I haven't been keeping track of the value of the rouble vs the dollar, but when I checked today, it was 100R=$2.00.

I checked a couple of months ago, and at that time the exchange was 100R==$1.66. Has the rouble really fallen that much against the dollar, or am I missing something?

Your numbers indicate the ruble has <i>risen</i> not dropped.

2 months ago 1 ruble = 1.6¢, today 1 ruble = approx. 1.9¢

rubles are not hard currency are they - Russia pegs them to whatever value they like and is best for them. and the Russian economy I don't think has taken off the past few months to stregnthen the currency like on a free market float. Don't take nay rubles out of Russia as they are rather worthless outside of the country. right janis?

When it comes to numbers, I am really dim.

Yes, the ruble has risen...I am watching it too.
I paid for hotels a while ago because I was afraid they might
do something drastic to prop it up .( it was much higher last year)