Just returned from working for 2 months in Russia. Will be happy to answer questions. I traveled over much of European Russia.

Hi Ed. <BR>Have to do a report on Russia for college. Was hoping you could fill me in on some of problems and joys. What I have read: books and internet there are a lot of things to do but you need security. Several companies post what it cost to hire a guard. Is that really necessary? The prices for there cultural programs are a little high! $75 dollars per person to tour the Kremlin! The family of four after the air fare is in for a very large expense to see much of Russia from the information I have gather. Is it really that bad? These prices are in USD. Would really enjoy hearing from someone who has been there before that family takes off. <BR>Thanks for any information you could give me. <BR>Sid

Sid, <BR>If you'll book a Kremlin tour there in the States, it could be really that bad. But if you come to the Kremlin on your own and will buy the tickets it is much cheaper. For foreigners it's more expensive than for us but anyways I believe it's not more than $10 per person (and there could be some discounts for children or students, at least for us there are). To enter some of the cathedrals and museums in Kremlin you'll have to buy another tickets, but anyways I think it's pointless to try to see everything in one day. <BR>Certainly going there on your own will require a basic knowledge of Russian and may be a guide book. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip, <BR>Konstantin

I just cameback from St.Petersburg, and visited Moscow last summer. Prices for Foreigners are higher than for Russians but not that high. I think You got your info from travel agancy like: <BR>http://www.traveltorussia.com/cultprog.htm <BR>were they take you from your hotel and provide you with english speaking guide. <BR>I remember paying less than $10 for Kremlin. In St.Petersburg - Hermitage Museum I paid 250 rubles (28rubles=$1), and this agency offers same for $125 (and $75 for Kremlin). You really do not need an English speaking guide once in Museum just get a Travel Guide Book and Free Museum map in English at the Museum. As for Guards Crime etc. As a tourist I felt very save in St.Petersburg and Moscow. It maybe different for Business people esspecially when they are dealing with business that has connections to local mafia, or dealing with some serious cash. But local mafia has no interest with tourists, if anything tourist may get extra protection in better hotels. <BR>Tourists in Russia are given more respect than it is given to their own people, since tourists usually buy, were Russian may just look.

Peter, <BR>Thanks for the input. Sure makes me feel better. Travel guide had me going. <BR>Sid <BR>

Check this website http://www.kremlin.museum.ru/ <BR>The prices are in roubles, the exchange rate is now about 29 roubles for dollar. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip <BR>Konstantin

You want to learn more about Russia - go to all Russian Web Site <BR>Directory: www.ru. You want to see more than 400 museums <BR>in Russia go to: www.museum.ru. You want to read Russian jokes <BR>and anecdotes - go to: http://fomenco.ru/anec; www.anekdotov.net <BR>You want to read Russian news - go towww.polit.ru or : <BR>www.inopressa.ru <BR>Enjoy.

Hi, <BR>I have family/friends who will be posted in Georgia Russia shortly. Looking for travel information there- unsurprisingly, it does not seem to be listed anywhere. Did you happen to spend any time in that vicinity, or do you know anything about what to expect there? Thanks!

paisley: <BR> <BR>Georgia is not in Russia. It is a separate country. Georgia and Russia used to both be part of the Soviet Union, but have since split. I'm sure you may be able to find information on Georgia through the State Department WebSite www.state.gov. Or else, you may want to contact the Georgian Embassy in Washington DC. <BR> <BR>Good luck. <BR> <BR>By the way - it is often said that Georgian food was the best food in the (former) Soviet Union. I agree - your friends will be eating well! <BR> <BR>stephanie

Hi!<BR><BR>Georgia is very pretty and very different from Russia, but unfortunately- not safe.