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Backpacking in Russia Anonymous
I want to backpack in Russia in January 2009. Now, I know Russia isn't entirely like western Europe. Is backpacking even possible? Can I traverse large parts of the country, hit plenty of cool sights using trains alone? I plan to stay in hostels as much as possible.

Also, I took a year of university Russian (which I'm reviewing now) and I'm an asian male.
>> Anonymous
Yeah...I mean, in theory you could. I mean, Russia is a vast country and there are countless awesome places to visit and things to do. But I've gotta say that you're going to be facing some major hurdles without fluency in Russian.

Here's an example: the last time I was in Russia (about 4 years ago), we only got a visa that only allowed us to visit St.Petersburg. But we went to another city (where we have relatives) and on the way back in the airport some officers asked to see our passports/identification and "detained" us. Well, obviously it being Russia, my dad just paid them off by giving them a bit of "vodka money" and that was that. But we're fluent in Russian and everything, so err, yeah... for someone who doesn't really know the rules and customs and things, I can imagine it being a lot harder. Also, expect the police to ask for your documents and shit if you look like a foreigner.

Umm, yeah, I don't really know anything about backpacking, so can't offer much input on that. But I would suggest you try the whole backpacking thing in another season. (Most of) Russia is cold as fuck in January.
>> Anonymous
>>20353
How do I look not foreign? Keep my camera in my pocket and wear my shittiest clothes?
>> Anonymous
If you go, make sure to go backpacking in the Caucasus mountains, especially near Dagestan.

The scenery is beautiful.
>> Anonymous
>>20376
You're kinda screwed what with being asian and all, but I mean, dressing with their style and shit.(Well, there are asian-looking people in Russia who're completely fluent and stuff from the -stan countries, etc but there aren't too many of those that I've encountered.) Like, when I went, what was popular for the guys were these goofy ass elvish looking shoes that had these pointy ends. I dunno, some gay shit, to be honest. It's not like I was looking all Russian in my clothes. If you do go, just, I dunno, try to stay away from anything that screams "I'm a tourist." I'll let you figure that out by yourself.
>> Anonymous
You should understand that this is a very dangerous thing you are doing.
>> Anonymous
>>20384
>Dagestan

ENJOY YOUR INSURGENCY
>> Anonymous
>>20413
YOU FUCKING RUINED IT
>> Anonymous
>>20401
Tell me more. I know bribery and corruption are rampant among cops, but Russia isn't Somalia. Should I ditch the backpacking and just make it a standard American tourist trip, St. Basil's cathedral etc.?
>> Anonymous
>>20432

If you see a cop, do what you can to avoid him.
>> Anonymous
Enjoy your City 17.
>> Anonymous
You will probably get beheaded or robbed or stabbed or something of the before-mentioned.
>> Anonymous
Why not try the Trans-Siberian Railway? You can stop off and explore loads of places right down the country. It would be a bit of a pain organising the tickets (they have to be done in advance) and expensive, depending on what class you travel in and how many stops you take, but worth it. Hell, you could make it a round trip and visit Japan while you're at it.
>> Anonymous
I was planning to. I also wanted to check out Moscow State University and Star City.
>> Anonymous
Go to Red Square and try to touch Lenin's zombie cock.
>> Anonymous
why would you want to visit Moscow State University?
>> Anonymous
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Outside the main sights Russia is a total shithole, avoid it at all costs.
>> Anonymous
>>20543
Has never been outside of America.
>> Anonymous
but it's true, even moscow is a shithole by western standards
>> Anonymous
>>20567
It's also the single most expensive city in the world.