I want to visit Russia soon. Have a lot of different locations in mind, but one thing is holding me back:
I'm an American
Will people in Russia treat me poorly because I don't speak the language? (I can read it, but don't know some words)
I'm not a stereotypical American, by a long shot; no one would know until I opened my mouth.
How 'safe' would I be, trying to interact with people? I don't wanna piss anyone off
Nothing will happen, unless you will greet them with Nazi salute.
Though absence of language skills can be a problem... So, it's better to contact somebody who would be able to provide you a proper assistance.
I want to visit Russia soon. Have a lot of different locations in mind, but one thing is holding me back:
I'm an American
Will people in Russia treat me poorly because I don't speak the language? (I can read it, but don't know some words)
I'm not a stereotypical American, by a long shot; no one would know until I opened my mouth.
How 'safe' would I be, trying to interact with people? I don't wanna piss anyone off
hey. you wont have any problems. the nineties are gone. within moscow you'll manage to communicate a bit in english with younger generation. older folk might not even bother but they'll defo speak russian back at you in a much louder tone hoping you'll understand them better that way.. )
What about.....Ukraine? Crimea? I know someone in Sevastopol & would love to see the peninsula.
Eastern Ukraine? I found a way to visit the 'active area', but can't say more.
I'm trying to plan a trip to see life there - figured it'd boost my journalism portfolio a bit
I just don't want to be accused of anything shady! If you know what I mean...
Republic of Crimea and City of Sevastopol are no different in this term. The only difference here is that you're unable to travel there directly.. Simplest solution is to use Domodedovo, Sherejetievo or other russian airport as proxy.
Ukraine is on the other hand. I've never visited this failed state since 2007 and hope that I never will. Don't get me wrong, any foreigner there is treated like oligarch due to extremely low incomings of average people. But this seems very depressing for me.
Donbass... I wouldn't recommend go there because the breakaway states of Donetsk and Luhansk are in war with the rest of former Ukraine. Ceasefire is formally still in force, but the mutual shelling sporadically occurs in the bordering areas. If that is not terrifying for you, then you can travel there through Russian border. There are more than enough taxi drivers in Rostov-on-Don, they can help you with that for the moderate payment.
