Layers of illusions

[Ooooops]

"It's more of a guideline rather than regulation" (c)   


Drinking is a very much of Russian culture and doesn't wear as bad a stigma as in some other countries, alas public display of it will get a slap on the wrist or a laugh rather than serous condemnation. 

[Shadow]

But it may be an illusion, or perhaps, an illumination, to an AM.  If you tried the cash in a passport strategy with most US customs officials, you'd be facing a criminal charge.

Not at all. Just the cash would still be there when they give it back.
It can hardly be an offense to keep some cash for hard times in a special place.

[Shadow]

A little    but......
 
Illusion number seven: Russia is really an honest country (no corruption)....
 
My first introduction to "how things really work" in Russia happened over 8 years ago.
Marina and I made the brilliant decision for me to bring her cat to the GoodOl' USA before her arrival. We figured it would be less stress for her and Shony. Also, she was already bringing a lot of her stuff with her (several suitcases), so this would be one less thing to carry. Anyway, Shony and I flew out of Omsk on Aeroflop at 6:00AM and landed at the old dark and dingy Sheremetyevo airport. Next, we found ourselves standing face to face with an old bag in the animal control dept. on the second floor of the airport.
 
I presented all documents and the cat passport (yes, Shony had a passport!  ) to the old shrew behind the counter. She spoke zero English and immediately flew into a shrill Russian tone about something and literally threw the documents and passport back across the counter in my direction. Stunned, I regrouped and called Marina at work on my cell and she said "what's wrong Rick?". I told her that the old bag is having a meltdown. Marina said "let me speak to her". Some sharp tones and abrupt squawking from the old biddy and then the phone was literally thrusted back at me.
 
Marina then said "Rick do you have a fresh $50. bill?" Suddenly, all of those stories (warnings) from the old RWG forum started running through my mind and it dawned on me what was coming next. I told Marina don't worry, I've got it covered and I will call you back in a few minutes.
 
I put a crisp $50. in Shony's passport and handed it back to the old bag with all the documents. Everything was fine then, no problems! 
 
Later, when I was received my debriefing from Marina, she informed me that the old bag was claiming that Shony was a "rare breed cat" and couldn't leave Russia. Amazing how $50. changes the title of an animal from rare breed to mongrel? 
 
Yeah, there is no corruption in Russia.
 
GOB
 
PS.... I have a couple of other stories about my own direct experiences with corruption there, but I don't want to 

She was right that it is a rare breed. However Scottich fold (the cat variant of the Lassie) is not a Russian rare breed, unlike a Siberian, Donskoy, Kurilian bobtail, Peterbald or Russian blue for which she might have mistaken him initially.