Russia's Food Import Ban Is Here to Stay

[jone]

I don't know if it is of any real interest to anyone, but having shopped yesterday in a Russian City shopping center, I can tell you that while the prices might be a little high, there seems to be NO lack of any foods. 

On another note, I had Pelmini last night.  It was, I believe, filled with a beef mixture.  Topped with lots of butter.  I felt it attaching itself to my thighs and stomach, but it was a WONDERFUL experience.

Fortunately, I was able to wash it down with some great home made cake.  All in all, reminding me how generous Russians are in their own homes.  When I get back I'll upload a bunch of pictures and do a proper trip report.

[Doll]

jone, you are upsetting this forum! They want to see Russia starving.

[Boethius]

I don't think anyone wants to see anyone starve.  The more interesting point would be prices versus income.

[jone]

I didn't really buy any of the exotics.  I would think things like Orange Juice or grapefruits, which I bought, would have been expensive.  It was not.  Bacon was over priced, I think.  But that is domestically produced.  Eggs were somewhat expensive, but nothing compared to the price in the states with the massive hit the industry has faced.

What everyone should know is the exchange rate.  I received 47 rubles to the dollar when I arrived in Moscow.  That offering was very low, and I knew it so I only exchanged $200.00.  Now, that I am out of the Federal Cities, the exchange rate is around 51-52 Rubles / Dollar.   It tells me that the Russian economy is rebounding, somewhat. 

Last night, at dinner, I was hosted by a very respected electrical engineer (and his wife - on the occasion of her birthday).  Inevitably discussion turned to a short time to politics.  It was after they had asked me what movie stars I had met, what type of car I drove, how far I lived from the ocean.  Politics was not of great interest.

I mentioned that to the outside world Putin is viewed as somewhat crazy.  They were astonished at this statement.  I explained how through his first term as President and through Medvedev's term, I had appreciated what they had done for the country.  But I also said that I felt that the Silobeki had pushed Putin into an over reaction to what had happened in Ukraine, that such people feared that the same could happen on Red Square.  The family then shared the increasing crackdown on Western influence with great sadness.  But they supported their government and appreciated what Putin is trying to do (their words).   I felt it was an honest assessment by the Russian professional class.

[STaty]

Hi! I live in the Far East of Russia. Near China. Anybody at us doesn't starve. But food prices grow every day. If earlier we bought products from the different countries, now there are only bad products from China. Warm regions of Russia can't give products to all country. Because Russia the big country. The prices grow every day. But we don't give up.

[Larry1]

Welcome to the forum. I look forward to your participation here.

[2tallbill]

[STaty]

Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post.

Thanks! I didn't understand some things on the site. But I try.

[Boethius]

That means a post was made that you have not read.  Just ignore it and post.

[BillyB]

If earlier we bought products from the different countries, now there are only bad products from China.

Careful of what you buy from China. Babies and pets have known to die from food products. I think they get rid of chemical waste in food products as filler material. The environment is another place they lose that stuff.


Welcome to the forum STaty. Do you approve of Putin's actions? Do you think Putin will take Russia in the right direction?

[2tallbill]

Warning - while you were typing a new reply has been posted. You may wish to review your post.

Thanks! I didn't understand some things on the site. But I try.

Welcome to the forum!

[STaty]

Thank you! I'm glad to be here. I'm interested in the opinions of different people. I do not always approve of the policy of my country. I can not argue about the policy of my country, because I do not have complete information.

[STaty]

I try to choose products carefully. The Chinese products - bad products, it's true. I think, it is good chance for the Russian farmers.

[JayH]

Thank you! I'm glad to be here. I'm interested in the opinions of different people. I do not always approve of the policy of my country. I can not argue about the policy of my country, because I do not have complete information.

Welcome to the forum
I especially welcome a thinking Russian  lady!We did meet in chat earlier.
Many years ago( before the break up of the Soviet Union) I was in casual friendly conversation with a relatively senior KGB official who i had become friendly with.In the course of that conversation  I commented negatively on Soviet policy at the time--he responded "Do you agree with everything your government does"? Of course--he already knew that I did not--but his point holds to this day.In the current situation it is a very good time for Russians to see Putins behaviour for what it is.Of course-- recognising is one thing-- being able to change anything in Russia is another thing altogether.

[STaty]

Thank you! We met in chat, of couse! I agree with you. On Russian television, a lot of propaganda. But time will tell.