I definitely went off the beaten track. Sure, mostly tourist in St Petersburg, but in Moscow I experienced all different kinds of areas (but never felt unsafe). I stayed in a "village" (by Russian standards, but a decent-sized town by UK standards ~70,000 population), which was awesome and incredibly safe. Sometimes when you see a Russian village it's like a step back in time, but they are safe, friendly communities and always excited to meet an English speaking foreigner (especially children, it's so sweet!). We stopped by Nizhny Novgorod and Suzdal, too. They are both tourist places, too, although not on Moscow or St Petersburg scale of course and a bit more for Russians. Suzdal was during the winter, so most of the tourists were Russians. The local alcohol was great. (A kind of honey beer, but there were other drinks too that we had.)
Wow, you've given me a total different view on Russia. Maybe it's worth a longer visit than just the tourist spots. Normally when i ask about it i get such comments as "Russia, you want to stay away from that place, very corrupt"... Be good to read more of your experience
Yeah, corrupt Russia used to be a problem for tourists (like you would need to pay some bribes to the police, not speak English when they were around), but that was maybe 20 years ago. These days, they just don't care (I guess it was bad for business). My uncle worked there for many years and loved it, found it the most friendly place he had ever been to. He once got arrested, but released without charge (they thought a bank note he had was fake, but it was proven to be legitimate). That was one incident in about ten years, so not bad going really.
Don't get too excited, he's a penguin. The rest of his experience is freezing on an iceberg with his fellow tuxedo wearers.
I guess people always have that view but i'm also guessing its people who have never been to russia. Hmm right i forgot but if he knows that happy feet then i'm down.
never bored in my life.we have some responsibilities, duties and obligations.so we are engaged in day today duties.in this time never feel in bore.
Hmm so every single day your busy? You've never thought to yourself that i'm bored what can i do?? Never had to wait for a report to come through or any kind of work until you can start again. Never have to wait around until something is done?