Marc, Shain or anyone:<BR><BR>What are your thoughts on using ATMs in Moscow or STP? I have read different things, the most discouraging of which is on the U.S. State Dept web site. Is it advisable to carry a bit of cash? Or just use credit cards as much as possible? Thanks.

Carson, generally ATMs are a good way of getting cash. In Moscow and Petersburg, probably 1/2 the shops take credit cards--it's chancy (the better ones generally do). As for restaurants, only the more expensive do (many of the mid-priced ones which are quite interesting do not).<BR><BR>I always bring up cautions when discussing money in Russia--there have been of course currency crises--during my first trip in 1999 the ruble fell 20% in a few hours because of the bombing of Kosovo. There is always the potential for ATM network failure, so bring at least a few days' worth of money (in dollars)--it will not be a problem to find a currency exchange for many Russians keep their personal wealth in dollars.<BR><BR>L/J: It depends. If you are getting a private tour, then you can just tell the guide to do something else. Just because their itinery has a strict schedule doesn't mean you have to follow it. I had a guide during most of my Siberian trip last summer, who had a schedule in hand, but I was able to modify it both before and during the trip. Ask--and remember the alternate sources for guides that I gave to you<BR><BR>Shain, danke for the comment. Possible that our Olgas are the same, as she does freelance work for the hotels<BR><BR>Marc

LJ could you please tell me where that Russian class was in DC and what is the cost.<BR><BR>Anyone. Are there any tour companies that include Russia that you would recommend ie:Cosmos, Globus, Trafalgar etc. thank you

My wife and I went to St. Petersburg and Moscow as part of our RTW trip last May. We were not impressed much with Moscow other than Red Square and the Kremlin. You can easily do Moscow in 1 day. We loved St. Petersburg though. You could spend 2-3 days in the Hermitage alone. I would set aside 1 full day for the Hermitage. Definitely do the canal ride around the city. If possible Try to do a day trip out to Peterhof, you will not regret it one bit. We were there in mid-May and the weather was pleasant (light jacket maybe). Be prepared for lots of daylight in St. Petersburg. It did not get dark until 11PM for us. One thing we noticed was that no ne smiled in Moscow. More smiled in St. Petersburg.

Karen - I'll also send you an e-mail with this information: I'm looking at various Russian languages classes offered by the USDA Evening and Graduate School in SW DC. Call 202/314-3650 or 202/314-3320, and access at www.grad.usda.gov. The cost for a 30-hour course is about $259 plus textbook. Hope this helps. Ciao