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e
VIP
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 654
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 Posted: Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:17 am Post subject: |
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If she and her fam can guarantee and grant your saftey and security, then i'd so do it and would go. If she can't, then I wouldn't push her into it or make her feel obligated to (as Russians love to; that why I love them so much). The only problem you'd face is getting that visa approved and I don't know how you'd get around that.
Going to Sochi shouldn't really be a problem though. Try there. Its close enough to Stavropol. Maybe she and her family can meet you there. The weather and ambience in Sochi this time of year through September is great.
Talk to the user Vic. His family has a dacha down in Abkhazia so he's in the Caucaus a lot. He can tell you about the in and outs of that place and how a foreigner can hopefully get in and deal with it. Who knows, maybe you two can hook up and he can act as a guide?
SF is treating me nice for now and it has been most of my life, but the Bay Area is losing its charm and i'm making plans to move along elsewhere. Quite possibly to Russia for work and/or grad school.
Where abouts in Orange County are you from?
And don't sweat it if you get flamed by people in here by the very few women in here that disagree with your preferences. Part of it is personal (which I don't understand why they cant keep it to themselves), and part of it was because of one particular user in here a long time ago who pretty much turned this whole forum upside down with his "preferences" in Russian women and his "adventures" to Russia to find them. |
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caz
Frequent Guest
Joined: 18 Jul 2005
Posts: 17
Location: England
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| Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 6:59 pm Post subject: |
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| Elbrus is miles and miles away from Chechnya. Stavropol region is fairly near but I have stayed there several times and only had minor problems. As per usual in Russia, the police will tap you for some bribes, but you shouldn't encounter this too much in Elbrus. That area is absolutely gorgeous and I thoroughly recommend it. |
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e
VIP
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 654
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| Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:04 pm Post subject: |
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The Elbrus is in the Kabardino-Balkaria oblast and directly across from war-torn Abkhazia. Both have been declared by the Russian (and Georgian) government closed/restricted to foreigners and there are warnings by foreign governments the world over to their citizens not to go there. These warnings are not unfounded; All areas of the Russian caucausus and the upper northern Georgian provinces are extrememley dangerous to foreigners. Your chances of getting kidnapped and/or attacked are extremeley high.
This is extended to Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan, North Ossetia, Karachai-Cherkessia and to eastern and southern parts of Stavropol Krai that border Chechnya and Dagestan. |
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caz
Frequent Guest
Joined: 18 Jul 2005
Posts: 17
Location: England
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| Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 11:04 am Post subject: |
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e is quite correct in what he's saying, but then again these warnings apply to an awful lot of countries. Most people have a fear for this area, especially Muscovites, and it may be wise to go to Sochi, a very beautiful place (and expensive), it is the top choice of resort for Russians. Life on a beach can be fun! It all depends on what you wish to experience.
As for visas, the way I did it was to apply for the invitation for tourist visa, then go to the hotel in Min Vody and get myself stamped. when you apply you need to put down the cities you intened to visit, I put Stavropol region. If you go to any other town for more than 3 days you should get a new stamp, but again, this is rarely enforced and if you do get stopped be prepared to grease some palms. This area has quite a lot of checkpoints but they usually only stop you for bribes.
Is your girlfriend from this area, if she is her family will be able to advise you. I have taken my parents to this area, and we travelled from Min Vody to Elbrus to Krasnodar and to Sochi. My wife's family live in Min Vody and the surrounding area. As english, we were treated very well, and as long as you keep your wits about you and can speak a smattering of Russain youshopuld be fine. If I can be of any help, please pm/email me and my wife. You may want to check out some of the expat websites as quite a lot of Brits go to the Elbrus region in the winter for snowboarding and they may be able to offer advice. |
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e
VIP
Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 654
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| Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2005 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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I've always said that Sochi is the safest and closest you can get to and safely visit problem free. Its just east of Sochi thats the problem. My girlfriend's aunt used to live in Dagestan until she moved further and further west until she wound up at Sochi. Told us all sorts of horor stories. I also knew a North Ossetian who told me of all of the horror stories going on there not to mention was damn near impossible for her to visit even though she is a Russian citizen.
Yes, people give these warnings and the danger exists but it would be very dishonest and neblous not to take it and not to realise by that going there, you are putting yourself at great personal risk to yourself.
Its usually not until something bad happens to one of these snowboarders and tourists when people take these warnings seriously.   |
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caz
Frequent Guest
Joined: 18 Jul 2005
Posts: 17
Location: England
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2005 10:26 am Post subject: |
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| true |
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nzmike
Just Starting
Joined: 10 Aug 2006
Posts: 3
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| Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 5:04 am Post subject: |
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would pyatigorsk be included in this "forbidden" zone?, i would love to visit the city, have seen many marvelous photos and have heard its very pleasant and picturesque and even has a tourist industry, but perhaps these tourists are other Russians?.
any advice or information would be appreciated.
cheers,
mike |
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thva
Just Starting
Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 2
Location: Moscow
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:34 am Post subject: Elbrus region is safe |
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don't worry about all of the scary warnings people give here -
I go to the Elbrus region almost every summer, and it is entirely safe (aside from the same petty crime "rich" foreigners find in many places). In fact, there are loads of Russian soldiers around to keep their eyes on things, and I always felt quite safe there. While some parts of the Caucasus are not so safe, the Elbrus area is fine.
Also, don't worry about the ciites you list on the visa application. If you notice, the actual visa no longer lists them (hasn't for many years, since they started gluing them into the passport), so in fact the people here have no way to know what cities you listed back then. And you are perfectly legally allowed to travel all over Russia, with the exception of a small number of closed military cities that you wouldn't want to visit anyway. |
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jo-jo-7
Just Starting
Joined: 16 Mar 2010
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 4:06 am Post subject: |
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| e wrote: | I've always said that Sochi is the safest and closest you can get to and safely visit problem free. Its just east of Sochi thats the problem. My girlfriend's aunt used to live in Dagestan until she moved further and further west until she wound up at Sochi. Told us all sorts of horor stories. I also knew a North Ossetian who told me of all of the horror stories going on there not to mention was damn near impossible for her to visit even though she is a Russian citizen.
Yes, people give these warnings and the danger exists but it would be very dishonest and neblous not to take it and not to realise by that going there, you are putting yourself at great personal risk to yourself.
Its usually not until something bad happens to one of these snowboarders and tourists when people take these warnings seriously. |
Could you PM me and tell me those horror stories...I will be going to Russia next year alone...Do you have any do's and don'ts that you could tell me from experience?..... 
Thanks, jo jo 7 |
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Kesha
Talk Show Host
Joined: 26 Sep 2005
Posts: 258
Location: Terrapin Station
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 8:20 am Post subject: |
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| jo jo 7 wrote: | | e wrote: | I've always said that Sochi is the safest and closest you can get to and safely visit problem free. Its just east of Sochi thats the problem. My girlfriend's aunt used to live in Dagestan until she moved further and further west until she wound up at Sochi. Told us all sorts of horor stories. I also knew a North Ossetian who told me of all of the horror stories going on there not to mention was damn near impossible for her to visit even though she is a Russian citizen.
Yes, people give these warnings and the danger exists but it would be very dishonest and neblous not to take it and not to realise by that going there, you are putting yourself at great personal risk to yourself.
Its usually not until something bad happens to one of these snowboarders and tourists when people take these warnings seriously. |
Could you PM me and tell me those horror stories...I will be going to Russia next year alone...Do you have any do's and don'ts that you could tell me from experience?.....
Thanks, jo jo 7 |
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Where in Russia are you going? |
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jo-jo-7
Just Starting
Joined: 16 Mar 2010
Posts: 6
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| Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2006 1:27 pm Post subject: |
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| Kesha wrote: | | jo jo 7 wrote: | | e wrote: | I've always said that Sochi is the safest and closest you can get to and safely visit problem free. Its just east of Sochi thats the problem. My girlfriend's aunt used to live in Dagestan until she moved further and further west until she wound up at Sochi. Told us all sorts of horor stories. I also knew a North Ossetian who told me of all of the horror stories going on there not to mention was damn near impossible for her to visit even though she is a Russian citizen.
Yes, people give these warnings and the danger exists but it would be very dishonest and neblous not to take it and not to realise by that going there, you are putting yourself at great personal risk to yourself.
Its usually not until something bad happens to one of these snowboarders and tourists when people take these warnings seriously. |
Could you PM me and tell me those horror stories...I will be going to Russia next year alone...Do you have any do's and don'ts that you could tell me from experience?.....
Thanks, jo jo 7 |
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Where in Russia are you going? |
I am going to Moscow and maybe to St. Petersburg... |
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CTK
Frequent Guest
Joined: 23 Mar 2006
Posts: 38
Location: St.Petersburg and UK
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| Posted: Thu Jan 18, 2007 2:10 pm Post subject: |
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I am an Englishman and have been visiting Russia for 6 years, more recently living in St.Petersburg for 2 years. Once a month I visit the Min Vody and Pyatigorsk on business. I thoroughly enjoy the visits and never once have felt threatened, in fact quite the opposite. Because it is still quite rare to get foreign businessmen/tourists you are made most welcome and they love to ask a thousand questions about the western world. The scenery is stunning and people fantastic. Krasnador is also a great place to visit in particular in summer when the weather is great.
If anyone has any questions or maybe wants a drink when they visit these areas please write. |
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brenzas
Just Starting
Joined: 18 Apr 2007
Posts: 1
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| Posted: Wed Apr 18, 2007 9:05 am Post subject: Stavropol, 2007?? |
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| CTK wrote: | I am an Englishman and have been visiting Russia for 6 years, more recently living in St.Petersburg for 2 years. Once a month I visit the Min Vody and Pyatigorsk on business. I thoroughly enjoy the visits and never once have felt threatened, in fact quite the opposite. Because it is still quite rare to get foreign businessmen/tourists you are made most welcome and they love to ask a thousand questions about the western world. The scenery is stunning and people fantastic. Krasnador is also a great place to visit in particular in summer when the weather is great.
If anyone has any questions or maybe wants a drink when they visit these areas please write. |
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SOME TRAVEL THAT MY HUSBAND HAVE TO MAKE TO THE STAVROPOL REGION. CAN ANYONE TELL US A SOURCE FOR THE MOST RECENT CRIME STATISTICS SPECIFICALLY IN STAVROPOL OR STAVROPOL CITY? I KNOW THAT THE US STATE DEPT. WARNS AGAINST TRAVEL IN THIS AREA, BUT IS STAVROPOL/ STAVROPOL CITY LESS CRIME RIDDEN, PARTICULARLY AGAINST AMERICANS, THAN OTHER NORTH CAUCASUS REGIONS?? IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT SUCH A CLAIM? WE ARE MOST CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISK OF OUR BEING KIDNAPPED. OTHER CRIMES LIKE BEING ROBBED OR PICK-POCKETED ARE NOT A BIG CONCERN. WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE RISKS OF FOREIGN/LARGE CITY TRAVEL AND LIVING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP WITH THIS ISSUE THAT IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OUR FAMILY. |
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RusskiCanadian23
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 27 Mar 2007
Posts: 1104
Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada/Ванкувер, Британская Колумбия, Канада
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| Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:18 am Post subject: Re: Stavropol, 2007?? |
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| brenzas wrote: |
I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT SOME TRAVEL THAT MY HUSBAND HAVE TO MAKE TO THE STAVROPOL REGION. CAN ANYONE TELL US A SOURCE FOR THE MOST RECENT CRIME STATISTICS SPECIFICALLY IN STAVROPOL OR STAVROPOL CITY? I KNOW THAT THE US STATE DEPT. WARNS AGAINST TRAVEL IN THIS AREA, BUT IS STAVROPOL/ STAVROPOL CITY LESS CRIME RIDDEN, PARTICULARLY AGAINST AMERICANS, THAN OTHER NORTH CAUCASUS REGIONS?? IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT SUCH A CLAIM? WE ARE MOST CONCERNED ABOUT THE RISK OF OUR BEING KIDNAPPED. OTHER CRIMES LIKE BEING ROBBED OR PICK-POCKETED ARE NOT A BIG CONCERN. WE ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE RISKS OF FOREIGN/LARGE CITY TRAVEL AND LIVING. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND HELP WITH THIS ISSUE THAT IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OUR FAMILY. |
Don't worry about a thing. There are 3 REGIMENTS (about 3000 men total) of Inner Forces standing guard between Stavropol and Chechnya. Plus a whole Army(about 20, 000 soldiers) of regular Armed Forces troops. Also even IN Chechnya, the war is pretty much over now that Ramzan Kadyrov is in power there. A lot of refugees are coming back to their homes. Life is starting to move on. Sure there are some gangs left up high in the mountains, but the SPETSNAZ is taking care of that as we speak. Plus all foreigners coming to any Russian city get special protection and attention that regular Russians don't. Esspeccially since skinhead attacks of the late 90s early 2000s. Now the government is taking extra care. |
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surfguy
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 13 Apr 2006
Posts: 6979
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| Posted: Fri Apr 20, 2007 12:40 am Post subject: |
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| that's good to know and yes we can all only hope that things get better there |
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