Still leaving for Russian Sunday night. I just saw the package show up from the FedEx tracking number. I was getting nervous that it would not be here in time, with one day to spare. I am very excited.

We have been frantically getting ready -- it is a long time to be away from home. Everything seems to be in order now, and paid for

By the way, I'm not worried about being killed JamesT & AK. Some of this was reminiscent of the AK bank robbery story.

Glad everything's in order!


Wow, I didn't know he robbed a bank!

Not him, his wife did. Based on the amount of money she was able to bring from Russia, the story originally did not surprise me.

Just a reminder for everyone not to take things so seriously. Internet message boards are helpful, not only for information, but also as stress relief for many of us.

I thought it was pretty funny too. I'm shaking down Gazprom for a few million - I will let you all know how it goes

Being killed? That's curious! Why?

Maybe he is worried that those of us who are not sailing through the visa process with the luck and speed of others will get jealous and start doing away with those who were more fortunate. Don't worry, we are not that distraut yet.

Me neither.

It was a pretty good hoax. I'll give him a big for "punking" the whole VJ community. He dropped the story, complete with INTERPOL and Immigrations busting down his door, then disappeared from VJ for long enough to let the story simmer.... then boil over! It was the highlight of VJ for a good while. (You can probably still find it somewhere. Worth reading, still!)


Have fun Russ and Galina. If you guys get bored, head over to the internet cafe and drop us a line. (Even if it's just to "releive some stress!") Wish we were going with you!

I can't stay away from the net for more than a few hours. Laptops will be packed, so I should still be in touch. There is DSL in Russia.

I have been sitting here all day...since I am thinking I will get my NOA2 today...They have DSL in Russia, you usually buy traffic in advance, at least that's how it is in our flat, not sure how it is in Galina's home town...Are you going to take any Russian courses in university there?

Though I looked into it, probably not. I will stick with classes here next year, but try to get as much practice as possible. As I will not be around English speakers, I will have little choice. (Good motivation.)

And Fedex just got here, visa is in my passport and correct. Cutting it a bit close, I guess (1 business day to spare). I am relieved.

That's great Russ, but wow that is close...you must be getting really excited now, just a few more days, lucky you! I am not going to Moscow again for another 3 months...When you come back you won't want to speak English My only contact with English these days is VJ and CNN...

I'll be glad when the Russian Federation drops this nonsense of foreignors needing a visa to visit. You don't need a visa to travel to the Ukraine now do you?

I wouldn't hold your breath. This is mostly based on reciprocity. Since we make Russians get visas to visit the states, they will do the same thing to Americans that visit Russia.

I would guess that most Americans travelling to Russia for business don't have much choice, and will end up paying whatever they ask. The Ukranian economy is not in the same shape -- tourism and foreign investment are far more important there.

That's probably true! Once you're comfortable in another language, you see how hard English really is. We have all these words and stuff. Foreign languages are so much easier to use!

After the "drama" last week from Galina's posts about her and Russ' incidents in the past, some of the forum members thought maybe she was taking him to Russia... to "take him out!" (If you want the back-story, read Galina's thread that is now locked because of the $#it storm it started between those of us here on the forum and a few that dropped by to "help us out.") No biggy though, things are straight for them... and the board.

We'll see if he makes it back!!!

Just kidding. Russ will be fine... he's lived in Florida long enough, he knows that Cuban judo. "Ju don't know if I got a gun."

At leas they should drop the registration system for foreigners and locals! We don't require that non sense, unless you are from the 25 "terrorist" countries who had to register immediately post 9/11.

Da first rule o da gunfight, bring da gun...

I'm here at the airport now, for the begining of a very long trip. A friend from London was in town (actually, he is here too, flying back home). It was quite the going away party over the weekend.

Arriving in New York in a few hours. A good place to say goodbye to the States from. A few late night bars, and some last minute shopping. Then, on to Moscow in the afternoon on Delta.

I ended up having Moscow Rick arrange a car from the airport. I'll let everyone know how it was when we leave.

Good luck Russ! (And Galina!)

Have fun!