"Yes Mom, there is toilet paper i ..." a Moscow Travel Page by heplion

I have beenhere since Februaruy 2002 and so far am loving it. The following are some of the interesting question and concerns expressed to me prior to leaving the US on my adventure...

1) Should you take toilet paper with you, I hear that they don't have enough and people need to stand in loooong lines to get it.
-While the standard Russian brands may not be as soft as the US counterparts, there is certainly no shortage of toilet paper here! In fact you can even get Cottenelle if you really want to spend the extra money!!

2) Are you going to come back with a Russian wife?
-Don't know Mom, only been here a month, the jury is still out! There seems to be a belief in the US that every women is looking to marry an American man so that she can leave Russia. I don't think this is true....
UPDATE: Well, it appears that yes, I am going to bring home a Russian wife, however she is trying to talk me into staying here in Russia....we'll see.......

3) Be careful of the vodka, you are going to come back an alcoholic!!
-Still haven't met a Russian that actually LIKES to drink vodka yet!

4) Don't drink the water!!
-OK, I'll give you this one, it does taste pretty bad!! I'll go with the bottled!

5) Aren't you afraid of the Mafia??
-Dad, I am here as a volunteer, if the Mafia is coming after me for money, then they are poor enough NOT to be dangerous anyway!

6) And from my sister!! Is it true that the women only shower once a week and that they don't shave?
-um, well, I guess I really can't speak to the shaving, it is winter here and they are wearing pants, however I have been assured that they do indeed shave. As far as showering. Gees, this is just too goofy of a question to answer. They sell soap here, there are showers in the flats, and I haven't meant anyone that smells any worse than an American.

For some really great VT Moscow pages see:
Lalique
Anya_D