Moscow soon ...

[Lit_1nce]

Apparently I am headed to Moscow in a a little under 2 months.

It happened quickly, and unexpectedly, but our communication is so good and fun (can't say I ever had much "fun" communication before) that first I find myself talking about possibly visiting, and then giving a vague time frame, and before I know it I'm filling out vacation request forms.. and life is good... and thank you universe for sending me this opportunity.. and my girl for being who she is I will thank in person.

Before someone asks, yes I guess I am one of those meet only one type guys. If it all falls apart, I'll just deal with it and enjoy the best I can. We have talked about it with each other and this trip is to see what happens.. If it does it does.. and vice-versa.. It is a very short trip, only 6 days in country, because I am rationing some vacation for probable (optimism) future trips...

I have to ask those that have been to Moscow.. where the heck did you stay ??  I looked up hotels on Expedia, and needless to say.. "sticker shock" set in immediately.

Feel free to answer here, or PM me.

[2tallbill]

Here is some general advice.........

1.   Make all your own arrangements for apartments etc.
This way some agency doesn't have control over you.

2. Stay in an apartment not a hotel: There are several advantages to staying in a hotel.
A. You can cook or better yet your lady can cook for you.
B. Having a refrigerator / morning coffee in your underwear / a midnight snack
since your jet lag will mess with the time space continuum.
C. Some ladies will not visit you in a hotel and could be thought as prostitutes by
someone who sees them there or hotel staff.
D. The price is usually the same
E. You can do laundry in many of them so you wouldn't have to pack as much.

3. Bring a couple pairs of good walking shoes (not athletic shoes) you will walk a LOT! Imagine walking several miles each day on asphalt concrete (with cracks and pot holes) Your feet will take a beating. I would also advise wearing new shoes for a couple of days at least to break them in before you leave so you don't get blisters. Keep them nicely polished, it will protect them and look good too.

4. I bought a cheap cell phone with a couple of prepaid phone cards. There are many advantages for doing this as well.
a. you will have a local number for ladies to contact that will travel with you. Having a phone with a non local number will cost a lot for ladies to call and they don't have a lot of money to spend on it.
b. RW love to send and receive SMS
c. If things don't work out between you and your lady then you will be able to setup arrangements to meet others without waiting by the phone like a high school girl without a prom date.
d. In my experience 99.99% of all cell phones have both a clock and an alarm clock in them. This way you don't oversleep and end up late for a date or anything else.

I would also recommend treating the local water as hazardous waste. Shower in it but brush your teeth with bottled water, rinse your dishes in bottled water etc. It is something that simply isn't worth risking having Montezuma revenge in the middle of a trip. I also bring Pepto Bismol but luckily have never needed it.

Other tips
1. Chap stick. You will not believe how dry your lips will be after 20 hours (or more) of traveling.
2. Pack a Swiss army knife in your checked baggage. It was designed to do a hundred things and you will find at least half of them.
3. A small flashlight, I have never been on a single trip without power interruptions.
4. Power converters / adapters. They use 220V and a completely different plug.
5. I carry an Ectaco translator (not required but nice to have) It is nice to be able to know the Russian word for Milk or Toothpaste while in a store or to ask directions etc.
6. I bring a big fluffy towel, all the towels that I have seen in the FSU apartments have been thread bare and small.
7. Little packets of wet ones towellets
8. One roll of toilet paper. You likely won't need it but imagine needing it and not having it.
9. A couple books about your area, scenic lakes, nature, your city etc. will be very popular with a woman who is considering relocating. You can tell stories about the pictures, history etc. There are several of them at a Barnes and Noble or from Amazon. Show here one on your first date and give it to her (if you have chemistry). It's a good ice breaker and she will look at every page many times when she gets home.

I am sure that others can give you even more things to think about.

Udachi!

[Jet]

I have to ask those that have been to Moscow.. where the heck did you stay ??  I looked up hotels on Expedia, and needless to say.. "sticker shock" set in immediately.

I suggest you check here first: http://www.enjoymoscow.com/
This is the site of "Moscow Rick" who has been somewhat of a legend WRT apartment rentals in Moscow since before 2002 (when I started on these RW type forums)
Can't recall ever hearing a bad report about any of his services...

[2tallbill]

I also think Lilly is from Moscow, you should send her a PM.

Bill

[Shadow]

Disclaimer: The general advice of 2tallbill might be useless in Moscow.

1. Correct, make your own reservations. Its easy and people in Moscow are more used to foreigners as in other parts.
2. Stay in a hotel, not in an apartment. There are several reasons.
A. If the lady wants you to taste her cooking, she will invite you.
B. Hotels offers a water cooker, and there are plenty of supermarkets. You do not need to leave your room.
C. On the first trip, do not expect the lady to visit you in your room. She will probably not even want to be seen with you inside the lobby. But if she decides for a 'close encounter' she will find the right place and time.
D. For the same price you get full service, safety and staff to turn to in case the meeting goes bad.
E. Even hotels have laundry service...but not needed for 6 days I hope.
F. Hotels have usually good internet (even wifi) and other communication services, and all taxi drivers can find them....

3. Good walking shoes are needed. But the streets in Moscow are comparable to any Western city.

4. If you call a local number while in Moscow, you pay local cost. Tell the woman that in case of emergency call, and you will not pick up but call back immediately. Phones will not be cheaper in Moscow, do not make the investment until you are sure to use it.

While it may look different, the water in Moscow has enough quality to brush your teeth. However drinking large quantities I would not advise. On the other hand when you eat a salad, it will have been washed in the same water that you refuse to drink.

Moscow is not short on toilet paper or any other modern comforts. However most things of Bills list I would take, ecept for the toilet paper and maybe the translator.

Now for hotels... Expedia is a good source for flights, but in the hotel department they seem expensive. In the past I used http://www.octopustravel.com but last time I looked their list was shorter as in the past. Still good deals.
Most big hotel chains have hotels in Moscow. If you like good hotels I can recommend Novotel Centre (good location) and Ukraina (classic Soviet-style) although breakfast in Ukraina is not the best.

For transportation inside Moscow be ready to use the Metro or Minibus. The stations are among the most beautiful in the world, and generally safe. Avoid rush hours, as that time you will be packed like sardines (even in the stations). If you need a taxi, let your date arrange one (she will stop a car) and do not speak unless she tells its ok. 

Moscow offers a wide range of food and restaurants. If you want American cooking, prepare that it will not be cheap, except for McDonalds. Russian full service restaurants are expensive, but they will offer good privacy. A nice middle class is Elki-Palki, that will not cost you the world and offers good food. Beware that not all are of the same quality though. The Moscovite version of KFC will be good for a chap lunch, and there is always pizza if all else fails...

Do not be surpised to see a high contingent of new Mercedes or SUV's driving around. The Bentley dealer has one standing outside, even in the snow. Never expect traffic to stop or take care of pedestrians. If you try, better be able to run and jump.

For bargain shopping go outside the centre. While you will not meet English speakers there, prices can be half of what you pay around Arbat.

Moscow offers a wide range of attractions. Of course the Kremlin (do not forget the Diamond Fund) is a must. But remember that you are not meeting a tourist guide. Have some things ready if she ask you what you want, but be open for suggestions as to meet some friends in a park. The main object is to get to know her, her life and her surroundings. If she lets you in there, and there is chemistry, you have a keeper.

[Shadow]

I suggest you check here first: http://www.enjoymoscow.com/
This is the site of "Moscow Rick" who has been somewhat of a legend WRT apartment rentals in Moscow since before 2002 (when I started on these RW type forums)
Can't recall ever hearing a bad report about any of his services...

Moscow Rick arranged my registration when I stayed in my fiancees apartment on the second visit. A bit hard to get hold of, but all was arranged well.
Another reason not to choose apartments...Hotels will take away the hassle of invitation and registration. 

[Jet]

Another reason not to choose apartments...Hotels will take away the hassle of invitation and registration. 

Unless it's an apartment hotel 

We've stayed at hotel Eridan which offers the best of both worlds. The only thing that may be a drawback is that it is not near the city center, but in the SE part of Moscow. It is very close to a Metro station so it's not a big deal, but it is about a 20 min. subway ride to the Kremliin/St. Basil's/Tverskaya Street area.

[jb]

Hotel Cosmos is another alternative to the vastly over priced City Center hotel locations.  Located 20 minutes N.E. of the "downtown" area, right on a Metro Line and the Mini-bus stops there every 10 minutes or so.  Most of the time an English speaker is available at the front desk.   It's also just across the street from some excellent shopping malls which offer good prices on just about everything.  Metro maps are available from the lobby, however you will need to read a bit of Russia to understand the Metro system and chart your way to and back.

Personally, I'd go with either Moscow Rick, or Jack Bragg and do an apartment, but if you are bound and determined to go with a hotel, this is a good one.

http://www.hotelcosmos.ru/eabout.html#hotel

[Rvrwind]

I would also recommend treating the local water as hazardous waste. Shower in it but brush your teeth with bottled water, rinse your dishes in bottled water etc. It is something that simply isn't worth risking having Montezuma revenge in the middle of a trip. I also bring Pepto Bismol but luckily have never needed it.

An old wives tale...Moscow water is as safe as any anywhere these days. My last trip to Moscow we drank water right from the tap. Moscow has cleaned up their water supply considerably. I find the water here in Calgary smells worse & I won't drink it from the main tap, only after it goes through the reverse osmosis system.
I also would recommend Moscow Rick, He can be a huge resource & besides he is a friend of mine & I prefer to recommend people I know & who are honest to deal with. If you do use him, tell him "Richard from Tver says Hi!" Don't think he knows I am back in Canada.
Have a great trip & ejoy yourself.

[chivo]

Just saw the post and thought I could add somethings to it.

Moscow Rick is ok, but you can do better IMO. I used him once and wasn't impressed for the price.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=moscow+apartments

Make sure you bring some lighter clothes as well because it can be warmer than normal just as easily as colder than normal in March. The weather has been warmer than normal for the last 2 winters.

Don't worry so much about things when you're in Moscow you'll be fine. English is more prevalent now as well, and finding a place where English is spoken is not as hard as you think.

Let me run down some other things you can do when in Moscow. If you're intent on going to The Bolshoi, make sure you or your lady is a major ballet buff because the theater is closed still for renovations (its suppose to re open sometime in March). You can still see the ballet, just not in the original theater, which to me is the best part of going to the ballet.
http://www.bolshoi.ru/ru/ go to the far right for the English version.

If you like ice skating, you can take your lady to ice rinks around Red Square or Gorky Park, which turns into a ice skating park in the winter.
http://www.russiannewsroom.com/content.aspx?id=9954_Economics&date=2006-12-5
http://www.thisisthelife.com/en/ice-skating-moscow.htm

How about a movie? Well 2 main cinemas that offer new movies in English are Dome cinema at the Renaissance Hotel by Metro Prospect Mira, or The Oktrabyre on Novy(new) Arbat, Zal(hall) 11.
http://www.domecinema.ru/
http://www.karofilm.com/club/about_program.shtml

I can't find an English version for the last link, but your lady can call the number and get any info. Also, they have headphones for her to listen in Russian if her English is not up to speed.

Right across the street from The Oktrabyre is Metelitsa Casino. Maybe you're not into to gambling, but it will offer the best place to view sporting events from football, basketball, boxing, American football, rugby, tennis, etc. from all over the world. You can also bet on the games if you want. Actually the bottom floor "Sportland" is where the sports book and big screens are.
http://www.metelitsa.ru/  The English version is at the top. Also many English speaking people will be there during the games.

Novy Arbat and 'Old' Arbat are definite must sees, and will have many shops and restaurants. Most of these places I mentioned will be English friendly.

Tverskaya of course will also offer a variety of eateries and shops apart from Red Square that will be English friendly as well.

The Yelky Pelky is average at best. Some other places to eat can be found here:
http://www.passportmagazine.ru/review/73/

Remember English is much more prevalent nowadays in and around Moscow. Still, it is Russia.

As far as museums I would also recommend The Pushkin Museum as well as the Tretykov. Metro Kropotkinskaya for The Pushkin, Metro Tretyakovskaya.

The Metro will/may take some time getting use to, but all maps inside the vagons have English translations.

Should you travel by taxi (forget walking so much), I recommend "gypsy" taxis where you flag a car and negotiate the price. Just remember that if you stay close to the center, don't pay over 250-300 rubles to go anywhere unless its over 15 miles from where you're at, and of course let your lady do the haggling. 100-200 ru. should get you most places inside the Circle Ring.

Coffee houses are quite common now and they have improved quite a bit from the good old days where most of the coffee was just this side of mud . Zen is still there as mentioned, but Coffee House and Schkolade are a couple of coffee chains that will offer a nice selection also, not to mention 2 new Starbucks that just opened, one on 'Old" Arbat.

A nice modern mall similar to anything in the west is by Metro Kievskaya just outside the metro by Kievskaya Vokzal

Moscow has come along way in the last few years and most if not all things are available here, from decent pizza to toilet paper (6 days, travel light), and some of the best women in the world. Relax and enjoy the city, you'll be fine. Good luck

chivo

[chivo]

one more thing about the phone. bring or get a phone that will work here. You can find some very cheap ones that will do the job well enough here for around 3-400 rubles. Its a must

your lady can get a local sim card for you for about 100 rubles that will be good for a year at any underground shop. adding money to it is simple at 1000's of terminals around the city.

chivo

[Jet]

Coffee houses are quite common now and they have improved quite a bit from the good old days where most of the coffee was just this side of mud .

C'mon Chivo, nothing hits the spot on a cold morning like a boiling hot cup of RusCafe! 

[SANDRO43]

Chivo, I've added some of your links to the RWDpedia:

- http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Entertainment
- http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Sports

Feel free to add more as they come to your mind (this applies to everybody else, too ).

[Phil dAmore]

An old wives tale...Moscow water is as safe as any anywhere these days. My last trip to Moscow we drank water right from the tap. Moscow has cleaned up their water supply considerably.

I'll take your word for it Richard... I guess Moscow sources their water from a different place.  Up here in Petersburg we are still running it through a triple-filter system AND boiling it... and that's just for cooking.

W/R/T bottled water:  It comes in two varieties: Carbonated and Still.  Make you you check the bottle before buying so you get your preference.

Have a good trip.

[jb]

C'mon Chivo, nothing hits the spot on a cold morning like a boiling hot cup of RusCafe!

Regurgitated Nescafe.

Moscow water is as safe as any anywhere these days.

I wouldn't bet my health on it.  Due to the engineering methods used by the Moscow water department, (they like to lay water supply pipes alongside, and in the same trench, as the sewer lines.)   Digging two separated ditches is not in the code for Russia.   Whereas in the USA, we tend to keep those two things separated by a coded distance.   In the event of a pipe rupture, which happens on a regular basis, there is a greater than even chance you "drinking" water is contaminated with fecal bacteria. 

Buy the 5 liter bottled water at the super market.

[acrzybear]

JB

Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "this water tastes like $h!t!!! 

[jb]

Bear,

In the words of the immortal Little Beaver,,, "You betchum, Red Ryder"

[Lit_1nce]

I ask for the time and they tell me how to build a watch !

Just kidding, I appreciate all the responses and they are VERY helpful !
I am leaning towards the apartment idea.. It makes sense to me.

I also appreciate the tips on site seeing.. This has been discussed between us, and we both agree that it is of more importance to spend time together than to be tourists. Although I am sure there will be some combination of the two at some point.

Shadow, you sum it very well with your last sentence...

The main object is to get to know her, her life and her surroundings. If she lets you in there, and there is chemistry, you have a keeper.

This is what it's all about.. But truth is, I am already pretty sure she's a keeper.. the question is how good a fisherman I am.... 

Thanks again for all your tips !

[jb]

But truth is, I am already pretty sure she's a keeper..

  This would be hard to prove at this point.

[Jet]

Regurgitated Nescafe.

Love the TV commercials:
 "Natasha?........Tatiana?.......Ludmila?.........MaaaaaMaaaaa!

But I wouldn't drink that sh!t on a bet!
If I had the choice I think I'd go w/ the regurgitated Nescafe

[Lit_1nce]

But truth is, I am already pretty sure she's a keeper..

This would be hard to prove at this point.

Ahhh.. and now I am supposed to debate you on this ?

True, at this point nothing can be proven.. Scammer, Pro-Dater, etc .. etc .. etc ..

And actually, as I wrote that sentence, I figured there would be someone that would try and pound me with a little paranoia and pessimism.. but you know what, I'll say nice things about someone who impressed me enough to travel so far if I want... I'll be optimistic if I want.. If something changes my opinion of her either before or after we meet, then I'll state that opinion as well.. but for now, I have good things to say.. and I'll say em !

[timothe]

It's been a long time since I've been to Moskva, but I still remember taking the metro to the Yamaskaya (sp) stop to the American Table restaurant for a real American breakfast.  (with Nescafe, blech!)  I'm sorry, but pickles with mayo, hard bread with sausage, olives, and black tea doesn't work before 11am. 

[acrzybear]

This is what it's all about.. But truth is, I am already pretty sure she's a keeper..

Hey it's great you have such chemistry-but at this point you are just pen pals (or phone buddies if it applies)

  I met a lady and we had great chemistry until we actually met.  Fortunally I went to Russia with the attitude of experiencing all that I could in that country and had a good time.  I would advise you to do the same-just experience what you can and enjoy yourself.  Just some advice take it or leave.

  But perhaps you will be one of the lucky guys that hits the jackpot on your first trip-Good luck and enjoy yourself either way it goes.  I guarantee your first trip to Russia will be unforgettable.

[DKMM]

On top of the other advice here, I really suggest meeting more than one lady on this trip.  You need to meet more than one before you have any clue what you are dealing with.

[Shadow]

Don't worry about finding backup if needed in Moscow. It has enough single women for all single members here.
However you must try to keep your senses straight and expectations down. The best thing you can do is when you are alone to play back what happened during the day and check what signals you got. Know that when a RW loves you, there will be no doubt.
If there is any doubt in her actions or reactions to you, after a couple of days have a 'kitchen table' talk and ask her to be straight about her feelings. If she does not think you are the man of her life, she might try to avoid the subject. In that case tell her gently but firmly that you have the idea she does not like you enough. From that point on, you can choose to either go your own way, or just let her keep your company as friend. In which case she might help you getting in to touch with women that find you appealing.
Remember that you are doing a big step by traveling half way across the planet, and she will not want to offend you even when she thinks you are the most disgusting man she ever met.