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Xela
VIP
Joined: 06 Jul 2005
Posts: 781
Location: Shanghai
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 Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 9:45 pm Post subject: |
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Vitalsigns,
Like I say, if calling me Mrs Zemanova makes you happy, then please be my guest. I really can't help you on that one.
Incidentally, I know you are right about Alice and Fauste; but always be suspicious of people who post a lot, then disappear.
Their cyber-presence never truly dies.
greg222,
I would just like to say:
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Shout English at the top of your lungs while drunk, carrying thousands of dollars worth of goods and traveling on a late-night prigorodnaya elektrichka if you want. I have, and had no trouble apart from a few disapproving looks.
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Thanks for representing our nation with such dignity.
Please tell me, why do you call us POME's again?
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Finally, in my experience, Chechens aren't especially tough. Twice I've had confrontations with them and both times nothing has come of it. But they do like to tell you that they're Chechen and expect you to be scared.
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Yes, pal, they were probably not Chechens, telling you they were and wanting you to fear and respect them because you looked like the only person around who might just do that.
If you met a real Chechen and confronted them, sport, you would know all about it. |
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Intourist
Talk Show Host
Joined: 21 Dec 2004
Posts: 245
Location: Moscow
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| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:04 pm Post subject: |
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| greg222 wrote: | | Shout English at the top of your lungs while drunk, carrying thousands of dollars worth of goods and traveling on a late-night prigorodnaya elektrichka if you want. I have, and had no trouble apart from a few disapproving looks |
Not to spoil the feel-good attitude in here, but I kinda hope this was tongue in cheek for a couple reasons. First, because it's dangerous in any city as a tourist. If I'm carrying a lot of money, I don't try to attract attention to myself by loudly speaking English anywhere, Moscow included.
Second, it's rude. One thing I think you'll see, Casey, is how some people regard Americans. It's not always positive. I can't tell you how many times I've met people who've had an impression that all Americans are loud, unobservant and uninterested guests here.
This may seem hackneyed, but you really are an ambassador of your culture here, and a little reservation and respect will go miles for you with the natives.
Regards,
Intourist |
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init6
WayToRussified
Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 363
Location: Москва, Россия
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| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:22 pm Post subject: |
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I certainly took it tongue-in-cheek but also found it hilarious! 
I don't think it's hackneyed, either. I consider myself an ambassador wherever I go and consider it a personal mission to make people I meet understand that we're not all "ugly Americans."  |
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MrSpice
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 14 Jul 2003
Posts: 3431
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| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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| I don't you will be stopped too often, less and less as time goes on as you lose your tan and aquire russian traits :) I don't think you will meet too many Chechens, cause citizens of Moscow fear than more than you do. |
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Paul-Holmes
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 12 Apr 2005
Posts: 1073
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| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 10:50 pm Post subject: |
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Last edited by Paul-Holmes on Mon Aug 22, 2005 12:17 am; edited 1 time in total |
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greg222
VIP
Joined: 15 Feb 2005
Posts: 599
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| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Yes, it was tongue-in-cheek. In actual fact I had to shout because I was talking on my mobile and I was only a little bit drunk. Just wanted to make the point that Moscow is nowhere near as dangerous as many people make it out to be. I feel far safer walking the streets or taking public transport at night here than I do at home. But I will be sure to watch out for one of those scary "real" Chechens. |
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Xela
VIP
Joined: 06 Jul 2005
Posts: 781
Location: Shanghai
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| Posted: Wed Aug 10, 2005 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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Greg222,
| Quote: | | But I will be sure to watch out for one of those scary "real" Chechens. |
You shouldn't.
It already seems like everyone's watching out for you. |
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Xela
VIP
Joined: 06 Jul 2005
Posts: 781
Location: Shanghai
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 12:15 am Post subject: |
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ps
Greg,
I'm very sure that was tongue in cheek..
Why don't you make your way down to Chechnya? |
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Anya
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 19 Feb 2004
Posts: 157
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 12:26 am Post subject: |
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Guys, lets start a new topic for dragging out skeletons out of the closet. Lets keep this thread for El Casey.
Gotta go now, the guys are waiting for me at the park. |
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cyndy22
Lounge Wizard
Joined: 15 Oct 2004
Posts: 1076
Location: massachusetts
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 1:06 am Post subject: |
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Anya,
Wish I could go to the park with you girl friend!
Anya's right, this thread is for El Casey! With all due respect he deserves an encouraging, positive send off. He is not an idiot or dumb assed American, though I do wish he would have a little more respect, at least to the memory of Rodney Dangerfield, a very wonderful but deceased American comedian!
AKA, We Americans may be perceived an unscrupulous, wealthy, hidden agenda capitalists, hope that Case will eventually come to understand this fallacy.
People are people. Chechens, Russians, Estonians, Americans, Canadians, French, Dutch, Asian, African, Austrailian, Chinese.....
We have more in common than differences. It is just a shame that the world is territorial and people act on animalistic instincts.
El casey, our prodigal son, I bless you and as they say-
every journey begins with a single step! Go for it!  XXXOOO |
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Xela
VIP
Joined: 06 Jul 2005
Posts: 781
Location: Shanghai
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 1:14 am Post subject: |
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Well said, Cyndy.
I agree, let's keep this thread open for Casey. |
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init6
WayToRussified
Joined: 01 Jun 2005
Posts: 363
Location: Москва, Россия
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:58 am Post subject: |
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And let's delete all of Xela's useless off-topic posts as well. Thanks again, guys, and Greg, while I'm only running on what I've read, I've heard plenty of touristy Americans talk about how safe Moscow was and how they never felt threatened. I like bars a lot but even when I'm pretty loaded I tend to be cool until someone provokes me.
Thanks again, guys. 
By the way, Rodney Dangerfield was one of the best ever. Yet another reason I'm leaving - I get no respect. |
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Anya
Lounge Lizard
Joined: 19 Feb 2004
Posts: 157
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 9:35 am Post subject: |
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you will get provoked now and then like everywhere else, but try to keep your cool! Remember you are still a guest in your host country. Yes there is no rule against yelling around (or even talking loudly) in English, but it is considered rude and you'll only fuel the sterotypical 'loud american' beliefs. 
I'll delete or split the topics later. Running late for a meeting (again!)... |
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greg222
VIP
Joined: 15 Feb 2005
Posts: 599
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 2:58 pm Post subject: |
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I've never noticed anyone particularly concerned when I speak English loudly - usually they are more interested than anything else and it's not uncommon that they will strike up a conversation with you.
At any rate, all I'm trying to say is not to worry too much about keeping a low profile. Most of the things people have told you about what you should and shouldn't do in Russia are probably nonsense. A great thing about Russians is that they're not as hung up on the petty rules and norms we tend to have in the West. So be yourself and make the most of the social freedom that Moscow offers. This is a party city - enjoy it.
And good luck. Four or five years here would be too long for me, personally. But then there are other countries I want to live in and other languages I want to learn. And you'll end up understanding this country better than I ever will. If you need anything and you can stand to be around an expat, feel free to get in touch. |
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Rick
Moderator
Joined: 04 May 2005
Posts: 854
Location: Касабланка
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| Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2005 4:33 pm Post subject: |
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Sorry to have to delete a whole bunch of off-topic posts here. Splitting them would prove messy.
Since it stared out as a thread dedicated to El Casey, let keep it that way. Other banter should take place in a new thread. |
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