Author Message
expatBrit
Just Starting


Joined: 21 Sep 2004
Posts: 7

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 7:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I generally wear a dark business suit, black shoes and if it is cold a black or camel coat ? I can't do much about a sparkle in my eyes, but do Russian men wear suits.

I think that Russians detect foreigners as I do. In England I always knew an American tourist from their sneakers and Levis. If I am seen as a visitor, I am not worried since that is exactly what I am.

I had never really thought about dress code or the worry of standing out- should I ? I wouldn't wear a Rolex, but feel comfortable in a neat appearance

Whether I stand out or not, I look forward to visiting St Petersburg
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AliceFromMoscow
WayToRussified


Joined: 10 Jul 2004
Posts: 411

PostPosted: Tue Sep 21, 2004 9:23 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

expatBrit wrote:
I generally wear a dark business suit, black shoes and if it is cold a black or camel coat ? I can't do much about a sparkle in my eyes, but do Russian men wear suits.

I think that Russians detect foreigners as I do. In England I always knew an American tourist from their sneakers and Levis. If I am seen as a visitor, I am not worried since that is exactly what I am.

I had never really thought about dress code or the worry of standing out- should I ? I wouldn't wear a Rolex, but feel comfortable in a neat appearance

Whether I stand out or not, I look forward to visiting St Petersburg

Russian men wear suits when they have to(for example for work).. and 99% of them don't like wearing them, and this is so sad, men in suits look so cool Very Happy
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windmoonstar
Frequent Guest


Joined: 09 Aug 2004
Posts: 14

PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 12:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

..

Last edited by windmoonstar on Wed Sep 21, 2005 12:50 pm; edited 1 time in total
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Atomcat
Lounge Lizard


Joined: 30 Jul 2004
Posts: 187

PostPosted: Wed Sep 22, 2004 3:39 am    Post subject: Maybe Reply with quote



Last edited by Atomcat on Fri Nov 05, 2004 4:45 am; edited 1 time in total
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supercat
Just Starting


Joined: 10 Oct 2004
Posts: 1
Location: Australia

PostPosted: Sun Oct 10, 2004 5:11 pm    Post subject: Shoes Reply with quote

I've just come back from a trip to Russia, and one thing I noticed that hasn't really been mentioned on this site is the types of shoes people wear. If you don't want to stand out as a foreigner, don't wear sneakers! I saw perhaps one person in 15-20 wearing sneakers (with the exception of teenage boys, who wear sneakers and baseball caps much more often). The majority of women wear high heel shoes or boots, and most men also wear leather shoes.
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Pavol
Just Starting


Joined: 03 Oct 2004
Posts: 6
Location: Pennsylvania

PostPosted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 8:35 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wish I had your problems, people. To be careful doesn't mean to be paranoid, and I think that's how most of you presented here. Wear what you want, do what you wish as long as it is not illegal, be yourself and use common sense. That should be just fine for you to be safe while enjoying your stay. Last time I checked, there was no war going on in Moscow....
If someone intends to rob a tourist, then they wait in front of hotel and pick people who leave it. The same goes to museums, certain restaurants, tourist attractions etc. It's not what you wear, it how stupid (and even plain unlucky) you are.... Ditto to any city in the world.
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tuller
Talk Show Host


Joined: 24 Oct 2004
Posts: 234

PostPosted: Thu Oct 28, 2004 5:09 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Good advice Pavel...everytime I go to Russia I wear jeans, reeboks, and my college cap...I'm usually totally ignored by the Russian people , but...my fiance and I don't visit the off the wall places nor the clubs nor are we out late at night.
Everyone in her apartment building knows me now and usually has a smile, hug or handshake when we come in contact with them, especially when I;ve been gone and have returned.
It seems every two months when I go for my regular visit I usually end up leaving my cap with a kid or a hubby there....maybe sometime I can tell you about the first time I introduced redman chewing tobacco to a couple of the hubbys in her building...it was a hoot lol

just my worthless 2 cents worth again

Tuller
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Rose
Just Starting


Joined: 03 Nov 2004
Posts: 8
Location: Geneva, Switzerland

PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 12:51 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can only blend in so far. Try avoiding brightly-coloured clothes and talking loudly in English [sounds obvious, but it helps!] My favourite trick is to carry a plastic carrier bag with a few things in it [almost every Russian on the street has one] and perhaps even a Russian newspaper [yes, even if you can't read it!] I speak Russian anyway, whih helps, but even if you don't, learn a few phrases, and if anyone bothers you, just use them. The chances are that no-one will, and should it happen, the greatest risk you face is that you will be stampeded by Russians wanting to help you out. They ae some of the most welcoming and hospitable people to visitors that I have ever met.
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Mogsfan
WayToRussified


Joined: 03 Nov 2004
Posts: 490

PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 6:54 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I wish I could visit Russia. I used to chat with some Russians online and ask them about their country and obtain as much knowledge as possible regarding relations with foreigners. I've lost touch with them and I find this site very informative in that regard.

I know this topic has probably been done to death but I am curious about foreigners' attempts to interact with Russians for language help. For almost every country, there are foreigners who attempt to obtain some sort of language exchange. So, what is the general consensus on this? I know it varies person-to-person but generally, is it doable to interest Russians (I guess I'm curious about those under 30 or at least under 40)? I guess that some want to learn English so they're very enthusisastic while others can't be bothered since they've been propositioned this idea a million times (and don't have the time).

Oh yeah, I forgot to add, if I could visit, I'd wear my black leather jacket and running shoes. Smile
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5_Zvehzda
Just Starting


Joined: 30 Mar 2010
Posts: 1

PostPosted: Thu Nov 04, 2004 11:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Mogsfan,

You've definitely come to a great site for keeping your interest peaked in Russia, and you should be able to make contact with some of the Russian users on this forum to exchange knowledge with the language.
Here is another link (below) which should help as well. It's a good place to visit which specifically deals with learning the language. It also has a good section for establishing Pen-pals in Russia to communicate with . . . Cool

http://www.masterrussian.net
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brandalpayne11
Talk Show Host


Joined: 09 Sep 2004
Posts: 245
Location: NC, US

PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 12:14 am    Post subject: ok Reply with quote

I checked out that web site & to me it was a very "elitest" site. If you had no knowledge of the Russian language like me you were lost. what is a good site if u are truly starting.
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AliceFromMoscow
WayToRussified


Joined: 10 Jul 2004
Posts: 411

PostPosted: Fri Nov 05, 2004 3:30 am    Post subject: Re: ok Reply with quote

brandalpayne11 wrote:
I checked out that web site & to me it was a very "elitest" site. If you had no knowledge of the Russian language like me you were lost. what is a good site if u are truly starting.

that forum has section "getting started with russian" that has useful information Wink
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brandalpayne11
Talk Show Host


Joined: 09 Sep 2004
Posts: 245
Location: NC, US

PostPosted: Mon Nov 08, 2004 6:07 pm    Post subject: thank u Reply with quote

Thank you Alice, apparently i overlooked that part. You were right it is helpful Very Happy
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bryanboy
Lounge Lizard


Joined: 30 Aug 2004
Posts: 90

PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 8:10 am    Post subject: Re: Shoes Reply with quote

supercat wrote:
I've just come back from a trip to Russia, and one thing I noticed that hasn't really been mentioned on this site is the types of shoes people wear. If you don't want to stand out as a foreigner, don't wear sneakers! I saw perhaps one person in 15-20 wearing sneakers (with the exception of teenage boys, who wear sneakers and baseball caps much more often). The majority of women wear high heel shoes or boots, and most men also wear leather shoes.


indeed.

russian guys also tend to like pointed-toe/triangular-toed shoes..
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AliceFromMoscow
WayToRussified


Joined: 10 Jul 2004
Posts: 411

PostPosted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 10:00 am    Post subject: Re: Shoes Reply with quote

bryanboy wrote:
indeed.

russian guys also tend to like pointed-toe/triangular-toed shoes..

those triangular shoes are so sick, the problem is that everywhere they sell mostly such type of shoes, damn.. i dont know how people can wear THAT Shocked
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