Way to Russia Talk Lounge

HomesoulUS · Frequent Guest Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 22

A friend of mine who is African-American want to visit Moscow on his Spring Break with his friends. I need any help available on how he can get his visa and travelling from Tallinn Estonia.

StephenB. · VIP Joined: 18 Aug 2007 Posts: 810

nikir · Posted: Wed Dec 19, 2007 3:03 am Post subject:

HomesoulUS · Frequent Guest Joined: 19 Dec 2007 Posts: 22

My African-American friend had informed me he is going to Moscow via the States? Would he get hasseled by the police? I know they treat Blacks badly and use excuses like not having your papers in order to get a higher bribe. What steps he take in avoiding such insidents?

BigFeat · Just Starting Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

I'll be heading to Russia in February for the first time. These issues never crossed my mind until I stumbled on this site.

Nevertheless, I'm not sure whether there are any African-American in the States that have not been hassled by cops or at least know someone that has experienced racial profiling.

Anywho, I wonder how many members/guests on this forum has elected Russia as their first international experience. I suppose it would seem like a daunting experience at first glance. I'm not sure how Russians would scrutinize African-Americans any more then any other cultures outside of the States. I have been fortunate to visit and live in a large number of cities around the world for the past few years. I have never felt any less safe in those places then walking the streets in my home town of Chicago. In fact, probably more safe.

I have gone through a local agency for my visa application. Probably the best choice as you can get some hands-on feedback should you have any questions. I never walk anywhere outside of the States without my papers/passport. I always prepare for the worst case scenarios. Maybe it's an innate habit that stems from my childhood. In the case of encountering an officer I imagine that it would be harder to argue your case when you are absent of proof. I can count a number of times where I felt like I was on the brink of an international incidence in the countries I've visited Very Happy

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By the way, what is V-day in St. Pete's like? That was my sole purpose for travelling to Russia in February. I can't imagine the cold will be any worse then what we're experiencing in Chicago.

BabsDC · Posted: Mon Feb 18, 2008 8:33 am Post subject:

[quote="RusskiCanadian23"][quote]I can recall somebody saying to me that french people were stuck-up and arrogant and I went to France and the french were sweet, friendly and very hospitable[/quote]

You should talk to this guy named wizzzzzzzz. He comes here every so often. You'll get the idea of what the French are all about. Me and him, we have plenty of problems with e.o. Because he IS an asshole. but, maybe it's just a French(him)-vs-Russian(me) thing... Maybe it doesn't apply to you... Maybe this goes waaaaaaaaay back, all the way to Napoleon's time... Laughing

[/quote]

Maybe so, LOL, but when I was in France, I mean I had my thoughts about what I'd heard, but I really didn't want to believe it until I saw it for myself. I thought they were just adorable, but I mean I went to England, Belgium, and Amsterdam and I really thought everybody was adorable. As for the smiling and waving thing, I read it on a website someplace that you should do that, but I mean hey there's nothing wrong with keeping to yourself but if somebody looks at me I always smile, maybe I'm just to friendly for my own good. LMAO

BigFeat · Just Starting Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

REPORT:

I'll make this relatively short. I traveled to Moscow by myself for 7 days. I had my own apartment right downtown. I was not pulled aside by the police once nor chastised by anyone. I believe it took four days before I saw anyone else of color. However, having traveled so much around te world all my life, I felt comfortable in my own skin. So despite all that has been said, some of the people were receptive to me even though I didn't know any Russian. Hope that helps someone.

BabsDC · Posted: Mon Feb 25, 2008 9:05 pm Post subject:

I've recently enrolled myself in a course learning to speak russian, and it's a little tough, but I'll get the hang of it eventually. I want to go to Moscow next summer hopefully and I'd llike to be able to communicate somewhat with the locals. I don't believe in going to another country without at least knowing how to say Hello, or thank you, but since I'm taking a russian language class, if i get to go to Moscow next summer, I'll be good to go, and then there's always the internet, lol.

BigFeat · Just Starting Joined: 15 Jan 2008 Posts: 6

Gelna · Just Starting Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 559

[quote="BabsDC"]

vox16 · WayToRussified Joined: 01 Jun 2006 Posts: 322

[quote="Gelna"]
pity to hear that u met just a few Russians who spoke engish in Moscow. Sure not everybody is able to carry out a philosophical conversation but at least to explain some easy things (like where to go or so).. i don't think that it's a big deal. [quote]
Those who can carry out some conversation tend not not bum around on the street especially on weekdays.

BabsDC · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 9:58 am Post subject:

[quote="Gelna"]

pity to hear that u met just a few Russians who spoke engish in Moscow. Sure not everybody is able to carry out a philosophical conversation but at least to explain some easy things (like where to go or so).. i don't think that it's a big deal.

anyway if some foreigner at least can say hello, thank u or good bye in Russian, believe me it makes really good impression n doesn't matter whether he\she is able to speak Russian or not because it automatically means that u respect people of this country, their language n culture[/quote]

I definitely agree with you there Gelna. I personally think if you actually take the time to try and learn simple greetings it shows that your genuinely interested in learning about another country and it's culture and it makes the citizens feel good. When I went to France not many knew any english, but I knew how to say Hello, Goodbye, Thank You, Thank You Very Much, Please and some other things most of the people I encountered were impressed with the effort and they said my pronounciation was really well,LOL. It's really just all about effort and being open-minded to new things. That's how I am when visiting other countries, just open-minded and ready to learn, the best thing to do is just not listen to what others say, just go there and find everything out for yourself. Besides learning a new language is always fun! Very Happy