The new one

[santo]

So for you guys following along, I had a brief relationship with a girl I met on EM but it didn't work out.  I have been talking to a new one.  She lives in Novosibirsk and I am planning on visiting her soon. I plan to go for a week and see how we get along. I have traveled extensively in Europe and Asia but never to Russia. I don't speak Russian. She speaks fluent English.   Any thoughts/ advice?

[ML]

Any thoughts/ advice?

My advice would be to read and watch some world news stories.

[santo]

Thank you ML. Well obviously when things stabilize in Russia and Ukraine. Any advice in general regarding travel to Siberia?

[ML]

You really want to marry someone, or even associate with someone from this culture??

"We must protect the Russian ethnics in Crimea."  In fact they never suffered any form of discrimination or danger.

"There are no Russian troops in Crimea."  What a bunch of chicken shit people.

"The vote for joining  Russia received 97%"  WOW, unheard of in any fair election for anything.  And, to think, only 125% of the voters had to cast ballots.  And yet these people and their supporters can look in the mirror every day.

[BillyB]

She lives in Novosibirsk and I am planning on visiting her soon.   Any thoughts/ advice?

Bring a self addressed, postage paid, body bag with you so the authorities in Russia can properly mail you back home.


It's not that bad there yet for Americans and I'm sure the Russian authorities would like you to come home and tell others how wonderful they are.


I've been to Novosibirsk. Big city, not much happening there. Negotiate with the taxi drivers at the airport otherwise you'll be overpaying. Hopefully your lady is a great hostess and won't let anybody take advantage of you and show you the best the city has to offer. Make sure you register your visa within 3 days of entering the country.

You really want to marry someone, or even associate with someone from this culture??

I doubt the lady Santo is going to visit has any of Putin's genes. There are good Russian people that doesn't embrace the worst of theirs or other cultures have to offer. Hopefully Santo has found one.

[Dewed]

snipped quote . . .

Well obviously when things stabilize in Russia and Ukraine.  . . .

I'm no expert on international travel either, but I don't foresee "stability" any time soon, especially not for a visiting American.   Perhaps you aren't seeing the potential repercussions of recent world events ?  or maybe I'm just too pessimistic. I seriously hope, it's the latter..

and . why oh why do people equate a governments actions to it's citizens ethos. For example, just because, North Korea is ran by an immature nutjob doesn't mean ALL of their citizens are immature nutjobs. The same is true of Russia/Ukraine and it's citizens.. Certainly not all of them believe the propaganda, but it's in their best interests to pretend they do because to not do so .. well it simply isn't healthy

[Anthony71]

So for you guys following along, I had a brief relationship with a girl I met on EM but it didn't work out.  I have been talking to a new one.  She lives in Novosibirsk and I am planning on visiting her soon. I plan to go for a week and see how we get along. I have traveled extensively in Europe and Asia but never to Russia. I don't speak Russian. She speaks fluent English.   Any thoughts/ advice?

Enjoy your trip.
I been to Krasnoyarsk which is further then Novosibirsk. I landed in SVO in Moscow, Customs are nice and unaccommodating, some speak English and others little, but i had no problems there, after check in the waiting area for boarding the plane is OK ... its not luxury, make sure you don't check in last minute as you could be left standing.

As said previously if you get a taxi negotiate the price before you get in, If she meets you at the airport all the better as she be use to it.

You have to register your visa within 7 days, if your staying in a hotel then they do it for you, if not you can do it yourself but i suggest you book into a hotel for a day and let them do the registration, it cost me less then €30 to book into a hotel for the night and let them register my visa.

Transport is OK, on buses when you get on a conductor comes to you and you have to pay her the fare, Restaurants are cheep and most staff speak some English, and if they have a English menu they will bring it to you, if they don't they will explain whats on the menu.

Don't use atm's on the street, but its safe to use atm's in the banks or hotels but i sure your woman friend will tell you all this.

Russians are Russians they are friendly and proud, they will respect you if you respect them.

Its a lovely country and all the best

[justme100]

You really want to marry someone, or even associate with someone from this culture??

"We must protect the Russian ethnics in Crimea."  In fact they never suffered any form of discrimination or danger.

I'm a Russian ethnic in Crimea. My parents, my siblings, my friends and their relatives are ethnic Russians in Crimea. We all suffered discrimination and danger.

[CDW]

'THE NEW ONE' finished 3rd in the Champion Hurdle at last week's Cheltenham Festival  lol

[Faux Pas]

Enjoy your trip.
I been to Krasnoyarsk which is further then Novosibirsk. I landed in SVO in Moscow, Customs are nice and unaccommodating, some speak English and others little, but i had no problems there, after check in the waiting area for boarding the plane is OK ... its not luxury, make sure you don't check in last minute as you could be left standing.

As said previously if you get a taxi negotiate the price before you get in, If she meets you at the airport all the better as she be use to it.

You have to register your visa within 7 days, if your staying in a hotel then they do it for you, if not you can do it yourself but i suggest you book into a hotel for a day and let them do the registration, it cost me less then €30 to book into a hotel for the night and let them register my visa.

Transport is OK, on buses when you get on a conductor comes to you and you have to pay her the fare, Restaurants are cheep and most staff speak some English, and if they have a English menu they will bring it to you, if they don't they will explain whats on the menu.

Don't use atm's on the street, but its safe to use atm's in the banks or hotels but i sure your woman friend will tell you all this.

Russians are Russians they are friendly and proud, they will respect you if you respect them.

Its a lovely country and all the best

All good info santo.

Take some of these other remarks with a grain of salt . The world events hasn't changed the travel data to Russia, yet. Hopefully it won't. There does seem to be a new sense of nationalism to the old guard and the very young. Do not be deterred by it at this point. Behave yourself, act like a gentleman you'll be fine.

[Fashionista]

So for you guys following along, I had a brief relationship with a girl I met on EM but it didn't work out.  I have been talking to a new one.  She lives in Novosibirsk and I am planning on visiting her soon. I plan to go for a week and see how we get along. I have traveled extensively in Europe and Asia but never to Russia. I don't speak Russian. She speaks fluent English.   Any thoughts/ advice?

Hello Santo... Which part of Novosibirsk is she from? There are two parts, separated by a distance and somewhat culturally. One is more academic, and the other more industrial. Not to say that one is better than the other but the overall attitude will likely differ.  The academic part has their own language and wants to separate, but the industrial part insists that it's illegal. They are expecting military action any time now. Don't forget your gun.

[Gator]

Santo,

I encourage you to go even given the current strife.  Be prepared that your trip could be cancelled if things heat up, which I doubt but offer no guarantee.

I can not stress enough the need to discuss NOW those personal areas that determine compatibility, e. g. hobbies, values, babies, goals, etc.  For example, you should discuss her opinion regarding Crimea (but be well read on the subject before opening it).  This will reveal much about her empathy, her willingness to listen to two sides of an issue, etc.

We always suggest to have some sort of backup plan if this does not work out.  A backup plan can take many forms:  1) telephone number of another RW, 2) telephone number of an agency (not necessary in Novosibirsk), 3) plan for sightseeing (such as Siberia or a trip to St. Petersburg). 

Read some of the trip reports.  You will find a couple for travel to Novosibirsk.

[Muzh]

and . why oh why do people equate a governments actions to it's citizens ethos. For example, just because, North Korea is ran by an immature nutjob doesn't mean ALL of their citizens are immature nutjobs. The same is true of Russia/Ukraine and it's citizens.. Certainly not all of them believe the propaganda, but it's in their best interests to pretend they do because to not do so .. well it simply isn't healthy

<screeeeeehing halt>
 
Ans. Because they drink their kool aid exactly the same way we drink our kool aid. Case in point, listen to the sample here. If we had North Korean women on this forum, they'd be spewing what their propaganda machine will feed them.
 
It is very difficult, no, actually impossible for someone to discuss issues impartially when all you get is one side. Mix a little testosterone and voila, rant.
 
Keep that in mind when going through passport control.

[dogspot]

You really want to marry someone, or even associate with someone from this culture??

"We must protect the Russian ethnics in Crimea."  In fact they never suffered any form of discrimination or danger.

"There are no Russian troops in Crimea."  What a bunch of chicken shit people.

"The vote for joining  Russia received 97%"  WOW, unheard of in any fair election for anything.  And, to think, only 125% of the voters had to cast ballots.  And yet these people and their supporters can look in the mirror every day.

You serious?

My wife and her family are from these "chicken shit" people to which you refer. Man, the respect I had for you has suddenly vanished. This is the type of ignorance that Santo needs to be wary of when traveling to Russia...there *will* be Russian people who think he is "chicken shit" for being American.

I guess this is, indeed, the beginning of a new cold war.

[dogspot]

Santo,

I've spent a fair amount of time in Novosib and my wife is from there. There is a lot of solid advice already in this thread but I would say your biggest concern would be the language. Unlike Moscow and Piter, you won't find an abundance of people who speak *good* english in Novosib, making it difficult at times to get on in the city without the help of your lady. I would seriously consider lining up a back-up plan, just in case things go south with the one you have chosen. To clarify, go on some sites and find as many ladies in Novosibirsk that you would like to contact and message them while in novosibirsk letting them know you are already in town SHOULD YOU FIND THERE IS NO CHEMISTRY WITH THE CHOSEN ONE. You might also consider lining up an interpreter just in case.

If you have any questions about anything related to Novosibirsk, please feel free to message me. My wife is an excellent resource. But the lady you are visiting is, too. Have her help you find a nice flat near the center (should be pretty cheap...Novosib is much cheaper than the capitals.)

[jone]

You serious?

My wife and her family are from these "chicken shit" people to which you refer. Man, the respect I had for you has suddenly vanished. This is the type of ignorance that Santo needs to be wary of when traveling to Russia...there *will* be Russian people who think he is "chicken shit" for being American.

I guess this is, indeed, the beginning of a new cold war.

Hey, DS,

Think of where he is at right now.  I, personally, love the Russian people.   (Well, present company excluded, hehe.)  And, while I am no great fan of Lukashenko, I do enjoy certain relations with the Belarussian people. 

Now is the time to all focus on what we like about each other and not the cold reality that war may be upon those we love.

[dogspot]

jone, I get where he at right now but that doesn't excuse making asinine comments about a people as a whole. If ML spent an hour at my house right now with my my wife and MIL, he would no doubt retract such comments. Yet because of what their leader has done, they have to deal with people like him here in the States...just like Santo will have to deal with the same foolishness while in Russia.

Let me give you an example. We have a beach house down in Baja and took my MIL down there for the weekend. Upon returning at the border my wife and MIL were questioned interrogated about Russia's involvement in Ukraine. He even went as far as to ask them their opinions about their leader and his actions in Crimea...I am still scratching my head trying to understand what the border agent was trying to learn. One thing is for sure, he wasn't just curious.

Is this what we have to look forward to? When we come across people like ML are we going to encounter hostility? What would have happened had they told the border agent that they proudly support their government in their actions? Is it possible that they could be seen as enemies of the USA?

[jone]

jone, I get where he at right now but that doesn't excuse making asinine comments about a people as a whole. If ML spent an hour at my house right now with my my wife and MIL, he would no doubt retract such comments. Yet because of what their leader has done, they have to deal with people like him here in the States...just like Santo will have to deal with the same foolishness while in Russia.

Let me give you an example. We have a beach house down in Baja and took my MIL down there for the weekend. Upon returning at the border my wife and MIL were questioned interrogated about Russia's involvement in Ukraine. He even went as far as to ask them their opinions about their leader and his actions in Crimea...I am still scratching my head trying to understand what the border agent was trying to learn. One thing is for sure, he wasn't just curious.

Is this what we have to look forward to? When we come across people like ML are we going to encounter hostility? What would have happened had they told the border agent that they proudly support their government in their actions? Is it possible that they could be seen as enemies of the USA?

Ahh, DS,

I know where you're coming from.  If it were me as the border guard I would have been highly suspicious of her choice in husbands not about the political leader of her former country.

[GQBlues]

Wifey's from Novo. Russia's lone source for the most beautiful, intelligent, loving women.

I've spent some time there and some of my wilder FSU times where in Novo and SP.

My feeling is you should go if you're dead set on going and your lady feels the same all things considered. I mentioned the latter because if she feels you should 'wait', due to present circumstances, then you ought to take it to heart.

So many things have changed in Novosibirsk since my very first time there. So much had gone up and improved. A lot of construction is and had taken place.

I will once again refer you to this site when traveling to places you've never been to before. You get up-to-the-minute travel tips both from recent travelers and residents. Of course, in addition to your gal.

 http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Europe/Russia/Novosibirskaya_Oblast/Novosibirsk-584398/TravelGuide-Novosibirsk.html

[dogspot]

If it were me as the border guard I would have been highly suspicious of her choice in husbands not about the political leader of her former country.

Now THAT'S reasonable.   

[ML]

You serious?

My wife and her family are from these "chicken shit" people to which you refer. Man, the respect I had for you has suddenly vanished. This is the type of ignorance that Santo needs to be wary of when traveling to Russia...there *will* be Russian people who think he is "chicken shit" for being American.

I guess this is, indeed, the beginning of a new cold war.

Yes, I am well aware of the common excuse people have:
"We aren't like that just because our government leaders are like that."

But consider these facts:

1) Before, during and after the Russian invasion and take-over of Crimea . . . Putin's approval rating was something like 75% plus.  Now factor in that the 25% who did not approve of him was probably made up of the non-Russian ethnic groups living in Russia.    Thus; close to 100% of Russian ethnics are heartily behind Putin and his actions.  So any disgusting adjectives  that can be tossed at Russian government actions (they are liars, cheats and chicken shit) are equally applicable to ordinary ethnic Russian people who fully support the government.

We see it right here on this forum where ethnic Russians readily admit that their leaders 'tricked and mislead and spit in the eye of the rest of the world' . . . and are held in high esteem for pulling this off.

Again, review the false excuses for the Russian actions in Crimea, and see how the ethnic Russians here fully support those lies and actions.

2) I and many others here have been to third countries (Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, etc.) where there are vacationers from all over the world.  The workers in the tourist industry in those countries will near unanimously tell you (not just to Americans; but to anyone) that the most disgusting people who visit are Russians.

[GQBlues]

Must all these emotional breakdowns and Air Supply moments be in every thread from these grown men?

Aren't there enough Russia-evil, Ukraine-victim threads going on?

[Slumba]

1) Before, during and after the Russian invasion and take-over of Crimea . . . Putin's approval rating was something like 75% plus.  Now factor in that the 25% who did not approve of him was probably made up of the non-Russian ethnic groups living in Russia.    Thus; close to 100% of Russian ethnics are heartily behind Putin and his actions.  So any disgusting adjectives  that can be tossed at Russian government actions (they are liars, cheats and chicken shit) are equally applicable to ordinary ethnic Russian people who fully support the government.

1. I would only point out that the mainstream media polls in the USA are often corrupt/slanted - why would you expect the Russian media to be more honest?  They were told to drum up support for Putin, and they did so. 

Don't know if you remember the Clinton/Lewinsky scandal - such polls were trotted out on a daily or weekly basis to try to "push" the populace away from supporting impeachment.

I can't speak to your second point.

[dogspot]

2) I and many others here have been to third countries (Egypt, Turkey, Cyprus, etc.) where there are vacationers from all over the world.  The workers in the tourist industry in those countries will near unanimously tell you (not just to Americans; but to anyone) that the most disgusting people who visit are Russians.

I wonder how many of these disgusting people were Ukrainian, mistaken for Russian. Not a whole lot of difference there, dude. Even the Ukrainians here in the US are often considered Russian and stereotypes applied.

[PBRstreetg]

Go to the zoo, I heard it was awesome, please take some pictures. I would've gone but unfortunately it was -38C.

If your girl isn't sitting on your lap when the 5th political discussion comes up, I personally would take it as a flagrant sign ya'll are just not compatible.