Way to Russia Talk Lounge

start wearing purple

So, I'm reading the U.S. Consulate travel website (to ready myself for my impending move to Pietr) and their information for Russia is abysmal. The gist of it is:

1. obtaining a visa is impossible. if you're lucky enough to get a visa, it'll be stolen from you, along w/ your passport (follow this link to find information on obtaining replacements).

2. leaving the country without an exit visa is impossible and it's difficult to get an exit visa. if you try to leave the country after your visa expires, you will be held hostage until your sponsor intervenes. this will take forever and a day. good luck with that.

3. while in Russia, expect to be shat-upon regularly b/c you're an American citizen. they hate Americans. We (the consulate) can't do anything about this b/c the Russian Federation doesn't recognize our authority. sucks to be you.

4. expect everything you own to be stolen. do not trust leaving things at your hotel, dorm room or host family's home b/c they will steal and subsequently sell everything you have brought (i.e. pack light, so you can carry all your belongings everywhere you go).

5. Mobsters run everything. Even mobs of children will attack you - especially if you're an American. It's best not to make eye contact with anyone. No one is your friend (save us, here at the U.S. Consulate).

6. Have a great trip to the Russian Federation! Don't forget to register w/ the Embassy or Consulate upon your arrival (even though we can't do anything for you b/c Russia doesn't recognize anything we do b/c they hate Americans).

Oh! and p.s. - everyone in Russia has AIDS or is H.I.V. positive. just thought you'd like to know.

Love,
The U.S. Department of State

now... how are relations between our two countries supposed to get better with terrible information like that?! Ugh! someone, please console me and let me know (what I already do deep in my heart) that I'm going to have a sensational AIDS-theft-victimizing-free stay in Russia!

jo jo 7

start wearing purple

danbrew

Firstmate · Frequent Guest Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 27

It is more than a tad bit insulting to read your post. Yes, you should have some concerns, but your comments are so full of dermo (go look up the word) that your post hardly dignifies a repsonse.
As someone who has traveled to Russia many times, and always looks forward to return as often as possible, I find your comments laughable. Are you trying to be a stand up comedian? If so, you should find another profession.
That said:
Yes, the requirements to travel to and from Russia are a bit onerous, especially if you have not been there before. However, notwithstanding the fact that perhaps the US Consulate is overstating some of this information too much, me thinks that perhaps you are over thinking it all too much too.
Yes, there some valid reasons to heed some caution when you are in Russia, but no more, or no less than what is needed when travelling to any other large city in the world or the US.
Think ahead. Plan ahead. Enjoy Russia.
I for one, would be interested to read your post after you return to learn your impressions. but PALEEZZZZZZZZ, don't write such Dermo!

jo jo 7

Firstmate · Frequent Guest Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 27

I forgot to say:

You are gonna love Russia. You are gonna have a great time!
It is a wonderul country. You will be taken by the people the culture and the experience..
Just remember to get registered, and carry your documents at all times. I have been to Russia many times, In all those times, I have been stopped by the police for a document check 1 time. It was quite painless, they looked at my documents, handed them back, and said bye-bye.

Paul Holmes · VIP Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 958

dan brew wrote

start wearing purple · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:06 am Post subject:

honestly, the concerns for Russia were a lot more extreme than any other country I've planned to visit (with regard to that website). sorry the post was so offensive to you, but I merely meant to show how it came across to me and my friends.

obviously, common sense applies everywhere you go and threats to any tourist abound in every country (even - or possibly especially - the U.S.). it just seemed ridiculous to me how Russia was attacked as being so much worse than others I've consulted that website for (i.e. Australia, Brazil, Italy, France, India...) - especially with regard to Russian response to consular authority. anyway, again, you have my apologies.

gomer · WayToRussified Joined: 30 Mar 2007 Posts: 430

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 521

start wearing purple · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:19 am Post subject:

nikir · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:31 pm Post subject:

I also thought that the OP wrote in a lighthearted and somewhat entertaining style. Certainly nothing to get ones knickers in a knot over.

If anyone is that worried about personal safety when contemplating a trip to Russia, I would advise them to go to Hawaii if American or New Zealand if Australian. You can have an " overseas" experience without really leaving home.

Governments do have a duty of care to their citizens, however most are going overboard in the "era of rampant terrorism" .

Take note of responsible and balanced media reporting and take normal precautions just as you would at home.

I've survived a few trips to Russia, anyone can.

Firstmate · Frequent Guest Joined: 29 Oct 2004 Posts: 27

I suppose I was in a bad mood when I read Purples post yesterday.On further inspection, I can conclude it is for the most part tongue in cheek, and written in a light hearted manner. My apologies!

I suppose most of the sites for any of the US Federal Agencies,inclluding the US Consulate travel site, are a bit over the top.

Anyway Purple sorry to bust ya yesterday.
You are gonna have a great time in Russia.

Enjoy! Look forward to hear all about it.

start wearing purple · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:55 pm Post subject: