Mark,<BR>I am happy to hear that the Russian economy is stabilizing and the ruble is making a comeback. Things were so desperate when I visited in 97 and 98. People had not been paid for months and thay had no heat at the institute I visited in November 97. So people were eager to accept any currency. <BR><BR> Also, I agree that it is proper for vendors in any country to round up if thay accept foreign currency, and if you take into account the exchange commission you pay at either end, it still may be cheaper to pay in US dollars.

My husband and I am planning to go to St. Petersburg and Moscow. We are explorers and would like to know if it is safe to do it on our own , and hire a guide when we get there? Is the last part of May or early June a good time to go, and any suggestions or tips will be greatly appreciated. How many days is the minimum, and have anyone been to see the Kirov and Bolshoi ballet? Where can I get tickets? If we go independently, how can we get visas , we are from Toronto, Canada, please help. Patricia

Hey Patricia...<BR><BR>Do a search on Russia and you will find many, many good posts related to Moscow and St. P in the last few weeks. There are a couple very knowledgeable posters that have responded to my inquiries and others. <BR><BR>I will also be there, probably from around mid-to-late May. So far, my preparations have included purchasing certain recommended guide books, learning the Cyrillic alphabet and attempting to learn some Russian phrases.<BR><BR>The visa thing has been covered pretty well here over the last few weeks.<BR><BR>Best of luck!<BR><BR>C.

Nancy, do a search on "Russia" and all such questions will be answered. I would say that it is getting late for hotel reservations in Petersburg for June--make them soon as the better establishments fill up by the end of March. <BR><BR><BR>May/June is a pleasant time to go, although (1) expect brief rain everyday and (2) the poplar(?) trees "shed" all month--it is scary to walk down the street and see these giant white "puffs" floating around like tumbleweeds.<BR><BR>You can see the schedule for the Kirov ballet at<BR><BR>www.mariinsky.ru<BR><BR>and the Bolshoi at<BR><BR>www.bolshoi.ru<BR><BR>I think the Kirov is the premier ballet company in Russia (and I know the Kirov opera is the premier opera company!). I have been to countless operas from the Kirov both in Russia and in the US (most recently "War and Peace" at the Met) and can assure you that you are in for a wonderful performance--Gergiev is probably the finest living conductor, and can stage the Russian operas and Wagner like no body else. <BR><BR>It is as safe as any Western city (at least in the center), although if you don't know Russian, or at least the Cyrillic alphabet navigating can be intimidating. I recommend two guides: Olga Stepanova in St Petersburg ([email protected]) and Felix Meltser of Patriachy Dom in Moscow: (www.russiatravel-pdtours.netfirms.com) Your money would be well spent on both those guides.<BR><BR>The Bolshoi has fallen on some hard times artistically in the last few years--hopefully the theatre's renovation will spark some renewed vigor into the company.<BR><BR>Also, see the comments above for information on Canadian citizen's visa applications. Further information available at<BR><BR>http://www.magma.ca/~rusemb/v-info-e.htm

Update to my message about documents from Russian Travel Group for Canadians.<BR><BR>It has been actually quite easy to get both documents from the travel agents. <BR><BR>I went back to the cruise line russian agent Arcture and to be on the safe side I also requested and received documents from Palladium. There has been some discussion about Palladium Tours but they will forward the documents for free and there has been no up front payments.<BR><BR>The biggest mistake I made was assuming that the American procedure would be the same for Canadians.<BR><BR>I've now sent off the application again and all being well will obtain our Russian Visa's