Way to Russia Talk Lounge

YellowMelon · Frequent Guest Joined: 28 Nov 2008 Posts: 64

Hello.

I have always wanted to do a trip with the Trans-Sib all the way to Beijing. And the recent movie "Transsiberian" - despite the discouraging events of the movie - made me even more inspired to do it one day. But...

just what happens if you during the "razzias" / customs checks get caught with drugs etc that were found hidden in your bags? How exactly do you get out of the situation unable to speak Russian / Chinese?

And are the provodniks / provodnitsas generally as harsh as they seemed to be in the movie? I'm not quite sure if the attendant character as featured in the movie is nothing but a stereotype or something that has been based on experience? Do they even know English? And... I read somewhere that sucking up to them benefits you in many ways, is this true? And how does a westerner (I'm female, from Sweden) do it right?

Oh, and... thanks for a great website. Smile

nikir · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:42 am Post subject:

You have to remember that this movie is fictional and American. Hollywood historically has a unique view on most things Russian.

I just read the synopsis of it here http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0800241/synopsis.

Here are my comment based on experience.

There is no specific Trans Siberian Express, there are a lot of trains plying that route with varying degrees of comfort and speed. While I would stop well short of calling any of them opulent or luxurious, I would call all of them functional and efficient.

To answer the questions you raise.

If you are caught with illegal drugs you will most likely be in deep shit, irrespective of the language you speak.

The train staff are human beings and as such display all the varying personality traits of the species. Don't make the mistake of applying a single label to them all. Generally they do not speak English, if you strike a younger student type the chances of them speaking English are greater. Treat them with respect and courtesy and they will usually reciprocate, no need to suck up.

Read the section on this website dedicated to the Trans Siberian and go with an open mind and you will have a positive experience.