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I just returned from my trip to Russia and thought I would post a few of the highlights.

First of all Tatyana and I are going to begin the K-1 process so that she can arrive here
some time this winter.  The 2 of us had a very good time and I believe a very promising
future together.  It is obvious to me that she cares for me deeply, as I do her.  She is a
wonderful woman. As many of you know this was my third trip to see her (one month
last August and three weeks in Jan./Feb)

We were in Moscow through the 12th of June and inadvertently got caught in the riots in
on the 9th.  We had been walking up Arbat street and saw the occasional group of 10 to
15 young males chanting "Rossia" and carrying the Russian flag.  They mostly looked
like they had had a bit to much to drink.

There was a large TV screen set up for the viewing of the world cup game in front of the
Ascension Gate to Red Square.  We quickly walked across this area to access the metro.
There was a large crowd watching the game.  At this point beer bottles were flying
through the air and it was obvious things could possibly get out of hand.  We  got on the
metro and got off at Arbatskaya station.  There is a Turkish Cafe there and we went in to
eat.  While sitting  and eating our food  a large mob came running up the street .  I would
guess about 150 people.  They were breaking windows vandalizing cars etc.  while
moving away  from the city center.  They passed by the cafe in which were eating.

After we got  back to our flat, Tatyana’s  Aunt told us that several people had been killed
and considerably more damage had been done then what we had seen.

I drove a quite a bit while in Novokuznetsk and Novosibirsk.  This was a first for me.  I
drove her father’s 1991 Lada (what a car).  Contrary to what I had observed as a
pedestrian there is order within the chaos of Russian traffic, even in the round-abouts.

Russian Policemen:  I was stopped by police twice while driving.  The first was on an
approach to a village.  He clocked me at 76kph in a 60kph zone.  Any way I gave him my
license, passport, etc. and was wondering how much this was going to cost me.  He took
one look at my license, started laughing, shook his head, said “Americanyitz”, handed me
my papers, and waved me away.  

The second time was at a police check point.  These fellows kept me about 20 minutes
while trying to stare holes in my documents.  I don’t think they could actually read them.
They let me go when a police car polled up with it’s lights flashing.  Again it did not cost
me anything.  Tanya said that she thought they were waiting for me to offer them money
but that something more urgent was going  when the police car pulled up.

We stayed at a hotel (Bylina) on Obskaya Lake outside of Novosibirsk for a few days.
Nice place.  Armed security guard in a guard house beside a locked gate at the entrance.
The grounds were beautiful.  On the night we arrived there were several Lincoln
Navigators, Toyota Landcruisers,  600 series Mercedes and the like parked next to the
building which housed the casino, and restaurant.  As I got closer in my beautiful 1991
Lada, I noticed that there were several well dressed me outside of the entrance to the
casino.  They all had guns.  I did not have to ask and no I did not go to the casino that
night.

A couple of other things.  I am driving through a typical 6 way Russian intersection when
I see a man standing right in the middle of the intersection a man.  Nothing unusual
except this man was extremely dirty, completely naked, and was holding a broom.  Off to
the side of the road was a group of 4 or 5 policemen who appeared to have no interest
what so ever in this fellow.

I had a great trip and spent time with a great woman. I think that the real work will begin
shortly

... in response to A few thoughts and observations about my..., posted by Philb on Jul 4, 2002

Phil,

First, good post. You tend to report your trips like I do - little on personal details but long on observations and experiences. This is my favorite style of trip report.

I am curious about what kind of drivers license you showed the police. Was it your state DL?

When I drove in Russia last year I only had a state DL. I never got pulled over but imagined myself explaining to a Russian policeman the world wide validity of my American DL :).

I understand that an international DL can be obtained through the AAA. I plan on acquiring one sooner or later.

Good luck!!

WmGO

... in response to Curious, posted by WmGo on Jul 7, 2002

All I had was my Wyoming driver's license.  None of these policemen questioned it's validity.

Something you might be interested in.  I was discussing the circumstances of Tayana's and her daughter's baptisms with her.  Her daughter was baptized in the Orthodox Church.  Tatyana on the other hand was baptized by her Great Grandmother.  Her mother and father were both members of the communist party and needed this membership to keep their jobs.  If they were to baptize their children in the official church they would loose their party membership and thus their jobs.

... in response to Re: Curious, posted by Philb on Jul 7, 2002

Interesting history. Thanks.

... in response to A few thoughts and observations about my..., posted by Philb on Jul 4, 2002

Congrats and best wishes to the two of you.

You are much braver than I am driving over there. Hopefully I will get over this as I plan on retiring there (in 14 years or so :).

... in response to A few thoughts and observations about my..., posted by Philb on Jul 4, 2002

Congratulations on your engagement.  I saw those types of cars, Landcruisers, Mercedes, and Lincons in Kiev and knew they were Mafia staff cars but my interpreter and my lady did not agree with me.  I said then how can a normal Ukrainian afford those types of cars on their salary.  My interpreter said, "Well, you know how the atm ripped you off $300, you see they take $300 from you, and $600 from Steve, and $300 from each of the other tourists and pretty soon the banker has enough for a nice car.

... in response to A few thoughts and observations about my..., posted by Philb on Jul 4, 2002


Congrats on your impending engagement!

Yeah... watching all of the fuss over Soccer (Brazil had riots recently -- and they won!) makes you put our football game celebrations in perspective, eh?

Wasn't it the last world cup that the losing goalie was shot and killed? As I remember the story, he had let in three goals, and someone shot him three times in the chest, shouting: "Goal!" with each shot...

Sad...

... in response to Congrats, posted by MarkInTx on Jul 4, 2002

I'm happy for you two. Interesting and scary to be that close
to "football" fanatics in a rampage. I saw that on TV when I
was with my lady. They did a pretty good job of doing the city
up in a rather large area.

   Best wishes in the future and may you be blessed with
a great life together.

Cheers,
Bruce