"barcodex's new Russia Page" a Russia Travel Page by barcodex

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<p>[This wonderful picture above is courtesy of mr. Chernikov from Sergiyev Posad, also known as Zagorsk, I have found it on <a href="http://www.zagorsk.ru/" target="_blank">official site of the city, www.zagorsk.ru</a>. It shows a panorama of Sergiyev Posad in winter.] <font color="red">Most of pictures on this page are copyrighted by their respective authors, have a look at their sites as well, since they are great. If copyright is not mentioned, pictures are mine</font>.
<p>I am not a frequent visitor of Russia, and I have been in three cities only for a reasonably long time (at least a week) - Moscow, Sankt-Petersburg, and Vladimir. However, I have a lot of friends and relatives, including my mother's sister and her family, living in Russia, I am watching to Russian TV everyday, and so I could say I know something that could be told to other people (Don't forget, I am Russian myself after all)...
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There is no sense to describe political, economical and other realities - you will see everything with your own eyes when you will come to Russia, but I will just give you some tips.
<ul>
<li>Do not expect things to be done in the same way as in your country, regardless of where you come from. Russia is a great country, that resides both in Europe and Asia, but by its nature it is not Europe, and not Asia. This is something very different.
<li>Russians are very contradictive persons. They can be open and closed, kind and vicious, deadly pessimistic and hyperoptimistic at the same time. "Mysterious russian soul" - that's it!
<li>Russia is the place that could not be described as a whole. Visit Moscow, and then visit any small town 100 km away from it, and you will find two very different worlds!
<li>Russia is very multi-ethnic country. Many of nations were kind of "russianized" during the Soviet period, but most of them still have their national identity and preserved their culture. Even the name of Russia in Russian language is not so strictly tied with Russians. I mean that in Russian language word "Russian" is different for person of Russian natinality and for person who lives in Russia. Don't mix these things up when you go in Russia.
<li>Your travel will be much safer if you learn a bit of Russian language and take a phrasebook with you. Russians are not xenophonic, but they are generally weak in foreign languages. Situation is much more optimistic when people you will meet are young, but unfortunately, general level of knowledge of foreign language is worse that in European countries.
<li>Travelers with black colour of the skin! Russians are not racists, but black people are extremely rare in Russia, so you will be always a subject of gazing - everyone will stare at you. Do not be offended by that!
<li>Prepare to eat and drink much. All Slavic people has a tradition to feed their guests until they stop moving/talking/thinking. I would also recommend to insist that you don't drink alcohol at all, otherwise you will be drunk all the time when you're accompanied with Russians. however, do not refuse too much, because this will show no respect to your hosts. Of course, it's the rule with lots of exceptions, but be ready for everything!
<li>Do not think about Russia as an "Empire of Evil". As a matter of fact, Cold War is finished only for Russians. Most westeners still believe that Russians are monsters, and bears are walking along the street of cities, and so on... Things are completely different, do not be a prisoner of your own stereotypes!
<li>With the high probability visiting Russia will require visa! Only some countries from ex-USSR (e.g. Ukraine, Kazahstan) have agreement with Russia about easy boundary crossing - tourists from all other countries are asked to come with visas. However, there is no any problem with getting the visa. In most cases your travel agency will apply visa for you.
</ul>
More tips will appear below. <font color="red">Do not miss travelogues</font> - they have some useful information too!
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<b><A HREF="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.2217/article/181/10/" target="_blank">Money And Prices</A></b> - Short guide to money policy, exchange currency tips, brief overview of prices you would expect.

<b><A HREF="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.2217/article/181/11/" target="_blank">Taxis and public tra...</A></b> - what visitors should know about transportation in Russia.

<b><A HREF="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.2217/article/181/13/" target="_blank">Music Industry</A></b> - Short list of popular Russian singers and groups. Sorted by time of their appearance and style, provides links to official sites.

<b><A HREF="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.2217/article/181/16/" target="_blank">Famous Russians</A></b> - Short dossiers on famous Russian. list is being constantly updated.
<b><A HREF="http://www.virtualtourist.com/m/.2217/article/181/25/" target="_blank">Images of Tsar Russia</A></b> - Short introduction to the site with photos of Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii. You must visit this resource if you really have an interest in Russia!