Greetings to RWD from Kyiv!

[LAman]

There are no direct flights between Kiev and Moscow these days....

 

For the next few days, I'm staying near Metro Universitet.  What I'd like to know is where to get an affordable coffee.

There are flights through Minsk between Kiev and Moscow( short connections). Yes, true NO direct flights.

Bounder, what the hell are you doing so far from centre??? Universitet???? Good news and bad news. Good news is your taxi driver got you to your hotel/apt(?) , bad news is it would have costed ~$0.85 using metro. You were already next to Kievskaya metro, using brown line to Park Kultry, change to red line and get off at universitet metro, would have taken all of 15 minutes?? Planning is very important.
Coffee??? I am not a coffee drinker but look for a place called Shokoladnitsa café ,http://shoko.ru/moskva/adresa_kofeen/vse_kofejni/
Shows a couple not far from where you stay. I am not familiar with streets in your area.

BTW ...... YOU need to get a Russian sim card and have access to internet where ever you are. Important to use google maps or yandex maps to NOT get lost.
Megafone : Warm welcome plan :  ("Тёплый приём") either "S" or "M" package... ~around 300 rubles

MTS: Smart plan линейка тарифов Smart) smart or smart mini : 400-450 rubles

Hope this helps you, btw, these prices are for Moscow region only. more expensive to use in another region.

[Anotherkiwi]

Bounder, what the hell are you doing so far from centre??? Universitet???? Good news and bad news. Good news is your taxi driver got you to your hotel/apt(?) , bad news is it would have costed ~$0.85 using metro. You were already next to Kievskaya metro, using brown line to Park Kultry, change to red line and get off at universitet metro, would have taken all of 15 minutes?? Planning is very important.

I get the feeling that, unlike you and me, the majority of travellers in this enterprise just aren't prepared to use public transport in areas where they don't speak (or, probably, read) the local language, even though several posters have reported that Moscow now has many more travel signs in English.  Many Americans seem fixated on taxis (or, these days, Uber), as can be easily seen by all the stories about avoiding being ripped off by taxi drivers at Moscow airports, and how happy they are when they can get from DME to their hotel in the central city for under $100.  You and I, on the other hand, both know that we can get there with much less stress by using AeroExpress and a Metro trip in probably less time (and with a hell of a lot less expense!).  I'll concede, though, that Joe Smith and his five suitcases probably DO need the personal touch. 

Where is people's sense of adventure?  Surely, if you're brave enough to travel to Moscow, St Petersburg, Kyiv or Kharkiv to look for a potential bride, then you can risk a little bit more excitement by finding out very quickly just how much more interesting it can be to travel by other means.  And, especially if you're in Moscow, and a fan of architectural gems, you will be absolutely blown away by all the museums that they call Metro stations. 

[Bounder]

Really?   Have you figured out why?

That's really enlightening Jay. Thanks!

[Trenchcoat]

I was able to successfully launch the second stage of my plan and yesterday even if as on a train destined to the Kievskaya Station in Moscow.

I'm not quiet sure what you mean Bounder, we are still talking about meeting women here and not just a sight seeing restaurant tour! How did Kiev go, didn't seem you were there for long, meet any women there? Is Moscow going to be a longer stay?

[msmob]

Hi Bounder


Get yourself a Pay as you go sim from Beeline, MTS, Megafon Yota - you'll need ID


IF you intend going out of Moscow - to other cities - go for YOTA - as they give you unlimited roaming across Russia


Here are the sites I could find in Eng - some not so helpful - unless you ARE a client




moskva.beeline.ru/en-us/welcome/general-information

english.moscow.megafon.ru/

Personally, I use Yota - as you can pay approx 650 Rub - plus (perhaps)  the small cost of the sim card and get unlimited internet and get 30 days / 500 mins and 10Gig and no worries about going to another city - part of Megafon




Their site isn't in English, but you can choose a package on the sliding scale


www.yota.ru/voice/#/tariff/500min



This is why I always suggest either two smart phones or buying a dual sim smartphone - so you can receive sms from home and see any voicemails - but turn off data and voice roaming on the home card - then call home using SKYPE or a another VoIP / SIP service


I have a local area code from my country and folks can call me - as if I'm home - and I don't pay for incoming calls - outgoing to the US costs 1C/min after the first 100 mins and it costs ... 2 USD / month - 10 USD min top up


As long as you have good wifi / 3/4 G mob internet - it works great


Good luck

[Bounder]

I'm not quiet sure what you mean Bounder, we are still talking about meeting women here and not just a sight seeing restaurant tour! How did Kiev go, didn't seem you were there for long, meet any women there? Is Moscow going to be a longer stay?

Fair point Trenchcoat, but given almost every active thread here is about Donald Trump, I thought a visit to Kiev and beyond was more on point!

[Bounder]

I get the feeling that, unlike you and me, the majority of travellers in this enterprise just aren't prepared to use public transport in areas where they don't speak (or, probably, read) the local language, even though several posters have reported that Moscow now has many more travel signs in English.  Many Americans seem fixated on taxis (or, these days, Uber), as can be easily seen by all the stories about avoiding being ripped off by taxi drivers at Moscow airports, and how happy they are when they can get from DME to their hotel in the central city for under $100.  You and I, on the other hand, both know that we can get there with much less stress by using AeroExpress and a Metro trip in probably less time (and with a hell of a lot less expense!).  I'll concede, though, that Joe Smith and his five suitcases probably DO need the personal touch. 

Where is people's sense of adventure?  Surely, if you're brave enough to travel to Moscow, St Petersburg, Kyiv or Kharkiv to look for a potential bride, then you can risk a little bit more excitement by finding out very quickly just how much more interesting it can be to travel by other means.  And, especially if you're in Moscow, and a fan of architectural gems, you will be absolutely blown away by all the museums that they call Metro stations. 

There are flights through Minsk between Kiev and Moscow( short connections). Yes, true NO direct flights.

Bounder, what the hell are you doing so far from centre??? Universitet???? Good news and bad news. Good news is your taxi driver got you to your hotel/apt(?) , bad news is it would have costed ~$0.85 using metro. You were already next to Kievskaya metro, using brown line to Park Kultry, change to red line and get off at universitet metro, would have taken all of 15 minutes?? Planning is very important.
Coffee??? I am not a coffee drinker but look for a place called Shokoladnitsa café ,http://shoko.ru/moskva/adresa_kofeen/vse_kofejni/
Shows a couple not far from where you stay. I am not familiar with streets in your area.

BTW ...... YOU need to get a Russian sim card and have access to internet where ever you are. Important to use google maps or yandex maps to NOT get lost.
Megafone : Warm welcome plan :  ("Тёплый приём") either "S" or "M" package... ~around 300 rubles

MTS: Smart plan линейка тарифов Smart) smart or smart mini : 400-450 rubles

Hope this helps you, btw, these prices are for Moscow region only. more expensive to use in another region.

I get the feeling that, unlike you and me, the majority of travellers in this enterprise just aren't prepared to use public transport in areas where they don't speak (or, probably, read) the local language, even though several posters have reported that Moscow now has many more travel signs in English.  Many Americans seem fixated on taxis (or, these days, Uber), as can be easily seen by all the stories about avoiding being ripped off by taxi drivers at Moscow airports, and how happy they are when they can get from DME to their hotel in the central city for under $100.  You and I, on the other hand, both know that we can get there with much less stress by using AeroExpress and a Metro trip in probably less time (and with a hell of a lot less expense!).  I'll concede, though, that Joe Smith and his five suitcases probably DO need the personal touch. 

Where is people's sense of adventure?  Surely, if you're brave enough to travel to Moscow, St Petersburg, Kyiv or Kharkiv to look for a potential bride, then you can risk a little bit more excitement by finding out very quickly just how much more interesting it can be to travel by other means.  And, especially if you're in Moscow, and a fan of architectural gems, you will be absolutely blown away by all the museums that they call Metro stations. 

OK, OK, let me clarify my situation a little. I have been a bit cagey until now as I wanted to make sure everything was going to work out.

There are a number of strategies for meeting FSUW and finding "the one". I've tried them with mixed results (I tend to be a WOVO kind of guy, although I think 2TallBill had a variation that I liked - essentially WOVO, with the possibility of meeting many more if it doesn't work out). Another strategy is move there and meet many!

It's not as simple as that though. I've had to "give up" a lot to do this and now seemed like a good time for a significant change in my life. I wasn't happy in my well-paying, secure occupation and my marriage ended over two years ago (waiting for the divorce certificate any day now). With no kids and no responsibility to anyone but myself, it seemed like the best opportunity to do exactly what I want. I won't be getting any younger, so I screwed up my courage and acted decisively. This has been now at least six months in the making and so wasn't a spontaneous decision to be regretted later. I've had ample opportunity to back out. In fact, I'm still trying to free myself from my "great" job.

So as far as adventure goes, I've uprooted my life and moved to Moscow. I used the metro in Kiev whenever it wasn't convenient to walk. I had about 100 pounds of luggage when I arrived at Kievskaya Station, which is why I organized a cab in advance. It was all planned. I have been using the metro in Moscow since then and I'm quite comfortable with it, I just had no desire to do it with all my luggage. I love the Moscow Metro - not only is it easy to use, the stations are beautiful art and tales of history and I didn't yet wait more than two minutes for a train. I found a temporary flat share situation near Universitet, which is why I'm there while I look for more permanent housing. I'm staying in a nice, renovated, warm flat with a retired couple who speak no English. I had my first meeting today regarding a longer term living situation.

I'm starting at zero and seeing what I can make of it. I wouldn't recommend the same to anyone. But if you are adventurous, want a change in your life, you're able to learn, and you know you only live once and have the courage to stick a fork in it regarding your current situation, then yeah I'd recommend this to you.

I'm now immersed in Russian culture and I'll be meeting Russians every day into the indefinite future. I needed to wait in Kiev for my visa. I liked Kiev and Ukrainians very much, lest there be any doubt. But now I arrived where I planned to be. Everything is working according to plan

[LAman]

 Everything is working according to plan

Thanks for giving a explanation Bounder, makes more sense now but you could have asked here if about any questions you had ie: phone, coffee, what to do, connections........

Actually, I envy you, to make the leap and as my friend did and he always tells me.... 'girls are everywhere!!!!

I do have several friends there. And I do spend a couple months there.... 3 times this past year. In fact be back there in April( read my TR about "Moscow'.) LOT of ways to meet girls there, better when warmer. I was in Moscow around New Year and it was -30. A MUST for you is to learn the language and learn SALSA DANCING!!!!!! You will have the pick of the littler at Gorky Park or Salsa bars. GIRLS love to dance!!! You will thank me later.

[Bounder]

Thanks for giving a explanation Bounder, makes more sense now but you could have asked here if about any questions you had ie: phone, coffee, what to do, connections........

Actually, I envy you, to make the leap and as my friend did and he always tells me.... 'girls are everywhere!!!!

I do have several friends there. And I do spend a couple months there.... 3 times this past year. In fact be back there in April( read my TR about "Moscow'.) LOT of ways to meet girls there, better when warmer. I was in Moscow around New Year and it was -30. A MUST for you is to learn the language and learn SALSA DANCING!!!!!! You will have the pick of the littler at Gorky Park or Salsa bars. GIRLS love to dance!!! You will thank me later.

LAMan, thanks for your response. Thanks for your observations on dancing - I'll give it some serious thought. Like I said I'm starting at the bottom, so I'm keen to make as many contacts as possible. Please PM me if you feel comfortable connecting me with any of your people here. And ditto if you'd like to meet up when you visit next - it would be my pleasure.

The coffee is extremely good here, but I'm wondering if I am going to have to give it up. It's just so bloody expensive - coffee from McDonalds here is about the same price as Starbucks in Canada and it just goes up from there!

[Bounder]

Oh, I did get myself a Russian phone number today.  No need to seek out wifi anymore now that I have my unlimited internet on MTC.

[GregfromGa]

So Bounder, how long will you be in Kiev? It is a lovely city. Of course it's changed much since my first trip back in July 2001. My last being a couple of years ago when that whole Independence Square was full of protesters living in make shift huts. I'm not sure I'll ever go back. I've been there like 18 times. I have good memories of the place as well as not so good. Two of my friends that I met while there are no longer with us and of course there's the ex wife thing. My kids went back for two months last summer. Get out of the hotel and get an apartment. Keep in mind that you are a target so keep your mouth shut as much as possible in public. I always liked Obriens. I've met some nice people there and they have a good breakfast.

[HoundDaddyLee]

So Bounder, how long will you be in Kiev? It is a lovely city. Of course it's changed much since my first trip back in July 2001. My last being a couple of years ago when that whole Independence Square was full of protesters living in make shift huts. I'm not sure I'll ever go back. I've been there like 18 times. I have good memories of the place as well as not so good. Two of my friends that I met while there are no longer with us and of course there's the ex wife thing. My kids went back for two months last summer. Get out of the hotel and get an apartment. Keep in mind that you are a target so keep your mouth shut as much as possible in public. I always liked Obriens. I've met some nice people there and they have a good breakfast.

The section in bold above is complete bullsh*t. I have never been treated badly in Ukraine (or anywhere actually) because I spoke English or was an American. There was someone on here late last year (maybe the cat ass dude) who was saying the same thing. If you ran into trouble I would guess you were probably looking for it.


I know Bounder is no longer in Kiev (Kyiv for Moby and Boe) but for any newbies looking on here you are not a "target". Are there bad sections in Ukrainian cities. Yes (especially in Donbass). But I never felt in danger in either Kyiv or Odessa. And that includes being out, alone, late at night.


We are not talking about Aleppo here. These are modern European cities.


HDL

[Bounder]

The section in bold above is complete bullsh*t. I have never been treated badly in Ukraine (or anywhere actually) because I spoke English or was an American. There was someone on here late last year (maybe the cat ass dude) who was saying the same thing. If you ran into trouble I would guess you were probably looking for it.


I know Bounder is no longer in Kiev (Kyiv for Moby and Boe) but for any newbies looking on here you are not a "target". Are there bad sections in Ukrainian cities. Yes (especially in Donbass). But I never felt in danger in either Kyiv or Odessa. And that includes being out, alone, late at night.


We are not talking about Aleppo here. These are modern European cities.


HDL

Although speaking English could make you stand out in certain scenarios as being affluent and then potentially a target, I agree wholeheartedly with HoundDaddy.  You just have to keep your wits about you and practice the normal street sense.  Usually, being unable to speak the local language garners you sympathy and extra help.

[wallm]

I didn't feel targeted either in a bad sense. I was propositioned by one average looking lady in the shopping center under maidan once. No, thank you. (I wonder what I would have done if it was a hottie instead.) On 3 separate nights, I did get a business card to something that is "lots of fun" near Gulliver. I never had any interest in seeing what it is and kept on walking. Speaking English on the phone in public, especially when I am with a lady, did get me some looks but nothing threatening. I did not however find many to be overtly helpful perhaps because they can't speak English. Surprisingly in some restaurants some servers spoke pretty good English and they were helpful.

[JayH]

LOT of ways to meet girls there, better when warmer. I was in Moscow around New Year and it was -30. A MUST for you is to learn the language and learn SALSA DANCING!!!!!! You will have the pick of the littler at Gorky Park or Salsa bars. GIRLS love to dance!!! You will thank me later.

The thread has a couple of streams running -- so my reply is specific to Ukraine --but applicable to the FSU generally.

LAman has really got it here.I have written previously about Salsa dancing. If you are trying to meet girls cold this would have to be THE easiest way.
There is regular ( every week) Salsa parties throughout Ukraine and girls love to dance. If you are competent-great--if you have 3 left feet-let them teach you !  You can also go to classes (recommended for the obvious reasons--more opportunities to meet and a way in to a local scene).
Even if you are a hopeless dancer -- it will not matter.!
If you are going to meet one girl -- it is a fun night out . Cost is minimal .
The girls generally dress  to immaculate !

Video is of my teacher who was Ukrainian champion

[JayH]

The section in bold above is complete bullsh*t. I have never been treated badly in Ukraine (or anywhere actually) because I spoke English or was an American. There was someone on here late last year (maybe the cat ass dude) who was saying the same thing. If you ran into trouble I would guess you were probably looking for it.


I know Bounder is no longer in Kiev (Kyiv for Moby and Boe) but for any newbies looking on here you are not a "target". Are there bad sections in Ukrainian cities. Yes (especially in Donbass). But I never felt in danger in either Kyiv or Odessa. And that includes being out, alone, late at night.


We are not talking about Aleppo here. These are modern European cities.


HDL

On safety  --- mostly it is not an issue -- but  --there are times you need to be very aware.
Being an English speaker can bring unwanted attention / No need to be paranoid -- but you do need big city awareness -- plus -you are different.
Late at night  -places where alcohol is being consumed --obvious places  for care.

In Russia -- I would guess that current political situation would keep me on high alert.

[Anotherkiwi]

OK, OK, let me clarify my situation a little. I have been a bit cagey until now as I wanted to make sure everything was going to work out.

...

So as far as adventure goes, I've uprooted my life and moved to Moscow. I used the metro in Kiev whenever it wasn't convenient to walk. I had about 100 pounds of luggage when I arrived at Kievskaya Station, which is why I organized a cab in advance. It was all planned. I have been using the metro in Moscow since then and I'm quite comfortable with it, I just had no desire to do it with all my luggage. I love the Moscow Metro - not only is it easy to use, the stations are beautiful art and tales of history and I didn't yet wait more than two minutes for a train....But now I arrived where I planned to be. Everything is working according to plan

Ah!  Now, as LAman said, it makes a lot more sense!  Congratulations on your move, and I sincerely wish you all the best.

[Trenchcoat]

I didn't feel targeted either in a bad sense. I was propositioned by one average looking lady in the shopping center under maidan once. No, thank you. (I wonder what I would have done if it was a hottie instead.) On 3 separate nights, I did get a business card to something that is "lots of fun" near Gulliver. I never had any interest in seeing what it is and kept on walking. Speaking English on the phone in public, especially when I am with a lady, did get me some looks but nothing threatening. I did not however find many to be overtly helpful perhaps because they can't speak English. Surprisingly in some restaurants some servers spoke pretty good English and they were helpful.

Worth learning a few of the important words of the language Wall, but then again that doesn't always work, partly because of my pronunciation/understanding of Russian language and partly because I was in the Ukraine trying to speak Russian - since not all Ukrainians speak Russian (which I often forget when trying to converse with them and their not picking up). Speaking English of course is the main default since I only attempt the language when desperate or in a situation I don't want to stand out as an obvious foreigner to everyone in the immediate proximity. Handiest of course if you're with a girl and she can do the conversing but then of course perhaps you're not leading, lol.

[Trenchcoat]

OK, OK, let me clarify my situation a little. I have been a bit cagey until now as I wanted to make sure everything was going to work out.

There are a number of strategies for meeting FSUW and finding "the one". I've tried them with mixed results (I tend to be a WOVO kind of guy, although I think 2TallBill had a variation that I liked - essentially WOVO, with the possibility of meeting many more if it doesn't work out). Another strategy is move there and meet many!

It's not as simple as that though. I've had to "give up" a lot to do this and now seemed like a good time for a significant change in my life. I wasn't happy in my well-paying, secure occupation and my marriage ended over two years ago (waiting for the divorce certificate any day now). With no kids and no responsibility to anyone but myself, it seemed like the best opportunity to do exactly what I want. I won't be getting any younger, so I screwed up my courage and acted decisively. This has been now at least six months in the making and so wasn't a spontaneous decision to be regretted later. I've had ample opportunity to back out. In fact, I'm still trying to free myself from my "great" job.

So as far as adventure goes, I've uprooted my life and moved to Moscow. I used the metro in Kiev whenever it wasn't convenient to walk. I had about 100 pounds of luggage when I arrived at Kievskaya Station, which is why I organized a cab in advance. It was all planned. I have been using the metro in Moscow since then and I'm quite comfortable with it, I just had no desire to do it with all my luggage. I love the Moscow Metro - not only is it easy to use, the stations are beautiful art and tales of history and I didn't yet wait more than two minutes for a train. I found a temporary flat share situation near Universitet, which is why I'm there while I look for more permanent housing. I'm staying in a nice, renovated, warm flat with a retired couple who speak no English. I had my first meeting today regarding a longer term living situation.

I'm starting at zero and seeing what I can make of it. I wouldn't recommend the same to anyone. But if you are adventurous, want a change in your life, you're able to learn, and you know you only live once and have the courage to stick a fork in it regarding your current situation, then yeah I'd recommend this to you.

I'm now immersed in Russian culture and I'll be meeting Russians every day into the indefinite future. I needed to wait in Kiev for my visa. I liked Kiev and Ukrainians very much, lest there be any doubt. But now I arrived where I planned to be. Everything is working according to plan

I think what you're doing Bounder is what I may be looking at in the future. I need to be able to secure a source of income upon which to do this though which I am working on at the moment. My job is neither highly paid nor exactly secure although work has been consistent so no problems with me giving that up, lol. So long as I can get a source of income through that brings in a sum of money that I could live off here then I will be able to live rather decently of it in the FSU without work being a pressing issue. That said living out there permanently would depend on me meeting someone so it would just be for an open ended stay at first. I think what you're doing is best in terms of finding a woman, the more it gets to a quick fly in and out the more unlikely/unrealistic I think.

Before I get to any of that though I am going to do the month long or so deal and see what it turns up. I just can't hold on a year or two to get in a financial position to live over there open ended and not have a crack at meeting some woman, it would depress me so and make me feel I would never get there.

Anyway, I wish you well in this venture keep us informed of how it goes. I wondered what strategy you were at when you stated the other day that you weren't doing the usual. Getting away from all the bs on these dating sites is probably the best deal. If you've got decent means to support yourself out there then your likely to gain the admiration of a few women over there I dare say. Good Luck    

[GregfromGa]

The section in bold above is complete bullsh*t. I have never been treated badly in Ukraine (or anywhere actually) because I spoke English or was an American. There was someone on here late last year (maybe the cat ass dude) who was saying the same thing. If you ran into trouble I would guess you were probably looking for it.


I know Bounder is no longer in Kiev (Kyiv for Moby and Boe) but for any newbies looking on here you are not a "target". Are there bad sections in Ukrainian cities. Yes (especially in Donbass). But I never felt in danger in either Kyiv or Odessa. And that includes being out, alone, late at night.


We are not talking about Aleppo here. These are modern European cities.


HDL
[/quote It would take an idiot to blow off what advice I gave the lad. I get my advice from experience and from listening to people who lived in Kiev for years. My old friend Glen Willard(RIP  of The Willard Group who was there right after the wall came down gave me some good advice.Whether it's the old dropped wallet flim flam trick or the cops on the beat that want to shake you down for a few extra bucks after they are holding your passport. I've experienced both. Of course I never carried my passport but only a copy. What else do you have to offer Hounddaddylee?

[BillyB]

Most of the time I've had no problems in the FSU but as Greg mentioned, we can become targets.

During a traffic stop, the taxi driver told me not to say anything to the cop.

When buying tickets to events, ladies I've dated told me not to say anything.

Somebody in my apartment building heard me speak English. I stayed close to the Uzbekistan president's home. Cops came knocking at my door saying foreigners not allow to stay in the building. The needed $100 to look the other way.

A guy walked beside me in Kiev and spoke Russian. I said I didn't speak and we spoke English for a little and then he walked ahead of me and dropped something. I picked it up and returned it to him. Next thing you know, a guy with a fake badge playing under cover cop said I may have took something. After hearing a bunch of BS, I was visibly getting very angry and ready to throw punches so they they gave each other "the look" to end the game and split.

Walking in an underground tunnel late at night in Maidan Square, Kiev, a couple of cops stopped me and frisked me. They took out my wallet and I think they took "some" money before returning the wallet. Everybody I talked to, including a security guy in the American consult told me don't walk the underground tunnels at night, it's possible a crime may happen and it may come from the cops.

I never go to the FSU in fear but a lot of BS does happen there.

[JayH]

Sorry -I have to comment on cops.
By all means correct me if I am wrong -- but I am netting all those negative experiences were pre Maidan  prior to 2014?

After the Maidan revolution and with the subsequent reforms the Police force bears little resemblance in behaviour to now.There is nothing to fear from the police --in fact --now they can even be helpful and very conscious of the image they portray.It is all part of a "NEW" Ukraine.

I do still carry a copy of passport pages --- a hang over from previous mistrust . It is also compulsory to carry id in some places ( Odessa for certain)  .

Some of the street scams BB mentions-- are alive and well . A few on the forum can testify to the money drop. I got in a wrestle late one night  when I grabbed the id the guy flashed at me ! No big deal !    It was not the first time that attempted scam had happened to me. Whatever you do-- do not take a wallet or money out . On the point-- do not carry in a wallet-- a pile of USD  etc Carry only what you may need   -- and put reserve somewhere else on your person --maybe in shoe .
The last thing you need is to have your passport and drivers licence etc stolen --and credit cards -- so separate them to.

When buying tickets to events, ladies I've dated told me not to say anything.

 

There is actually a different price for non-residents. It is not a scam ( not always anyway). Many things are subsidised in Ukraine - a throwback to earlier era- and foreigners  are expected to pay more.That is the case at quite a lot of tourist attractions. In $ terms-it hardly matters .

That is most probably why you were told not to say anything that could alert the box office lady!

[Kunstkammer]

In Russia -- I would guess that current political situation would keep me on high alert.

You should have good situational awareness anyplace you are in any country, including your own, that goes without saying. Having lived in Russia since 2009 I can say that is a pretty paranoid statement. The people that care about that crap cared about that crap long before this 'political situation' and aren't inclined to do much if anything. And if you think the police or security services care about random Joe Schmo from America- you have an inflated sense of self importance.

[JayH]

Yawn 

I chose not to elaborate in my post--the reference was to the potential for international friction in the immediate future.That could cause problems.
Others that have lived in Moscow far longer than you and speak fluent Russian have previously commented on care being needed -- so - there ya go !  and -- I ain't no Jo Schmo from America !

[BillyB]

Sorry -I have to comment on cops.
By all means correct me if I am wrong -- but I am netting all those negative experiences were pre Maidan  prior to 2014?

My bad experiences with cops were pre-Maidan. The new cops are much better... so much that even Ukrainians give them thumbs up.

There is actually a different price for non-residents. It is not a scam ( not always anyway).

It may be the rules but the stupid rules are to extract more money from foreigners. I've broken the stupid rules.