Going to Moscow for Spring Break

I am planning a trip to Moscow for my spring break in march. I'll be there for about 5-10 days. I still have 3 months to get everything together for my trip, but with the whole visa process, it's good that i get an early start anyway.

I was wondering if anybody who has ever been to Moscow, could give me some general tips and advice on everything. I'm a little confused about how to get in contact with a Russian Consulate in the US so i can get my documents together. Also, any advice on how to spend, where to spend. Where to go. How to be careful with my money...etc. would be great. By the way, what's the weather like there in march, and is there anywhere that i can play some indoor basketball there?? Any helpful advice that would make my trip better would be much appreciated. Thanks. :wink:

 

Are you traveling with friends?I suggest you do.I heard that there were alot of nazi street thugs beating up (and even killing ) "blacks"(anybody dark).

 

wow! welcome to Russia man!))
i can give u all the information u need!)
well...firstable, its enough cold in march....it may be about -10 or 15 degrees centigrade. i not sure how much its gonna be by Fahrenheit...)
there are so many places to go in moscow!!! exept the Kremlin, objects of note and stuff, u can go to the club named "Black october" or "Infinity"! thats the most popular hip hop\rnb clubs. i dont exactly know what u like to do...about basketball, i have a friend (he is black btw))) ), he is a baskeball playa, i can ask him if u need it!
and just be careful and dont go to outskirts of Moscow it can be dangerous for ya!

 

be careful with that , especially in the subway (we call it Metro). coz there are so many cheaters, crazy and just strabge ppl! hope u goin with smb? not just by urself? coz u d better be with a company or just smb...Moscow is a really big city, sometimes very dangerouse, just like any other!

 

lol, thats a way to get him excited about visiting your country. :wink:

I have a better idea, come to Tallinn instead!

 

Well, not really traveling with friends, but am supposed to be going to see some friends who live there. I've been doing quite a bit of reading/research on Moscow, and basically what i'm finding out is that if you use common sense, you should have a pretty safe trip. For instance, try not to look like a tourist if possible. Try not to carry large sums of money. Stay out of dark alleys by yourself. Don't smile at strangers passing by, as they consider it to be strange. Don't pay any attention to the gypsy children begging for money on the street. And don't exchange US currency for Russian currency on the street.

And actually, i keep reading that the little gypsy children can be more dangerous to you than the so-called Nazi street thugs. I don't know if this is true or not, but it's something that i keep coming across in readings.

 

hey, what part of Russia are you from DI? cool, i was hoping to find somebody that could give me helpful information, and if you live there, that's even better. yeah, i hear the clubs/nightlife there are really great, and i actually hear that they don't let you in some of those clubs if you're under dressed? i'm not exactly a club type person, but if i'm on vacation, i might give it a shot and see what it's like, you know, just enjoy the experience as a whole. and yeah, i asked about basketball because i know that Russia has a pro team there...not that i'm good enough to play with the pros (maybe if i was six inches taller lol), but i'm sure that has to mean that there are some places to play out there. and what would be considered the outskirts of Moscow?

 

Not going with anybody, but am meeting friends who live there, so i won't be going out anywhere without them as my guide anyway.

I grew up in the inner cities of Chicago, and so i'm very familiar with cheaters, crazy people, and everything else! lol and you're right, Moscow is probably no exception to the rule. every city has these kinds of people there, you just have to use common sense and be smart about it.

oh, i was meaning to ask, what exactly is the difference between a hostel, and a hotel? i was looking at prices online, and the hostels are a lot cheaper. is it because you share a room with people that makes it so much more cheaper than a hotel?

 

Please be careful Bryant not only of the skinheads but the PoPo as well. They'll use excuses to jack you like your papers not in order etc. Bear in mind the visas are expensive like $100 and lots of personal questions. Also,tell us about your travels in Moscow. I like to know myself.

 

lol...where is Tallinn?

 

Bryant a hostel is cheaper than a hotel and it is like a dorm. Also, if you do date a Russian woman find a good and safe hotel or b&b.

 

Yeah, i read how they'll try and bribe you if you don't have all your documents with you. I read how it's best that you always keep your documents on you, and even make 3 copies just in case.

I knew the visas are expensive, but i just don't know how to go about getting my documents started. Should i try and go through the Russian Consulate directly, or go through a travel agent to have it done?

And yeah, i'll definitely tell you all about my travels there. This is the first time for me traveling abroad. I'm really looking forward to the experience. :wink:

 

Okay, that's what i thought it was. Is it possible to get a single room type hostel, or do you have to share a dorm with multiple people?

By the way Soulthinker, what's a b&b?

 

It is a Bed and Breakfast. It is like a little hotel but it is owned by a couple. I know there must be some in Moscow. If you can't find one then find a good hotel and get good references since if they see you they will say there are no vacancies.

 

Bryant,

Go to Cancun for Spring Break. Cun is off day hizzy during SB. Moscow is the most expensive city in the world now. Also, you really need a wingman/wingwoman to roll thru there on the smooth.

Save Moscow for when the dollar is stronger, and you learn to read/write/speak some Russian.

The Kid Rasta 8)

 

Kid,I think one of the people in the group could act as a wingman/wingwoman for him. Besides,it is different than the rest of the students going on Spring Break with the exception of the skiers in Rocky Mountains.

 

WHO CARES when you have such a stunning woman as "Woman" extending an invite???? Get the geographical lession while there

 

Like the others have said please be careful and have friends with you at all times...there are a quite of few skinheads up there and the police doesn't make it any better... I dont know you at all but I havet to say that Iam nervous for ya.... have fun but bear in mind where you are and your surroundings.... :?

 

well, i must admit that i was impressed with the pics that i saw in the "pics" thread. all very good looking women in there. by the way, Tallin is the capital of Estonia. just found that out. :wink:

 

Thanks for the sentiment bro. preciate that.