I set up a little treat for Galina today. I had Google Earth set up on our big screen, high def TV, looking at Lipetsk (her high school, parent's house, the market.). 5 weeks until we are there.

So, it has been a while since either of us have been in Russia. What should we do when we get there? 3 months is a lot of time!

We are going to Sochi for a week or so.

I will be practicing what I have learned in Russian classes this year.

Where would you want to go? We have time and a fair bit of cash to enjoy ourselves with.

In other news, Galina took the GRE this morning. 420v 470q, not as well as she would have liked, but probably good enough. (She needed either a 1000 or a 3.0 or better GPA. She has a 4.0, both in the states and Russia). She has time to take it again if necessary before we leave - and being married to an engineer, I can make sure she gets at least a 650q the next time.

My recommendation is to go in late July or August. The water is warmer then. Watch out for the fish and beer vendors. While you are sun bathing, they literally walk on top of your head screaming:
"пиво холодное", "рыба копчёная", "раки солёный"
Or the one word "пиво-рыба"
Also don't count out the "бабушки" offering their rooms for accommodations at the airport or train station. In 2003 meal and board was going for as low as 100 rubles a night.
Decent food at the cafes along the beach too!
Have fun!

Thanks! We are looking at about $70/night (kind of fancy, but we aren't paying for much else while we are there). Galina is on top of where to stay and such. Her mom is going too, and she wants to stay someplace special.

I'll be in Vladimir for 3 months May 31!!! Cant wait!!!

I was just in Sochi a few weeks ago. It is a very beautiful city. Without knowing where you are going or where you have been St Petersburg would also be a great place for a side trip if you have not already been there.

Hi Russ! I agree that July or August is the best time to go to Sochi...I have been there as well, but we rented a room from some grandmother I am not sure where you have been in Russia, but if you haven't been to Peter yet, you should definitely go. It's my mom's hometown. Her name is also Galina, so I always smile when I read your posts As I am sure you have heard, the architecture is very beautiful, and there are tones of art museums, the hermitage for example. Where ever you go I hope you have a great time, and improve your Russian!

I've been there. I like it far more than Moscow.

Am I the only one that hasn't been?

St Petersburg? You are missing something special. The city reminds you of Venice. They have the Hermiatage which is great. If you go in mid to late june you get the white nights and Nevsky is one non stop party. They have a war museaum that is awsome and both Petherhauf and the Summer Pallace are amazing. They are both big palaces that were destroyed by the Nazis and rebuilt. Even the fountains and grounds are amazing. There is lots more besides that actaully.

If my fiancee and I ever get out of Adminstrative Review we are going to go there before her interview to spend some time together, then to Moscow for the interview. I have been there two times.

I haven't been to St. Petersburg either. If you are referring to Sochi, I'll take the Mexican / Caribbean vacation any day of the year.