Going to Moscow on July 10th

[Lee08]

Hello everyone,
After several months, corresponding with many women, and one failed attempt to visit a lady in the fsu, I am finally going to Moscow on July 10th to visit my lady after 2 months of email and over 90 hours of phone calls and video calling on Skype. I might add the video calling is great if you can do this. I can't describe the difference in conversations, only to say it's wonderful, at least for us.

I have my passport, visa, and airline ticket(I started to question my sanity after buying the ticket), and I'm ready to go. As the time gets closer I'm feeling a sense of excitement that I've never felt before and I can only imagine the day I leave. I think it will be the most exciting adventure I've ever been on.

The reason I'm posting this is I would like to ask some questions if you would be kind enough to answer them for me.

 First, can someone tell me about customs and what to expect there. Do I even need to worry about this? I'll have clothes, cell phone, and a camera. Second, has it been a common practice for most of you to take gifts to your lady, and if so, what type of gifts have you taken? Maybe something of American culture? And finally the third question which may sound crazy but I read it somewhere. Do I really need to take toilet paper??? 

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Lee

[Mishenka]

Lee, Best of luck to you on your trip.  Customs should not be a problem. They are very careful to go through your things, I got the third degree from them both coming in and leaving back to USA. They were pleasant, as they searched through every inch of my bags, laptop etc. I was not able to board with some sweetcakes Galina had sent home with me.  It's either eat them or toss them.

 I assume you are traveling on a visitors visa, or a personal visit (PV) visa?  Make sure to register within 3 days or risk problems with militia, keep passport and registration with you at all times in case you are stopped.  Ladies love thoughtful gifts.  Any gift given from the heart is always welcome. Ask her some questions about favorite things, write them down as a shopping list to choose from. 

Re: toilet paper, take one roll for the unexpected, I did and it came in handy. You can actually buy nicer toilet paper in most FSU countries than here in the states however, it will cost you triple in Moscow.  Typically, whats in airports and homes is not whats in restaurants or public restrooms in general. Speaking of SVO2 and Moscow airports in general, if you get hungry you will pay a hefty price for a simple cup of tea and salad at SVO, USD 20 last May when I flew through. I will be flying again a month after you. Finally, if you use any personal prescription medications make sure you bring the printed bottle with prescription with your name on them or they could confiscate them at customs. 

One last thing, I encourage you to write a trip report here on the boards for us (when you have time)
Its always interesting to read about what other's experience. Hint on gifts,  name brands are best.They read magazines and know then all.  A music CD, hand lotion, perfume, useful things women need like a nail kit with buffer, cuticle oil and files is great and not expensive. Have fun!
Mishenka

[SMS60]

Lee, Good Luck

I'm going for my first time in about 2 months. Learning a lot.

I think you have the right attitude. Look at it as a big aventure with no expectations. At least thats my frame of mind. I think I will have a blast regardless.

I have a question for you. What angency or company did you use for your Tourist Visa. How long did it take. I have read most places will process it in about 10-15 days. Did you have any trouble. Any suggestions.

It seems there are numerous places to do this for you. Sometimes I"m a little hesitant to stick my passport in the mail and send it to some company in Washington D.C.

Good luck on your trip.

[SANDRO43]

Second, has it been a common practice for most of you to take gifts to your lady, and if so, what type of gifts have you taken?

Lee, here's a thread on the subject: http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=6385.0 .

And the RWDpedia has a topic with tips on Things_To_Take_Along:
http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/mwiki/index.php?title=Things_To_Take_Along.

[Gator]

I wrote a longer post but lost it when the board crashed.  A brief version:

Customs!  Don’t worry.  I have made  20+ trips through Moscow and my gear was never checked, not even x-rayed.  Those pulled over for luggage x-rays were mostly Russians with huge amounts of luggage or expensive luggage.

Gifts!  Search the archives and you will find 101 suggestions. Tell Sandro, thank you.

TP!  Yes, a little crazy. Russians need to wipe their bottom too and they do not follow Middle Eastern customs.  One of my apartments had cheap TP so I went to a nearby store and bought some.  Take a couple travel paks of tissue paper.

Is your lady from Moscow?  My wife is a Muscovite, so I am fairly familiar with the City.  What does your Lady have planned?  How long is your trip?   What are your interests?  Are you staying in an apartment?

[Lee08]

Hello Mishenka, SMS60, Gator,
Thank you for all the good information and sharing it with me, and thank you Sandro for the link. It will help.

I have a question for you. What angency or company did you use for your Tourist Visa. How long did it take. I have read most places will process it in about 10-15 days. Did you have any trouble. Any suggestions.

It seems there are numerous places to do this for you. Sometimes I"m a little hesitant to stick my passport in the mail and send it to some company in Washington D.C.

Good luck on your trip.

I used Go to Russia travel both times. Obviously I didn't use the first visa. Their website is:

http://www.gotorussia.com/index.htm

They are located in Atlanta,Georgia and I highly recommend them. They have different processing times and I used the 5 day service which cost $239.00. I mailed my passport by USPS next day and I received my passport and visa back in exactly 5 days by FedEx. I should also tell you that they have a stand at the airport in Moscow to register your visa when you arrive.

Is your lady from Moscow?  My wife is a Muscovite, so I am fairly familiar with the City.  What does your Lady have planned?  How long is your trip?   What are your interests?  Are you staying in an apartment?

Yes Gator, she is from Moscow. She is almost 31 and lived there all her life, and I'm 39 and starting to feel like 20 again, but I'm still keeping part of my brain on track anyway, if you know what I mean.
I think she has all the usual tourist spots planned for me and some other things she wants to surprise me with, but I don't really care about that. I'm just going to learn more about her. I'll be there for 9 days, which is kind of short in my eyes, but it's all the free time I had right now. If things go well, I will plan longer trip next time.
I really don't have any important interests other than getting to know my lady better.
Yes I'm staying in an apartment.
Do you have a recommendation of something or somewhere special I can take her?

Lee

[OlgaH]

Do you have a recommendation of something or somewhere special I can take her?

Lee

Lee, as you have written she has been living in Moscow for 31 years. I think she knows all special places  and even will prepare a plan of excursions and tell you the history of Moscow 

[Lee08]

Lee, as you have written she has been living in Moscow for 31 years. I think she knows all special places  and even will prepare a plan of excursions and tell you the history of Moscow 

I'd say you are correct.

[Kuna]

I'd say you are correct.

Lee,

Olga is right,  your lady will know her home city well...  but imagine how proud and pleased she'll be when you arrive enthusiastic about learning of it's history.

I'd encourage you not to arrive as a passenger...  be certain about what interests you and show her you indeed are interested in this wonderful city she calls home.

Kuna

[Gator]

Lee,

First, Moscow women are very special to me, so I know you will have a great time.

Second, Olga is of course correct about your woman knowing what to do.  Besides all the wonderful places in Moscow, there are some interesting day tours outside of Moscow if you and she are interested and have the time (e. g., Suzdal, Sergeiv Posad).

Third, Kuna raises an excellent point.  It is MOST important that you show complete respect for Russia and Moscow.  Muscovites are very proud of their city - let her do any complaining, you do the complimenting.  Any complaints would be disrespectful and highly impolite in her culture.  What you will see of her city and culture is an imprinted part of her soul.  To insult it ... is to insult her.

I mention this because of your asking if you need to bring TP.  Do not mention to her that you ever harbored such a thought, not even as a self-deprecating joke.   Among many qualities in her ideal man, she will want a man knowledgeable and respectful of the world.

Have an easy and safe trip, and I hope everything is good between you and your lady.

[OlgaH]

Here are some websites that can help you to surprise your lady 

http://www.moscowcity.com/

http://www.kremlin.museum.ru/main_en.asp

http://www.moscow-taxi.com/museums/index.asp

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/russia/moscow.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Moscow
___________________________________________

In the February of 2006 Romir, the largest Russian company specializing in study of various markets and different spheres of society life, made the research how Muscovites spend their leisure-time. The results showed that only 9% (young people and people with higher education)  actively visited the theaters, museums and concerts  for the past three months (3-5 times). 64% of Muscovites never visited theaters, museums and concerts for the past three months. The such answer was given usually by pensioners (74%), people with primary-secondary education (69%) and people with average income (69%)
______________________________________
2007. 40% of Muscovites never visit theaters, museums and concerts. Most of Muscovites visit theaters, museums and concerts 1 time in 6 months. Doctor of Economic sciences Nikita Krichevsky said that about 70% of Muscovites do not visit theaters, museums, concerts and exhibitions, but prefer to visit movie theaters, night clubs, shows and bars.
http://www.newizv.ru/news/2007-03-27/66383/

[Lee08]

I mention this because of your asking if you need to bring TP.  Do not mention to her that you ever harbored such a thought, not even as a self-deprecating joke.   Among many qualities in her ideal man, she will want a man knowledgeable and respectful of the world.

No of course not. Obviously I wouldn't ask her, that's why I'm asking here.

Have an easy and safe trip, and I hope everything is good between you and your lady.

Thanks, me too.

Here are some websites that can help you to surprise your lady 

Thank you Olga for the websites.

[Mishenka]

Here is a small list of some of the gifts I brought or bought for Galina while I stayed with her a month in April. Not in any specific order. All were cherished equally and given over a period of 30 days. Her fav perfums, Max Mara, Escada, Este Lauder "Beautiful",  Christian La Croix, and some dark brown lash curling mascara. A nail buffing kit. Givency "code"  Ok, so she is into perfums. She is on  her second bottle of Max Mara already.  A few other cosmetics like L'Oreal foundation SPF 18, night cream, day cream, eye cream, and a few other things to spoil her. Fun girly things like hand lotions, foot scrub and body wash, ok and (if you are close enough and all is going well)  do a foot massage for her with the foot scrub and lotion and this will send her into heaven. Galina never had a coffee maker so,, since I brought coffee from Gevalia, we had to buy a coffee maker. She was hooked.  We both love to cook together in the kitchen so we went shopping for a high quality knife set, Swiss made. The list goes on but you get the idea.  Best of luck! July 10th will be here before you know it~
Mishenka

[UTRO]

Hey, I'm flying to Moscow on the 10th as well    See you at TGIF's in Sheremetyevo!!! I'll buy the first Piva

[Lee08]

Hey, I'm flying to Moscow on the 10th as well    See you at TGIF's in Sheremetyevo!!! I'll buy the first Piva

Hey Utrobina,
That would be great!    It would be nice to meet a Canadian neighbor there. What time are you flying in? Staying in Moscow your whole trip?

[UTRO]

Lee, I'll be leaving Toronto via Air France on Thursday evening July 10th. After a very brief layover in Paris, my ETA in Moscow is 13:00hrs on July 11th. Lana is arriving earlier in the day on an overnight train from Kirov. We'll only be staying in Moscow until late Sunday evening, after which we train it back to Kirov. Moscow is just too damn expensive for this Canuck!!
I'm back in Moscow on the 21st for the flight home

[Lee08]

Lee, I'll be leaving Toronto via Air France on Thursday evening July 10th. After a very brief layover in Paris, my ETA in Moscow is 13:00hrs on July 11th. Lana is arriving earlier in the day on an overnight train from Kirov. We'll only be staying in Moscow until late Sunday evening, after which we train it back to Kirov. Moscow is just too damn expensive for this Canuck!!
I'm back in Moscow on the 21st for the flight home

Hello Utrobina,
I'll be arriving at about 10:30 that morning so I'll miss you at the airport. Maybe all of us will run into each other somewhere. If not, have a good trip!

[Ooooops]

Good luck and have a great trip, Lee!   Moscow is my hometown, so say HI to it from me.      Also, if I may suggest - take a 1-2 day trip so St Petersburg by train.   Most foreigners I know like it much better than Moscow and I can see why - it is a miniature Europe versus Moscow is very much Russia.