Have you ever been to Russia? What is your impression?

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beka0430

I've been to Russia twice in the past 9 years. It's a shame that I didn't really understand the concepts of Communism and Socialism before I went, because then things would have made more sense to me. Anyhow, you first should understand that the country, which is enormous, is still transitioning into a Democratic Capitalist society. Unfortunately, they are only about 15 years into the process, and there is a lot of holdover from the 70 years of communist/socialist rule. Innovation, creativity, and criticism were very much stifled during the 70 years, and so it is very hard for Russians to adapt to these concepts as "common". In America, people are praised for "thinking outside the box", and criticism is a right under our freedom of speech. It is very important to understand these ideas, because any conversation with a native Russian will likely bring up nuances that can be explained by this. Despite all of this, the Russian people are the most generous, humble, and hospitable people I have ever met. This is not to say that shop clerks or front desk people are friendly, because oftentimes, they are not! I am talking about interactions in the personal sense, not the business or economic or social realm. The richness of history in Russia permeates everything---art, architecture, music, etc. Just looking around at the buildings, particularly the churches, you can see this. America is an infant compared to Russia, and so you can see how our 400 years of history just don't compare to the thousands of years of history that comprise Russia. Modern conveniences are very different in Russia. Hot water is mostly non-existant during the summertime, and the "hole in the ground" toilets leave much to be desired. However, these are only trivial matters. If you are someone that expects to be pampered and treated to top-of-the-line treatment while traveling, then Russia is probably not for you (try a resort in the Caribbean). Russia is for visitors who want a more meaningful experience, who are willing to be open-minded, and treasure the interactions and the history of the country and its people.

pearlblackharley

been there done that like the country,most of its people which there is a large diversity of them in russia,i was engaged to a russian lady,oh well things happen especially where basayev is involved.
many things to do,see and always open places to spend time in moscow.
nightlife abounds,family life abounds eco surroundings are also to be found.im not sure about living there but had thought i would be nice at one time to spend a few years there.
there are all sorts in russia the same as the us.they are people like us also,and thoughts and wants the same as we have,so i feel to fellow humans that i have made that they can be better friends than many you can find in the us also,just depends the sort you meet.
i like russia, and they have even opened a harley shop in moscow.

paris

I was many times and I spent there a lot of days.I visited the former Soviet Union,meaning Russia and all the ex-soviet countries.That's very,very interesting,but if you really want to enjoy your trip,you must learn something,just something,about their great history,great culture(music,literature)and maybe,just maybe,you will understand and like(or love)all that you can see in Russia.

Stars

RUSSIAN IS A GREAT COUNTRY. ACTUALLY, I WAS BORN IN THERE AND THEN I CAME TO USA. SO, LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, I MISS IT A LOT. THE CITIES, PARKS, RESTAURANTS AND MALLS ARE GREAT! SOMETIMES, YOU CAN EVEN DISCOVER SOME THINGS IN THERE THAT YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW BEFORE YOU COME TO RUSSIA.

m1a1t1t12000

I spent a winter in St. Petersburg studying abroad. Russia is the most fascinating country in the world that I have seen. However it is very different from what we have in the states in terms of culture, and social norms. In St. Petersburg, non-white students get attacked at least once a week, being Mexican this was a big problem on the street, in clubs, with girls. If you are white, than you have it made. There is more originality in one Russian city than the US has entire. Times are tough in Russia right now, and people don't have the support of the communist system, and are still brutally transitioning to their "democracy" which is extremely corrupt. Russia is a land of extrems. The hospitality is second to none once in someone's apartment, but on the street they are probably the coldest people around. Wear your wallet around your neck and learn the alphabet at least before you go. Russian is no Spanish or German, it takes a long time to get it. But you will see a country that is so complex Winston Churchill said it was "A riddle trapped in an enigma." It will blow your mind. Go for 6 weeks the first time, and then a semester the second, enroll in a language program under the government university. Their education makes ours look like kindergartten.

Trixter

I haven't been to Russia but I have 2 Russian girlfriends... I would try if I have the time.

Marina

I am Russian, but unfortunately I don't live there at the moment. I went last time a few years ago, it is my home country and it is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! In Moscow, the red square is very impressive, the Churches and cathedrals. In St Petersberg the 'white nights' are very nice to watch. Siberia is also the most beautiful place, if you go along the trans-Siberian railway you'll see. The people are often very busy, rushing to work, but the women are all like models! I'm so proud to be Russian!
Definitely I want to go and live there as soon as possible, and hope to do that when I finish uni.

chefspicey

ive been twice for a month each time, st pete and moscow..... was interesting, had a nice time..... wouldnt want to live there, was an experience

slipmonk

well i have never been to russia but when i was on holiday somewhere else a huge group of russians were at the hotel and they were the most DISGUSTING people i have ever met. i am not being rascist whatever i know NOT ALL are like that but listen: at breakfast they would push little children out of the way and snatch food, piling their plates high so there was none left for anyopne else and it all went to waste because they were so greedy! and they wore ridiculous frilly floral costumes everyday they were outrageous and they would shout abuse in russian at anyone who tried to tell them that they had to join a line for pancakes. they were FOUL GREEDY INCONSIDERATE SPOILED DEMANDING RUDE SELFISH AND HAD BAD TASTE!!!!!!

armyguy0207

yes, I am stationed in germany. i met my wife and she is russian. she took me there last summer. depending on where you go, it can be a real great experience, but no matter what, do not sit there and brag about being american and watch your wallet

Jerry B

I visited the Ukraine and the people there were very humble and appreciative. They are aggressive but I would not say they are rude. Many cultures are used to having less personal space than Americans are used to.

Flippy

I was in Russia! It was impressive!!!People soo friendly and speak English. It is a very big country.I want to learn more about Russia. I know that Russian people first people in the space, russian invented TV.So, if somebody tells you that Russia or Ukraine bad countries- don't listen to them!

russsiagirl

yes ,actually i live there oh i love it! I MEAN THE SHOPPING IS BETTER IN THE US but it is nice!

just_any

I am from Moscow myself and have actually traveled around Russia a lot. So where to go and what kind of impressions you can get there depends on how much comfort and safety means to you. It is indeed an interesting and i guess somewhat exotic country for you to see, but remember that there's not much service and 'civilized' accommodations to find outside the capital and a couple of other big cities. The number of english speaking people is quite low comparing to western european countries, so traveling on your own might not be very easy unless you know russian:). What's good about Russia is that it's very unique in its location, history and culture, so if you plan your trip carefully you won't be disappointed. Good luck!

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