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For those interested, I have toured a bit in Russia traveling from Moscow to Obninsk, back to Moscow and down to Rostov Oblast, all by train and met many very friendly and hospitable Russian citizens. They are always very welcome and friendly. Be warned though, you will often be invited to the homes of strangers to sit and eat with them and be peppered with many questions about your home country while enjoying their home cooked meals. They love a good joke so have some ready. If you're not sure of your Russian you can purchase an electronic translator to help you out. Russians love seeing how those things work and will gladly converse with you just to see how it's used.

For those interested, I have toured a bit in Russia traveling from Moscow to Obninsk, back to Moscow and down to Rostov Oblast, all by train and met many very friendly and hospitable Russian citizens. They are always very welcome and friendly. Be warned though, you will often be invited to the homes of strangers to sit and eat with them and be peppered with many questions about your home country while enjoying their home cooked meals. They love a good joke so have some ready. If you're not sure of your Russian you can purchase an electronic translator to help you out. Russians love seeing how those things work and will gladly converse with you just to see how it's used.

(post is archived)

he spoke of modernizing/upgrading hotels and the like in his latest speech for the tourists.

https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2018/04/26/get-a-jump-on-summer-how-to-rent-a-dacha-a61273

[–] 2 pts

Yes, that could be improved. Russia didn't really seem to be focused on tourism when I was there. In a way, that made the experience seem more genuine. I visited a friend who was staying in a cheap Moscow hotel that had seen better days. To me, the building itself looked like it used to be for very wealthy people but when I went to the faucet to wash my hands rusty water came out. So, my impression that hardly any people were using it was quite correct. Only way you get rust colored tap water is if the lines have been stagnant for a long period. It did seem to clear up after a bit. Another thing I noticed was in old official buildings in Southern Russia the walls were mostly painted white. You need to avoid brushing up against them because the white paint sheds a chalk like residue on your clothes.

The train I rode south on was old but well maintained. The pace is slow but it was interesting watching the scenery going by.

i would very much be interested in hearing some of your tales of your time in russia. just any old thing that comes to mind.

[–] 0 pt

Keyboard not working. I try. Theatre director put on play in my honor when met in street. Had joke on USA worship of almighty dollar included at ending, sort of jibe at my expense. Russian humor! I honored lead actor with rose as customer. Well played. Oh, Russian girl friend secretly fed me rat. Told me truth year later. I thought it was stale chicken.

[–] 0 pt

Rostov zoo was sad place. Poor animals.