Moscow round 2

[GoodOlBoy]

Sorry to keep contradicting you but you're sooo wrong! The incidence of street crime - theft/robbery/mugging etc. in Moscow (and StPetersburg) is much higher than in NY and Chicago. metro, buses, etc. transportation, supermarkets and shopping malls, any line - even for museum and theater tickets, downtown street crowds and lonely alleys, - you name it. Almost every person I knew and know in StP and Moscow has been robbed at least once, many more than once.

On my first trip to Moscow, I had a guy try to pick my pocket on the metro.

We were all packed in there like sardines. I was separated from my girl by a couple of other people. All of the sudden I felt this pressure around my back end/pocket, I snapped my head around but I couldn't figure out which person it was. Then I felt a pressure around my jacket and I tried to grab the hand but he pulled it back. I figured that it was the guy behind me. I started yelling at him. My girl was in shock. I started telling her this guy behind me was trying to steal my wallet. She started yelling at him in Russian. We got off the Metro, he started walking really fast, almost running. No Militia around when you need one.

The same thing happened on the metro in Prague. Guy tried to steal my wallet there to. I felt this "bump" against me and then a slight pressure on my back pocket. Same thing. We were packed in like sardines. Never really could figure out who it was.

BTW....Both times, my wallet was in the front pocket of my pants. 


GOB

[Shadow]

Sorry to keep contradicting you but you're sooo wrong! The incidence of street crime - theft/robbery/mugging etc. in Moscow (and StPetersburg) is much higher than in NY and Chicago. metro, buses, etc. transportation, supermarkets and shopping malls, any line - even for museum and theater tickets, downtown street crowds and lonely alleys, - you name it. Almost every person I knew and know in StP and Moscow has been robbed at least once, many more than once.

You should get to know more people.

[chivo]

Sorry to keep contradicting you but you're sooo wrong! The incidence of street crime - theft/robbery/mugging etc. in Moscow (and StPetersburg) is much higher than in NY and Chicago. metro, buses, etc. transportation, supermarkets and shopping malls, any line - even for museum and theater tickets, downtown street crowds and lonely alleys, - you name it. Almost every person I knew and know in StP and Moscow has been robbed at least once, many more than once.

I'm not here to defend the OP, but this is total BS.

Moscow doesn't have a much higher crime rate than any metro area similar in size.

I agree with you on much of what you wrote about the OP's situation, but since I have lived in Los Angeles and Moscow, I can safely say there is no difference. Matter of fact I think LA is much more dangerous.

I get so tired of you people constantly dogging Moscow. It has problems like any other big city. Are you kidding me about Chicago? Probably the most corrupt place in America, and easily on par with any city in Russia.

I also know people in LA who've been robbed, burglarized, MURDERED, etc.!!. I've had my car stolen, house vandalized, robbed, I've set up by the police and brought to trial for something I didn't do, blah, blah, blah. All in America. It means little when making these types of comparisons.

That is why they say ignorance is bliss.

The fact is that the metro has a much larger police presence in it than before. If you remember, New York City was rampant with crime, especially in and around Manhatten before Mayor Giuliani took over. Prostitution, muggings, theft, drugs you name it.

What he did mostly was beef up the police presence (and please don't tell me about honest or dishonest cops as NYC had at that time one of the most corrupt forces in America) and crime went elsewhere.

The majority of metro stations have a police office in them. I was riding one time when there was a situation involving a young man and some hooligans. He used the intercom to report the situation and when the train stopped 30 seconds later, the police were there waiting and took the perpetrators away. I've notice a big drop in alcohol related problems since it has been banned, and crime in general in/on the metro.

Crime happens in every big city. Here are some statistics from California. Note 2007 and I seriously doubt most of this happened outside LA, San Fransisco, San Diego and Sacramento. You can also see a noticeable spike during recessionary times as in 1980-82 and 1990-92.
http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/cacrime.htm

Also note that California doesn't rank #1 in any category except for population.

Again I'm not here to say Moscow doesn't have its problems. I'm here to say please refer to Pot v. Kettle.

I won't call what the OP has as exactly ignorance. I'll be a little more subtle and use naivete. And it has mostly to do with Russia and its women.

All that said

All this talk of pickpockets.. Moscow does not especially feel like the kind of place where such problems are common.. but rather it appears prosperous and civil.  Sure there must be occasions when it happens.. but.. I suspect the incidence of petty robbery on the Metro is surprisingly low.  Just a guess.. no evidence..

Pickpockets in the metro are common. You have to be aware. And there is nothing civil about riding the metro from 8-11am or 5-9pm, right GOB  .

chivo

[Wienerin]

I'm not here to defend the OP, but this is total BS.

Moscow doesn't have a much higher crime rate than any metro area similar in size.

I agree with you on much of what you wrote about the OP's situation, but since I have lived in Los Angeles and Moscow, I can safely say there is no difference. Matter of fact I think LA is much more dangerous.

Where did I say anything about LA? Show me! I've never been there, don't know anyone from there, and have no idea how it is there... And you do not need a "much higher crime rate" - you only need it to happen to you... and to people you know.

I get so tired of you people constantly dogging Moscow. It has problems like any other big city. Are you kidding me about Chicago? Probably the most corrupt place in America, and easily on par with any city in Russia.

And you haven't lived in Chicago Pray, tell me what has political corruption to do with street crime? If you're so sensitive about Moscow (though why I cannot have my own opinion about it, I'm at a loss) - I won't say anything more about it. I don't like Moscow - but I don't like NY either, so there's no bias - just dry statistics. Street crime is higher in Moscow than in NY, and in St.Petersburg - higher than in Chicago.

Since you're totally correct further to point that police presence (not only presence as in visible and short responce time, but in good patrolling and work with the community too), and there clearly isn't enough by far in Russian big cities, what do you disagree with and so vehemently? (Let alone that Russian militiamen are part of the problem un too many cases that I know about, - but won't mention in case you or someone else will erupt again)

All in America. It means little when making these types of comparisons.

Again, be cool please. I was just replying to SCULPTO's naive statement that Moscow looks too clean and prosperous to have many pickpockets there And you may agree, that tourists (and in his case both he himself and his GF ARE tourists in Moscow) run a bigger risk than natives, who know how to conduct oneselves, where not to go, etc.

Again I'm not here to say Moscow doesn't have its problems. I'm here to say please refer to Pot v. Kettle.

I'm referring to what I do know - that's why I wasn't mentioning CA (though I've been to SF and SD a number of times). And I'm not saying, that StP or Moscow are awful, that you're going to be robbed or mugged every time you venture abroad or whatever, but just what they are - big cities, with different areas, very diverse population, inadequate police coverage, etc.

And yes, I feel - and am - much safer in Chicago than in StPetersburg. Which doesn't say I'm not aware of Chicago problems with street crime. And I cannot give you numbers for comparison - that is I can give them for NY and Chicago, but not for Moscow and StPetersburg. All the publications there are still speculative, the government is very shy about giving statistics

I won't call what the OP has as exactly ignorance. I'll be a little more subtle and use naivete. And it has mostly to do with Russia and its women.

All that said
Pickpockets in the metro are common. You have to be aware. And there is nothing civil about riding the metro from 8-11am or 5-9pm, right GOB  .

Hear! Hear! 

[groovlstk]

BTW....Both times, my wallet was in the front pocket of my pants. 


GOB

GOB, you sure you didn't mistake a pick-pocket for guys who just wanted to pinch your ass? 

[Misha]

Again I'm not here to say Moscow doesn't have its problems. I'm here to say please refer to Pot v. Kettle.

I won't call what the OP has as exactly ignorance. I'll be a little more subtle and use naivete. And it has mostly to do with Russia and its women.

Sorry, but the expression is "ignorance is bliss" not naivete.

As for comparing pots and kettles, I can say that one must be much, much more wary of crime in Russia. This includes pickpockets. I have lost track of the number of people whose purses or wallets were picked in Russia. Then there is robbery: I knew some travelers to Russia who went to the bank, withdrew some money, went to the apartment where they were saying, and then were immediately robbed. Clearly, they had been followed. Fortunately, their apartment was robbed and they were not simply mugged.

Then, there is the case of my father-in-law this summer who was in Moscow. While he was waiting at the train station, somebody suggested that he go to a nearby hotel. He did and after he registered he went to take a shower: one of these cheaper Russian hotels where the shower is on a different floor than the hotel room. When he came back his room had been ransacked and his money and passports stolen. Clearly, it was an inside job: the hotel staff had left the window open, and the thieves had been told when it was clear for them to go and rob the room.

Then, there is another case on one of these forums where a few thousand dollars was robbed from a woman's purse while she was traveling.

So, call it naivete, call it ignorance, it boils down to the same thing: the willful disregarding of all evidence to the contrary. IMHO, paranoia is not a bad survival strategy when traveling in Russia or the FSU. I would NEVER keep any money or important documents in a purse or in a wallet in my pants. I try to keep money and important documents in a money belt. If I keep something in a pocket, I make sure that it is a pocket in my jacket with a zip in by breast pocket so it will be more difficult to steal. If I am carrying a large amount of cash, I keep it with me at all times in a money belt as mentioned.

 

[GoodOlBoy]

GOB, you sure you didn't mistake a pick-pocket for guys who just wanted to pinch your ass? 

Sorry, but unlike some of the "other members" here on the forum, I don't frequent Gay Bar's in the FSU!  :evil:


GOB

[Shadow]

Sorry, but the expression is "ignorance is bliss" not naivete.

As for comparing pots and kettles, I can say that one must be much, much more wary of crime in Russia. This includes pickpockets. I have lost track of the number of people whose purses or wallets were picked in Russia. Then there is robbery: I knew some travelers to Russia who went to the bank, withdrew some money, went to the apartment where they were saying, and then were immediately robbed. Clearly, they had been followed. Fortunately, their apartment was robbed and they were not simply mugged.

Then, there is the case of my father-in-law this summer who was in Moscow. While he was waiting at the train station, somebody suggested that he go to a nearby hotel. He did and after he registered he went to take a shower: one of these cheaper Russian hotels where the shower is on a different floor than the hotel room. When he came back his room had been ransacked and his money and passports stolen. Clearly, it was an inside job: the hotel staff had left the window open, and the thieves had been told when it was clear for them to go and rob the room.

Then, there is another case on one of these forums where a few thousand dollars was robbed from a woman's purse while she was traveling.

So, call it naivete, call it ignorance, it boils down to the same thing: the willful disregarding of all evidence to the contrary. IMHO, paranoia is not a bad survival strategy when traveling in Russia or the FSU. I would NEVER keep any money or important documents in a purse or in a wallet in my pants. I try to keep money and important documents in a money belt. If I keep something in a pocket, I make sure that it is a pocket in my jacket with a zip in by breast pocket so it will be more difficult to steal. If I am carrying a large amount of cash, I keep it with me at all times in a money belt as mentioned.

 

In many cases the travelers are singeled out because of their behaviour. The cases you mention have in common that tourists are a target for robbers anywhere. You father-in-law was sent to that hotel on purpose, I can tell you that.

Although a passport loss might have been a robbery (personally I decided it just fell out of my pocket when I took off my coat as I do not recall being anywhere crowed), in all my travels to whatever I have never been robbed or mugged. Reason might be that I blend in easily.
Nevertheless I use a strategy of distributing money and valuables to different places so I would never be without in case or meeting crime.

[Misha]

In many cases the travelers are singeled out because of their behaviour. The cases you mention have in common that tourists are a target for robbers anywhere. You father-in-law was sent to that hotel on purpose, I can tell you that.

I can also say that, which is why paranoia is not a bad thing when in Russia. The naive are easier to fleece. However, I know many Russians whose wallets were stolen from their purses when they were in their home cities.

[Shadow]

I can also say that, which is why paranoia is not a bad thing when in Russia. The naive are easier to fleece. However, I know many Russians whose wallets were stolen from their purses when they were in their home cities.

I know many Dutch whose wallets were stolen in their home cities. And our national joke is that any visit to Amsterdam will leave you without your car radio....
As Chivo said, Moscow is not free of crime,  and neither are other FSU cities. But if I compare my own visual impressions an experiences, I would suggest Moscow more safe as Amsterdam, Paris and a bunch of other West-European cities

[OlgaH]

... what they eat in StPetersburg would be very different from Siberia or from the South of Russia (Rostov on Don, etc.)

Really? I have never noticed so much difference in cuisine. Interesting, but people in Moscow and St. Petersburg even make pelmeni, borsch and solianka in the same way as people in Siberia do.    Please, enlighten us about what people in St. Petersburg eat, but people in Siberia or Rostov on Don don't 

[Misha]

I would suggest Moscow more safe as Amsterdam, Paris and a bunch of other West-European cities

Does not say much for Amsterdam, Paris and a bunch of other West-European cities. However, Shadow, I always expect you to turn a blind eye to Russia's problems 

[Shadow]

Does not say much for Amsterdam, Paris and a bunch of other West-European cities. However, Shadow, I always expect you to turn a blind eye to Russia's problems 

Its not called turning a blind eye, but its called debunking overhyped stories. 

The tendency to paint the FSU as a place where criminality and alcoholism are high and life standard is low it basicly similar to agency hype about RW. That does not mean there are no problems, just that the problems are in reality not worse or even less as in other places.
I call things as I have seen and experienced them, and have more than enough material to compare.
To compare it to US or Canaian cities I do not have enough visits. Atlanta seemed to have a safe metro network though I was never on it late at night, New York does not give a very good impression to foreigners on safety.

[Misha]

Its not called turning a blind eye, but its called debunking overhyped stories. 

The tendency to paint the FSU as a place where criminality and alcoholism are high and life standard is low it basicly similar to agency hype about RW.

No it isn't because you can provide statistics. Let's take murder as a case in point. The per capita murder rate for Russia is roughly 20 times higher than Canada and 4 or 5 times higher than the United States. You can compare statistics and compare various forms of criminality. Yes, we can quibble, as to whether the stats are credible (arguments can be made that they overstate or understate crime), but I the stats are there and provide a credible picture of crime that is not "hype."

[chivo]

Where did I say anything about LA? Show me! I've never been there, don't know anyone from there, and have no idea how it is there... And you do not need a "much higher crime rate" - you only need it to happen to you... and to people you know.

Right and that can happen anywhere, which is my point. What does it matter if it's Chicago or LA. Speaking of Chicago, why don't you go for a nice walk around the south side of Chicago and tell how safe it is.

And you haven't lived in Chicago Pray, tell me what has political corruption to do with street crime? If you're so sensitive about Moscow (though why I cannot have my own opinion about it, I'm at a loss) - I won't say anything more about it. I don't like Moscow - but I don't like NY either, so there's no bias - just dry statistics. Street crime is higher in Moscow than in NY, and in St.Petersburg - higher than in Chicago.

I've been there and my best friend in LA grew up there and lived there for 30 years. I think he knows. Matter of fact, when I tell him about Moscow, he says and I quote "sounds like Chicago to me".

Corruption has alot to do with crime. Are you kidding me? It's not just political corruption, but that's a good place to start. And it involves turf wars in many shapes, colors and sizes.

Since you're totally correct further to point that police presence (not only presence as in visible and short responce time, but in good patrolling and work with the community too), and there clearly isn't enough by far in Russian big cities, what do you disagree with and so vehemently? (Let alone that Russian militiamen are part of the problem un too many cases that I know about, - but won't mention in case you or someone else will erupt again)Again, be cool please. I was just replying to SCULPTO's naive statement that Moscow looks too clean and prosperous to have many pickpockets there And you may agree, that tourists (and in his case both he himself and his GF ARE tourists in Moscow) run a bigger risk than natives, who know how to conduct oneselves, where not to go, etc.

What I get tired of hearing is BS from people who constantly talk about things as if they never happen where they live. Not vehemently, just calling BS where I see it.

Can I ask you, when is the last time you lived in Russia? or Moscow?

I'm referring to what I do know - that's why I wasn't mentioning CA (though I've been to SF and SD a number of times). And I'm not saying, that StP or Moscow are awful, that you're going to be robbed or mugged every time you venture abroad or whatever, but just what they are - big cities, with different areas, very diverse population, inadequate police coverage, etc.

And I'm referring to what I know. You are no more likely to be a victim here as in America. This is not the picture being painted here. That's what I am saying.
 

And yes, I feel - and am - much safer in Chicago than in StPetersburg. Which doesn't say I'm not aware of Chicago problems with street crime. And I cannot give you numbers for comparison - that is I can give them for NY and Chicago, but not for Moscow and StPetersburg. All the publications there are still speculative, the government is very shy about giving statistics

And I feel much safer in Moscow than in LA.

Yes crime doesn't exist unti it happens to you.

chivo

[OlgaH]

Most Criminal Cities in Russia
http://www.kommersant.com/p-12728/r_500/crime_rates/

[Wienerin]

Right and that can happen anywhere, which is my point. What does it matter if it's Chicago or LA. Speaking of Chicago, why don't you go for a nice walk around the south side of Chicago and tell how safe it is.
 I've been there and my best friend in LA grew up there and lived there for 30 years. I think he knows. Matter of fact, when I tell him about Moscow, he says and I quote "sounds like Chicago to me".

I'll give you Moscow, and you'll give my Chicago to me, OK? I'm not in the mood to argue, - I just know what I know.

BTW, I've walked and rode the train/bus in the South Side many times - I had to... also been to the vicinity of Cabrini Green and in many of the projects. Nothing happened, though I know this could have been. But at least here, in the US, I KNOW which areas not to go to or not go alone, or at night or whatever. The problem with FSU is that you don't know. "Bad guys" may be living on the same block with you in an otherwise rather upscale neighborhood.

Corruption has alot to do with crime. Are you kidding me? It's not just political corruption, but that's a good place to start. And it involves turf wars in many shapes, colors and sizes.

I'm afraid you've seen too many movies about Prohibition and guys with machine-guns. No political turf wars, corrupt as hell they might be, will lead to a junky following one from a currency exchange where one got one's Social Security check, or your pocket being picked in a store or on an L train.

Like I had this Italian friend from Milano, who when I asked him about mafia said that never fear, he is dining at the same trattoria as some mafia heads, and they are not ogres but businessmen, - they do not asd a rule interfere with ordinary citizens. Gov Blagojevich, or Mayor Daley do not pick my pockets, - they can (could) levy a new tax, why should they bother with the petty stuff?

What I get tired of hearing is BS from people who constantly talk about things as if they never happen where they live. Not vehemently, just calling BS where I see it.

You may get as tired as you wish, but I know what is or isn't happening to my friends and collegues in Chicago and NY and what happened and happens to same in Moscow and St.Petersburg.

There is another thing - no one is going to steal my passport and tickets here, and certainly not any large sum of cash... And if my wallet GETS stolen - which happened here once in 14 years (and my fault to a great extent) and 4 times in St.Petersburg in 1990-1995, - not a big deal, I've lost $20, some change, 4 stamps and a number of credit and charge cards.

If I'm a visitor in a foreign country this could be a big problem, especially so in Moscow and StP, where the police might be slightly interested on stopping a foreigner without registartion or even a passport (and meeting you without any cash on you might even make them angry).

PS America bashing also makes me tired, you know...

Can I ask you, when is the last time you lived in Russia? or Moscow?
And I'm referring to what I know. You are no more likely to be a victim here as in America. This is not the picture being painted here. That's what I am saying.

From what I know, what you're are saying is simply not true, sorry. Yes, I've not been to Russia for the last 13+ years, but my son, his family, some other family and friends still live there and I communicate with them very often. My Mom and Brother came over in 2001 - not in the least because of crime. When you have 32 people in your acquaintance burgled, robbed, stabbed, mugged or even murdered within 3-4 years, and non is a businessman, banker, mafia or any sort of public figure - or lives in a slum, it gives one pause...

And I feel much safer in Moscow than in LA.

Good for you. Hope this remains so.

Yes crime doesn't exist unti it happens to you.

If you say so... Though what I've written is just the opposite

[chivo]

I hate America bashing as much as Russia bashing. Believe me, I hear plenty here. Much of which is also unfounded.

Just for the record, I don't think one place is safer than the other. If you like where you live, great. I like where I live.

I also have no doubt what happened to you and yours happened. I could go on for hours telling you similar stories about friends in America. Thank God, my family has escape any nightmare like yours

Sorry to all for taking this off topic.

Really, I'm exiting this thread so you all can get back to the other crime that you all should talk about in this thread. And that is if the OP actually goes through with what is sure to be a train wreck. Unfortunately, I get the feeling the more everyone is against this, and rightfully so, the more bullheaded the party involved will be.

chivo

[Sculpto]

True crime in Moscow.. LOL..

Look, I have been to a lot of big cities in the world.. including one of the biggest, Mexico City.  Now, you want to talk about a city riddled with crime and corrupt cops.. Mexico DF is one!

People warn about pickpockets on the subway, (just as crowded as Moscow) corrupt cops shaking down tourists, don't get in unauthorized "gypsy" taxis and so on etc ad infinitum. 

I have spent cummulatively close to a year in Mexico City and have never been robbed, pickpocketed, shaken down or threatened in any way.  Unlike in Moscow where I blend in quite well, in Mexico I stick out no matter how hard I try to blend in.  Yet, not one single instance of crime perpetrated against me. 

What I saw in the Moscow Metro was plenty of cops, SOS phones in every station, and a normal amount of rush during peak times.  Despite what some are saying I found Muscovites to be suprisingly civil during rush hours.  Only in one instance did i see someone being particularly rude, an older woman was shoving to get near the door to exit the train and made a comment I didn't understand to the man she had just "run over".  I was standing on one side of the door and a cute girl was standing on the other side with the bad attitude woman in the middle.  We had both witnessed the verbal exchange and I made eye contact with the girl and rolled my eyes.  She smiled and kept smiling and looking at me until she got off the train, two stops after the bad attitude woman.

Now, even after what I just said about Mexico City.. typically i feel safer there than I do in several parts of the Bay Area.  There are parts of Oakland that I just will not go to under any circumstances, throw in the entire city of Richmond, East Palo Alto and there you have the list of some of the most dangerous places in the world.  But, they are easy to avoid.

In the case of Moscow.. I rode around on the subway a lot.  I wanted to go to the Izmalovo flea market and got off at the wrong station.  Suddenly I think I was in the middle of Tajikstan.  I didn't see a single Russian at the station.  I walked around a bit and realized I was probably not being smart to wander very far, got back on the Metro and arrived at the flea market.  (BTW, pretty cool and wortha visit). 

I went to some other stations where it was obvious there was some sort of danger.. Kuznetsky Most comes to mind as there seemed to be dopeheads aplenty getting high outside the station entry at night.  Did they bother me?  NOPE!   

When I got out of the metro alone at other stations I was not familiar with I was very careful to assess the street situation before wandering far.  My important papers were inside my coat, money in three different places and wallet in front pocket underneath coat.  I have in the past witnessed different kinds of criminal groups working crowds as pickpockets.. the best one is "make a commotion" off to the side and while people are paying attention to that backpacks and luggage get lifted.  Not gonna happen to me..

I have been almost attacked in Amsterdam, once in SF, and once back in KC when i was going to college.  I have only been hustled once and that was in Belize City and it cost me all of two dollars.

Pickpockets are the least of my worries.

[Sculpto]

btw.. things have been stolen from my vehicle in SF more times than I can count.

[JR]

Sorry, but unlike some of the "other members" here on the forum, I don't frequent Gay Bar's in the FSU!  :evil:


GOB

Where do you frequent them? HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

[Sculpto]

Where do you frequent them? HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

glory hole most likely.. hahahahaha  JK GOB

[Diplomacy]

Incoming!  Can not wait to read what GOB comes up with now.

[Sculpto]

Today brought some interesting twists to my story...

I had not spoken with "A" for a couple of days.  I did not want to bother her when she was dealing with the family and however a death is memorialized in her family.  But, I finally called her this morning since it seemed enough time had passed and I should.

I was very surprised by the change in her tone of voice.  She has been glum for months.. almost expressionless and with little to say.  Today, all different.  I am not about to say she sounded happy, but, there was a distinctly different tone.  I mentioned she sounded different and she said.. "Da Ereek.. I glad it over.. now I can again to live"

We went on to have a really good conversation.  She was in Moscow for a day and on her way to Armenia with her Father.  I had not told her about getting laid off, but, she asked how I am doing in a way she hasn't asked in a long time, so, I decided I would tell her.

Her response frankly shocked me!

"Ereek, it is good, now you have time to do as wish.  All will be good!"

"All will be good".. (happy sigh).. this has always been a sort of catch phrase for our relationship.. before her Dad got sick she would always say this when I was down and I learned to say it when she was down and it would always raise her spirits.  But, in the last few months she never used this phrase and when I did it seemed she was deaf. 

She called me again a few hours ago from the plane.  She was actually happy!  her Father was on the plane with her (in the casket) and she was bringing him home to his village.  I asked who would meet her in the airport in Yerevan and she doesn't know!  I was VERY shocked by this also.  I know she understands Armenian but does not speak it very well.  I guess the village where she is going is remote and there will be no internet and her phone will not work.  I think this will be an exciting trip for her.  She is supposed to be in Armenia just a few days and promised to call the minute she lands back in Moscow.

I really hope the passing of her Father will prove to be a positive for her.  It has been really difficult for me to experience her saddness over these months and feel powerless to raise her spirits, so, if her grief has changed to relief I feel there is a good chance all the negatives that have happened can be erased.  Time will tell.

[Faux Pas]

Time will tell.

Sculpt, maybe you are beginning to come around. I wonder if you are seeing how prophetic that sentence really is.