First trip to Moscow coming.. a little wary

[judnnc]

I'm ALMOST curious what shakespear is saying, but alas..

[This user is currently ignored.]

My guess however would be something about his very  special relationship with 'Ricky'.

 

[brave girl]

So brave girl, what's your opinion?  How long will this girl stay with the op in Moscow if she determines he's a cheapskate?

age??

Shes never asked for money and is knitting me a scarf so I will not be cold when I arrive.

village girl??   brave girl

[shakespear]

age??
village girl??   brave girl

From Togliatti, not sure of age.

[judnnc]

 

[judnnc]

I guess I should take on shakespears approach and have fun with this. Nothing says Friday night like trading insults with a 55 year old man. 

[Kunstkammer]

Actually best advice on getting around the cheapest in Moscow is to find a man or preferably a group of men, wearing scarves or hats with the word <Спартак> on them.  Спартак is the Muscovite word for "City Guide" but you must use the proper phrases for help:   "Зенит чампион" or if that doesn't work "Армейцы С Невы"  They will immediately help you with any problems you might be having.


OK just to be sure you realize, this post is in jest.

[shakespear]

I wrote to Ricky about judnnc complaining about his service on RWD and he responded below.  I've known Rick for over 10 years and I know he won't have a problem with me posting his reply. 

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Brad-
Thanks for letting me know this guy wasn't happy, but I can't understand why.  He kept bugging me with emails and questions; even though he had no intention of staying with us.  As a courtesy, I offered him a slight discount on a block of transfers he needed.  He and his lady arrive at DME - the airport furthest from the center - and he wanted a transfer for his lady from DME to their hotel, then pick the lady up at the hotel 7-8 hours later and bring to the airport to meet him, then back to the airport, and then from their hotel (far from the center) to the center for sightseeing the next day.  We offered to do all of that for $175.  Since he hasn't been able to find anyone to do it for a cheaper rate, how can any reasonable person find it expensive?  And get this - he wanted me to drive out to DME to do his transfer.
 
Some people just have this misguided idea that Russia is a poor country and everything must be cheap, when the reality (especially Moscow) is just the opposite.  He should have done a bit more homework beforehand.  He also wanted to know how to pick up girls, but that isn't my business.  I can offer some suggestions on places to go to, but since he already has a lady coming in and isn't staying in one of my flats and he is staying at a hotel that is far from anything to save money (nothing wrong with that today), I don't feel I need to go out of my way to help him just because you recommended me to him.
 
I do appreciate that you tried to help both him and I, but guys like this are far, far more headaches than I need.  I'm running a rather large company, so I'm not about to spend a day driving around the outskirts of Moscow to make $10 and give my opinions on how to sleep with Russian women.  Hopefully, he is the exception, not the rule, on this internet group you are on.
 
Best Regards,
 
Rick
www.moscow-star.com

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[boaterguy]

  SMACK! 

I wrote to Ricky about judnnc complaining about his service on RWD and he responded below.  I've known Rick for over 10 years and I know he won't have a problem with me posting his reply. 

= = = = = = = = = =
Brad-
Thanks for letting me know this guy wasn't happy, but I can't understand why.  He kept bugging me with emails and questions; even though he had no intention of staying with us.  As a courtesy, I offered him a slight discount on a block of transfers he needed.  He and his lady arrive at DME - the airport furthest from the center - and he wanted a transfer for his lady from DME to their hotel, then pick the lady up at the hotel 7-8 hours later and bring to the airport to meet him, then back to the airport, and then from their hotel (far from the center) to the center for sightseeing the next day.  We offered to do all of that for $175.  Since he hasn't been able to find anyone to do it for a cheaper rate, how can any reasonable person find it expensive?  And get this - he wanted me to drive out to DME to do his transfer.
 
Some people just have this misguided idea that Russia is a poor country and everything must be cheap, when the reality (especially Moscow) is just the opposite.  He should have done a bit more homework beforehand.  He also wanted to know how to pick up girls, but that isn't my business.  I can offer some suggestions on places to go to, but since he already has a lady coming in and isn't staying in one of my flats and he is staying at a hotel that is far from anything to save money (nothing wrong with that today), I don't feel I need to go out of my way to help him just because you recommended me to him.
 
I do appreciate that you tried to help both him and I, but guys like this are far, far more headaches than I need.  I'm running a rather large company, so I'm not about to spend a day driving around the outskirts of Moscow to make $10 and give my opinions on how to sleep with Russian women.  Hopefully, he is the exception, not the rule, on this internet group you are on.
 
Best Regards,
 
Rick
www.moscow-star.com

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[Admin]

I wrote to Ricky about judnnc complaining about his service on RWD and he responded below.  I've known Rick for over 10 years and I know he won't have a problem with me posting his reply. 

= = = = = = = = = =
Brad-
Thanks for letting me know this guy wasn't happy, but I can't understand why.  He kept bugging me with emails and questions; even though he had no intention of staying with us.  As a courtesy, I offered him a slight discount on a block of transfers he needed.  He and his lady arrive at DME - the airport furthest from the center - and he wanted a transfer for his lady from DME to their hotel, then pick the lady up at the hotel 7-8 hours later and bring to the airport to meet him, then back to the airport, and then from their hotel (far from the center) to the center for sightseeing the next day.  We offered to do all of that for $175.  Since he hasn't been able to find anyone to do it for a cheaper rate, how can any reasonable person find it expensive?  And get this - he wanted me to drive out to DME to do his transfer.
 
Some people just have this misguided idea that Russia is a poor country and everything must be cheap, when the reality (especially Moscow) is just the opposite.  He should have done a bit more homework beforehand.  He also wanted to know how to pick up girls, but that isn't my business.  I can offer some suggestions on places to go to, but since he already has a lady coming in and isn't staying in one of my flats and he is staying at a hotel that is far from anything to save money (nothing wrong with that today), I don't feel I need to go out of my way to help him just because you recommended me to him.
 
I do appreciate that you tried to help both him and I, but guys like this are far, far more headaches than I need.  I'm running a rather large company, so I'm not about to spend a day driving around the outskirts of Moscow to make $10 and give my opinions on how to sleep with Russian women.  Hopefully, he is the exception, not the rule, on this internet group you are on.
 
Best Regards,
 
Rick
www.moscow-star.com

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Brad,

Rick may have no problem with you re-posting his message here, but RWD has previously addressed the issue of posting by proxy.

If Rick has something to say, he is welcome to come here himself and address the matter. I seem to recall he registered an account here long ago - but regardless, it is not up to YOU to act as Rick's - or anyone else's - mouthpiece.

- Dan

[brave girl]

....He also wanted to know how to pick up girls, but that isn't my business.....I'm not about to spend a day driving around the outskirts of Moscow to make $10 and give my opinions on how to sleep with Russian women....Best Regards,Rick

Interesting! :evil:  brave girl

[Gator]

IMO Shakespear is giving judnnc good advice, yet I believe judnnc is too naive to comprehend it much less benefit from it.

The term "cheap ass" is somewhat harsh, yet it seems appropriate given Rick's description.  I have met Rick, rented an apartment from him and found him very helpful. 

When shakespear mentioned how "cheap ass" is a big turnoff, he was probably referring to Moscow women.  It will be less of a problem if judnnc's RW indeed has a village girl mentality.  The two of them walking around Moscow together will be a special sight.  I hope they somehow manage to see the best of Moscow and not become intimidated. 

judnnc, it appears when you squealed to admin about shakespear that you got him warned.  Then it seems you touted that fact.  I find that in poor taste.  In fact I rather spend time with a name caller than an "I'm going to tell on you," especially one who gloats over nothing.

I wish you good luck!  Sincerely.  This will be an excellent learning experience.  With regard to "cheap ass," you should research the RWD archives regarding the RW interpretation of generous and the importance they attach to it.

 

[Vaughn]

when I ask her how she plans to get from airport to hotel back to airport (when I arrive) she says she will take metro. but I shouldnt worry because "It is my home land,I can get around OK"

judnnc, if it were me I'd allow her to make the taxi arrangements - all of them. Even if she lacks the hard-nosed ability to
negotiate rates, she's still apt to do better than you. Unless you've already locked in your local travel commitments, ask
her to call this firm at the link below. We (and several friends of ours) have used these people on numerous occasions,
and they've always shown up on time, got us to where we needed to be, and honored their original quote. They will need
to know how many bodies and bags must be transported as they sport many sizes of vehicles. As an example only, they
got my wife, daughter and some major baggage from SVOII to Kazansky station (a one hour trip) last April for about $55.
As far as I know, they do not speak any English - so I recommend your woman make the call to see what shakes out.

http://www.go-to.ru/

FWIW, Moscow Rick has served countless Western clients remarkably well. Perhaps you didn't understand Shakespear's
recommendation in full, but yes, I can understand Rick's lack of interest in driving around great distances as he's not
really in the taxi service business at all. Moscow is expensive in most respects. If as you asked,

I was figuring on heading to an agency in Moscow if I get stood up, or if it doesnt pan out. Any recommendations?

I'd recommend you get out of town quickly - and head to Togliatti where you at least have some contacts at the
agency with which you've found comfort up to this point.

[Vaughn]

Well, well - it appears that that site DOES have an English version, but I still cannot speak for the
staff that answers the phone. Still, I'd let the lady make the deal for meeting you at DME. If you're
pleased, you can give them more business as you need their service.

http://www.go-to.ru/en/

She's staying in your room? Dude, you must be one helluva salesman. 

[judnnc]

Listen, I'm just going to stop posting and read the forums.

I appreciate those who offered advice without trying to belittle me, and for those who have been posting here and know each other , etc etc. I understand your defense of one another.

Anyway, Ill be fine. and will post a TR.

[Faux Pas]

Listen, I'm just going to stop posting and read the forums.

I appreciate those who offered advice without trying to belittle me, and for those who have been posting here and know each other , etc etc. I understand your defense of one another.

Anyway, Ill be fine. and will post a TR.

I've been quasi out of pocket for several weeks and missed this thread. judnnc, sometimes good or the best advice doesn't come with a teaspoon of sugar or a shot of whiskey. Even though when it's delivered with a smack upside the head it can be harder to recognize.

Shakespear and Kunstkammer dispensed you some pretty good advice. You don't always have to like or appreciate the messenger to recognize the message. They both have loads of experience on the ground in Moscow. You should attempt to look past the parts you find distasteful and read some between the lines. FWIW

[judnnc]

dont get me wrong, I appreciate the advice, I just felt blindsided by the seemingly personal attack by one poster. but thats water under the bridge now IMO.

Any advice on how to breeze through customs at DME? I am carrying on all my luggage and I dont plan to declare anything since Im not taking more than 500 dollars in cash and various personal effects.

[Ade]

dont get me wrong, I appreciate the advice, I just felt blindsided by the seemingly personal attack by one poster. but thats water under the bridge now IMO.

Any advice on how to breeze through customs at DME? I am carrying on all my luggage and I dont plan to declare anything since Im not taking more than 500 dollars in cash and various personal effects.

Make sure you fill in the migration card on the plane; you need to give both up as well as your passport at the inspection point so that they can stamp them, and you'll get one back with your passport. Try not to look too much like a foreign tourist on your way through customs.

Oh, and try to ignore the taxi drivers. I've found that if you say anything, even, "no thanks" they will continue to pester you. Just walk through, eyes straight ahead, like you know where you're going.

DME is a nice airport in the main although I had my worse experience of Russian impoliteness there once at passport control while leaving the country; basically got screamed at and called an idiot because I didn't understand that the woman (speaking Russian) had asked for my migration card. My wife complained via the DME website and the matter was apparently going to be looked into most strongly. Maybe some Russians are starting to realize the value of customer service.

Enjoy your trip.

[Faux Pas]

dont get me wrong, I appreciate the advice, I just felt blindsided by the seemingly personal attack by one poster. but thats water under the bridge now IMO.

It happens but, don't let the fact that it does happen cause you to overlook that even with perceived or not personal attack there could be nuggets of good advice. If we were all sitting at your favorite bar and knocking back a few cold ones and what was posted to you had been said, it likely wouldn't have come across as so harsh.

Any advice on how to breeze through customs at DME? I am carrying on all my luggage and I dont plan to declare anything since Im not taking more than 500 dollars in cash and various personal effects.

It'll be a little daunting because it's your first time in Russia. All of that early brain washing about Russia and the FSU will still be in the back of your mind. Forget about it. Through customs and passport control just keep a stoic look on your face and act like you are as hassled as everyone else and you have been there before. Fill out your declaration form anyway along with your migration form on the plane. The customs and passport control attendants don't like you to make waves and likely will not make any for you unless you haven't got your forms filled out.

When you walk out of customs and into the hallway of the main airport you'll see cab drivers approaching you  and unless you want to use one, just keep that stoic look and say "Nyet" to each as they start to open their mouth. I've never had anymore than 3 or 4 approach me during any one visit.

DME is a very modern airport by any standards but expect to find little english spoken much if at all except on the automated intercom concerning flights and boarding. Personally, I'd rather fly into DME over any other airport in Russia or Europe.

[GQBlues]

jdnnc-

Have a great time in Moscow. I love that city.

There is a valid point in Shakespear's message. Don't let that pass you by.

You've gotten some really good advice here. I also stayed in a hotel my first time in Moscow. I stayed in SAS Slavyanskaya Radisson, reasonably 'cheap' for Moscow. The funny thing about the breakfast pricing is, their room service was $16.00 for breakfast, but if you opted for their buffet downstairs, I believe it was $75.00+. I realize it was buffet, but how much can you really eat for breakfast?

I remember using this site to help me navigate in and around Moscow. They also saved me a bundle back then with transfers from my hotel to DME. The site also have passenger info for metros and a map. Also lot's of info for POIs. Not sure if you're aware of the site yet, if you're not, hopefully it'll prove to be useful.

Have fun and good luck!

[judnnc]

It appears the pending British Airways strike might mess things up for me. Im supposed to take BA from Heathrow to Moscow on the 26th