J. Ovey |
Jul 6th, 1998 02:20 PM |
Hi. Moscow and Petersburg are great places. I also went to Tver, between the two of them. I'm sure you will enjoy them. The best places in Petersburg are the Peter and Paul fortress, the Winter Palace, Hermitage, Isaac Cathedral, Nevskiy Prospect, the Nevskiy monastery and cemetreis where EVERY famous Russian composer and writer is buried, the subway system (esp. in Moscow) and then out of town the palaces at Pavlovsk and Pushkin. Don't miss the amber room! <BR>Even if you don't go to these places, just walk around and be astounded by fantastic architecture everywhere! The same goes for Moscow. Here go on the subway, see the Kremlin, Gum, Lenin, Gorkiy Park, Bolshoi Theater, Red Square, St Basil's, Arbat (shopping street), and the art galleries! <BR>Try to get to the theatre or opera. I went to the Mussorgsky theatre to see Barber of Seville - fantastic, and only for about $25 in the stalls. <BR>Russiansare fantastically, if not embarrasingly hospitable. Three things are holy to them: God, Russia and guests. <BR>You will be shocked by the contrast between rich and poor. Lots of old women with rags on selling 2 carrots, 1 kitten or a plastic carrier bag! Then rich folk in Mercedes with blacked out windows and mobile phones as far as the eye can see. <BR>Some tips: Take disinfectant. The toilets can be atrocious. Take bath slippers: veruca danger and hygiene. Even in large hotels. <BR>NEVER get into a taxi on the street. Always take one from the hotel and fix the fare in advance. <BR>You'll be okay walking around in Petersburg, and central Moscow is okay, although I found Petersburg safer from the atmosphere. <BR>Souvenirs: There are booths everywhere selling kitsch. But the crystal eggs are sometimes exquisite. If you've a guide, they'll probably take you to a shop where they get commission to supplement their measly salary. <BR>NEVER show off with money. Respect their humility, although the new rich flaunt their wealth in a disgusting manner. <BR>And if you get the chance, go to the sauna (banya). Great experience, where you'll meet the real soul of Russia. <BR>Corruption and crime is high, but that's hardly surprising given the ecomonic situation! Don't look like prey. If you're with Russian in the family, then you'll be okay. <BR>You can take in as much money as you want, but can now (officially) only pay in roubles. Change in the hotel or at a bank (I found Sperbank okay). You are NOT allowed to leave Russia with roubles. <BR>You will have to declare anything you buy (like a painting) so don't try to hide anything in your suitcase. The spot checks at the airport are thorough. <BR>Petersburg airport is fresher and a good deal nicer than Sheremetyevo in Moscow. Try to fly to there and take an overnight train to Moscow. How train travel should be. Leisurely with great kitsch deco. <BR>And have fun. Russia is a great place!
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