[Partizan]

(12-15-2012 02:15 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

(12-14-2012 10:12 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(12-13-2012 06:12 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(12-13-2012 06:05 PM)FretDancer Wrote:  

Holy crap, what was she doing there? is she a Hobo?

That was crazy.

Even better question:

What is a Polar Bear doing in a junkyard?

That's not a junk yard G,that's just how people live up in the Russian Arctic.

Check out these cheap shot Russian bouncers knocking people out:

Those videos are fakes in my opinion. If they were beating up tourists I would understand. Most Russians unless really drunk will not do that to other Russians. They would be afraid those guys and social circle will come back. One of the reasons they target foreigners is they can get away with it.

What a festering pile of ick. That video is real and having been to my share of niteclub establishments in EE, the bouncers will not target of beat you up because you are foreign. My experience with them has been straightforward and honest. They take no BS from anyone and I mean anyone. Go looking for trouble and it will find you with a capital 'T'.

[worldwidetraveler]

The Ali B and El Mech of Russia.

[jimukr104]

Dudes you need to chill the fuck up. Never said they are targeting foreigners. I do not think bouncers would go so far in the first place. It's a dangerous job where revenge is common. Remember I am a retired coP so I will gO by my gut feeling before a bunch of English teachers with game. Get real.
What I did imPly is that foreigners are an easy target,which they are. It's like that in many places. The only precedence in fsu that I know about is in Donetsk bouncers roughed up 2 English teachers. My friend in Odessa also had bouncers take side of locals in a brawl in palladium.
Intact a large % of expats where attacked at one time or another. Odessa has a criminal history. So being the nosy cop that I am wanted find out more to help protect my buds. Went to the district militia commander and with wife translating found out all I could about the mindset of their problems. Everything he said confirmed what I know. The only difference from American crime is the Russians always in packs or drunk or both. They act the same in Brooklyn ny as well. Now if a pack of foreigners were out I am sure they would concentrate on a smaller target. It's crime 101. Also I love how non lAw enforcement guys going to think they know what's going on. Few experiences do not make you all knowing.
Partisan still asking questions on russianwomen forum?

[Partizan]

(12-16-2012 11:04 AM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

Dudes you need to chill the fuck up. Never said they are targeting foreigners. I do not think bouncers would go so far in the first place. It's a dangerous job where revenge is common. Remember I am a retired coP so I will gO by my gut feeling before a bunch of English teachers with game. Get real.
What I did imPly is that foreigners are an easy target,which they are. It's like that in many places. The only precedence in fsu that I know about is in Donetsk bouncers roughed up 2 English teachers. My friend in Odessa also had bouncers take side of locals in a brawl in palladium.
Intact a large % of expats where attacked at one time or another. Odessa has a criminal history. So being the nosy cop that I am wanted find out more to help protect my buds. Went to the district militia commander and with wife translating found out all I could about the mindset of their problems. Everything he said confirmed what I know. The only difference from American crime is the Russians always in packs or drunk or both. They act the same in Brooklyn ny as well. Now if a pack of foreigners were out I am sure they would concentrate on a smaller target. It's crime 101. Also I love how non lAw enforcement guys going to think they know what's going on. Few experiences do not make you all knowing.
Partisan still asking questions on russianwomen forum?

Jim, no one is talking about throwing caution to the wind and treating this as akin to a trip down to the local. The message that has been coming across here is to take the usual precautions and not leave your common sense at home. I know what it is like to be living in a provincial town in EE. i did it myself. I lived in one in Bulgaria (while on my Erasmus placement) which was controlled by the local mafia. Population 45k. The Mutri were blatantly evident all over the place. They controlled drugs, prostitution, niteclubs, hotels, protection rackets all over the gaff....everything. The mayor was on their payroll as well. They drove around in big black SUVs with serious looking dudes who were armed that you didnt mess with. There were frequent shootouts in the town centre. The place was as rough as a bear's arse. Locals were edgy and dodgy at the best of times. The slightest misunderstanding and you could have trouble on your hands.

I was attacked twice in a local club. The locals didnt take too kindly to me swooping in on the local women but I was lucky in that I was a group of dudes and any trouble, we waded in, fists, boots the lot. In Belgrade I had the privelidge of being in the midst of a shoot out. Two local hoods in a turbo folk disco bar decided to have a banging match over a woman. Cue screaming, bullets wizzing, pandemonium and me diving over the bar ducking for cover. I nearly shit my trousers. Those 12 months in the Balkans equipped me for provincial Russia when I did go there in 2009. I expected chaos, culture shock and whatnot and I got it. The moral of the story is, expect the unexpected because can change in the blink of an eye.

[jimukr104]

(12-16-2012 12:27 PM)Partizan Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 11:04 AM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

Dudes you need to chill the fuck up. Never said they are targeting foreigners. I do not think bouncers would go so far in the first place. It's a dangerous job where revenge is common. Remember I am a retired coP so I will gO by my gut feeling before a bunch of English teachers with game. Get real.
What I did imPly is that foreigners are an easy target,which they are. It's like that in many places. The only precedence in fsu that I know about is in Donetsk bouncers roughed up 2 English teachers. My friend in Odessa also had bouncers take side of locals in a brawl in palladium.
Intact a large % of expats where attacked at one time or another. Odessa has a criminal history. So being the nosy cop that I am wanted find out more to help protect my buds. Went to the district militia commander and with wife translating found out all I could about the mindset of their problems. Everything he said confirmed what I know. The only difference from American crime is the Russians always in packs or drunk or both. They act the same in Brooklyn ny as well. Now if a pack of foreigners were out I am sure they would concentrate on a smaller target. It's crime 101. Also I love how non law enforcement guys going to think they know what's going on. Few experiences do not make you all knowing.

Jim, no one is talking about throwing caution to the wind and treating this as akin to a trip down to the local. The message that has been coming across here is to take the usual precautions and not leave your common sense at home. I know what it is like to be living in a provincial town in EE. i did it myself. I lived in one in Bulgaria (while on my Erasmus placement) which was controlled by the local mafia. Population 45k. The Mutri were blatantly evident all over the place. They controlled drugs, prostitution, niteclubs, hotels, protection rackets all over the gaff....everything. The mayor was on their payroll as well. They drove around in big black SUVs with serious looking dudes who were armed that you didnt mess with. There were frequent shootouts in the town centre. The place was as rough as a bear's arse. Locals were edgy and dodgy at the best of times. The slightest misunderstanding and you could have trouble on your hands.

I was attacked twice in a local club. The locals didnt take too kindly to me swooping in on the local women but I was lucky in that I was a group of dudes and any trouble, we waded in, fists, boots the lot. In Belgrade I had the privelidge of being in the midst of a shoot out. Two local hoods in a turbo folk disco bar decided to have a banging match over a woman. Cue screaming, bullets wizzing, pandemonium and me diving over the bar ducking for cover. I nearly shit my trousers. Those 12 months in the Balkans equipped me for provincial Russia when I did go there in 2009. I expected chaos, culture shock and whatnot and I got it. The moral of the story is, expect the unexpected because can change in the blink of an eye.

yeah that's my point, as long as cautious, people will be fine. My comment was more to the reflective of the video to everyday life. It might very well be real. However ,its not reflective of what happens everyday. Probably why it was unique enough to make you tube. Take the bungee jumping off the roof. They were doing that in NYC in the housing projects 2 decades ago. just as many crazy youtube videos about rednecks in the USA. If those bouncers were going overboard beating those guys for very little reason they are stupid. What happens sometimes is the guys come back with 10 more guys and armed and get payback. In NYC bouncers often get stabbed , even shot as payback. In FSU they smart enough NOT to make enemies. Having enemies can be dangerous. Sometimes that is even why they side with locals,even when they dislike the particular local. Its also partly why ordinary citizens often do not get involved ,like in the video of the girl getting beaten.
To be honest if they are not in packs, they are pretty docile, unless really drunk.
Odessa crime is probably an exaggeration of FSU crime patterns being both a tourist mecca and they all have that pirate Odessa mentality.In Kiev the most I ever saw was 2 Asians being beaten on the main avenue by skinheads while police watched.I never saw any fights. In provinces I never saw anything bad. I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.
I also sometimes made it a habit of flashing my ID to local cops who where in the area I was. Believe it or not , even corrupt Ukrainian cops will cut slack to other cops. They have helped me more than harmed me.Unfortunately, the courtesy did not extend to my companions.They let me go with a handshake and still extracted funds from the expats I was with.point is maybe it will be helpful to make friends with the barmen and bouncers. Slip them something.Find a common ground. If guy was Russian Navy, say you was in the Navy(better if its the truth). It works.It can buy you good will.

[chochemonger1]

(12-16-2012 12:27 PM)Partizan Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 11:04 AM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

Dudes you need to chill the fuck up. Never said they are targeting foreigners. I do not think bouncers would go so far in the first place. It's a dangerous job where revenge is common. Remember I am a retired coP so I will gO by my gut feeling before a bunch of English teachers with game. Get real.
What I did imPly is that foreigners are an easy target,which they are. It's like that in many places. The only precedence in fsu that I know about is in Donetsk bouncers roughed up 2 English teachers. My friend in Odessa also had bouncers take side of locals in a brawl in palladium.
Intact a large % of expats where attacked at one time or another. Odessa has a criminal history. So being the nosy cop that I am wanted find out more to help protect my buds. Went to the district militia commander and with wife translating found out all I could about the mindset of their problems. Everything he said confirmed what I know. The only difference from American crime is the Russians always in packs or drunk or both. They act the same in Brooklyn ny as well. Now if a pack of foreigners were out I am sure they would concentrate on a smaller target. It's crime 101. Also I love how non lAw enforcement guys going to think they know what's going on. Few experiences do not make you all knowing.
Partisan still asking questions on russianwomen forum?

Jim, no one is talking about throwing caution to the wind and treating this as akin to a trip down to the local. The message that has been coming across here is to take the usual precautions and not leave your common sense at home. I know what it is like to be living in a provincial town in EE. i did it myself. I lived in one in Bulgaria (while on my Erasmus placement) which was controlled by the local mafia. Population 45k. The Mutri were blatantly evident all over the place. They controlled drugs, prostitution, niteclubs, hotels, protection rackets all over the gaff....everything. The mayor was on their payroll as well. They drove around in big black SUVs with serious looking dudes who were armed that you didnt mess with. There were frequent shootouts in the town centre. The place was as rough as a bear's arse. Locals were edgy and dodgy at the best of times. The slightest misunderstanding and you could have trouble on your hands.

I was attacked twice in a local club. The locals didnt take too kindly to me swooping in on the local women but I was lucky in that I was a group of dudes and any trouble, we waded in, fists, boots the lot. In Belgrade I had the privelidge of being in the midst of a shoot out. Two local hoods in a turbo folk disco bar decided to have a banging match over a woman. Cue screaming, bullets wizzing, pandemonium and me diving over the bar ducking for cover. I nearly shit my trousers. Those 12 months in the Balkans equipped me for provincial Russia when I did go there in 2009. I expected chaos, culture shock and whatnot and I got it. The moral of the story is, expect the unexpected because can change in the blink of an eye.

I agree with Partizan.....it is all about common sense.
For example, if any white or asian forum members were to tell me they wanted to travel alone for a month, throughout Ecuador, I would give them certain basic advice,

First, if you are lone wolf traveler you will be seen by many as an easy target. And as Roosh found in his travels there, the country is a den of thieves. So traveling with a buddy, making friends with locals or going out at night with other groups of foreigners, would be advisable,

Same thing in Brazil. There are probably about 5 to 7 times where I can remember lone gringos asking for help after being mugged.
In that list of the 50 most dangerous cities, 15 were Brazilian and I have been to more than half of them. Those arent cities where you would want to be a lone gringo. Thugs and thieves almost always go for the easiest prey.

Now Russia is a different beast. Even with their extreme consumption of alcohol and group thug mentality, I would not be worried about getting robbed. But I am sure that as a lone Latin guy seen hitting on a girl on the street, I will attract attention from drunks and thugs. So having a crew when traveling to Siberia is a solid idea.

[jimukr104]

(12-16-2012 01:49 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 12:27 PM)Partizan Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 11:04 AM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

Dudes you need to chill the fuck up. Never said they are targeting foreigners. I do not think bouncers would go so far in the first place. It's a dangerous job where revenge is common. Remember I am a retired coP so I will gO by my gut feeling before a bunch of English teachers with game. Get real.
What I did imPly is that foreigners are an easy target,which they are. It's like that in many places. The only precedence in fsu that I know about is in Donetsk bouncers roughed up 2 English teachers. My friend in Odessa also had bouncers take side of locals in a brawl in palladium.
Intact a large % of expats where attacked at one time or another. Odessa has a criminal history. So being the nosy cop that I am wanted find out more to help protect my buds. Went to the district militia commander and with wife translating found out all I could about the mindset of their problems. Everything he said confirmed what I know. The only difference from American crime is the Russians always in packs or drunk or both. They act the same in Brooklyn ny as well. Now if a pack of foreigners were out I am sure they would concentrate on a smaller target. It's crime 101. Also I love how non lAw enforcement guys going to think they know what's going on. Few experiences do not make you all knowing.
Partisan still asking questions on russianwomen forum?

Jim, no one is talking about throwing caution to the wind and treating this as akin to a trip down to the local. The message that has been coming across here is to take the usual precautions and not leave your common sense at home. I know what it is like to be living in a provincial town in EE. i did it myself. I lived in one in Bulgaria (while on my Erasmus placement) which was controlled by the local mafia. Population 45k. The Mutri were blatantly evident all over the place. They controlled drugs, prostitution, niteclubs, hotels, protection rackets all over the gaff....everything. The mayor was on their payroll as well. They drove around in big black SUVs with serious looking dudes who were armed that you didnt mess with. There were frequent shootouts in the town centre. The place was as rough as a bear's arse. Locals were edgy and dodgy at the best of times. The slightest misunderstanding and you could have trouble on your hands.

I was attacked twice in a local club. The locals didnt take too kindly to me swooping in on the local women but I was lucky in that I was a group of dudes and any trouble, we waded in, fists, boots the lot. In Belgrade I had the privelidge of being in the midst of a shoot out. Two local hoods in a turbo folk disco bar decided to have a banging match over a woman. Cue screaming, bullets wizzing, pandemonium and me diving over the bar ducking for cover. I nearly shit my trousers. Those 12 months in the Balkans equipped me for provincial Russia when I did go there in 2009. I expected chaos, culture shock and whatnot and I got it. The moral of the story is, expect the unexpected because can change in the blink of an eye.

I agree with Partizan.....it is all about common sense.
For example, if any white or asian forum members were to tell me they wanted to travel alone for a month, throughout Ecuador, I would give them certain basic advice,

First, if you are lone wolf traveler you will be seen by many as an easy target. And as Roosh found in his travels there, the country is a den of thieves. So traveling with a buddy, making friends with locals or going out at night with other groups of foreigners, would be advisable,

Same thing in Brazil. There are probably about 5 to 7 times where I can remember lone gringos asking for help after being mugged.
In that list of the 50 most dangerous cities, 15 were Brazilian and I have been to more than half of them. Those arent cities where you would want to be a lone gringo. Thugs and thieves almost always go for the easiest prey.

Now Russia is a different beast. Even with their extreme consumption of alcohol and group thug mentality, I would not be worried about getting robbed. But I am sure that as a lone Latin guy seen hitting on a girl on the street, I will attract attention from drunks and thugs. So having a crew when traveling to Siberia is a solid idea.

"Now Russia is a different beast. Even with their extreme consumption of alcohol and group thug mentality, I would not be worried about getting robbed. But I am sure that as a lone Latin guy seen hitting on a girl on the street, I will attract attention from drunks and thugs. So having a crew when traveling to Siberia is a solid idea."

you said it, pack of wolves will attack lone traveler. However, a lone traveler who does not stand out like a nail that needs to be hammered can also blend. Personally provinces are safer in my opinion than the large touristy cities. There is no criminal element that specifically targets outsiders since outsiders are rare. Blue collar rednecks who are drunk are the only danger.

[thegmanifesto]

(12-16-2012 01:08 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Quote:

helpful to make friends with the barmen and bouncers. Slip them something.Find a common ground. If guy was Russian Navy, say you was in the Navy(better if its the truth). It works.It can buy you good will.

This is a good tip.

----

For the record, I am still tripping off that Polar Bear attacking that girl in a junkyard.

[chochemonger1]

Agreed jimukr104. That is why a Siberian city full of students is what I am searching for. Less hooligans IMO in places like that.
I dont doubt that I might have a fight or 2. But the drunk pack of wolves is what I have to worry about in Russia, since I will stand out.

[chochemonger1]

(12-16-2012 03:03 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 01:08 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Quote:

helpful to make friends with the barmen and bouncers. Slip them something.Find a common ground. If guy was Russian Navy, say you was in the Navy(better if its the truth). It works.It can buy you good will.

This is a good tip.

----

For the record, I am still tripping off that Polar Bear attacking that girl in a junkyard.

G, at least that Polar Bear wasn´t drunk and was indescriminate in his attack. She was just in his way and when she ran away, he didnt follow. Can´t say the same about Russian thugs lol.

[RASER]

Not sure if its the vodka, drugs, DNA, nuclear fallout or whatever, but they seem to do brain-fried things:

She has got great boobs:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=10Ae...=endscreen

"Lifes about, shooting your load"

[RASER]

The Russian sisterhood:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIMn9cXE4Pk

The gap between her teeth is doing-my-head-in, otherewise kool!

"Lifes about, shooting your load"

[Spike]

Lot of scaremongering in this thread.

Just follow the common sense rules and you'll be fine.

- Don't look dumb or lost. Always walk as if you're on your way to something even if you're not. Need to look on a map? Go inside a store or a corner and do it there. Not out in the open in unsafe areas.

- Don't show of your bling bling in countries where they can't afford it.

- Don't get stupidly drunk, people getting robbed/attacked are often in this category. You're just asking for it.

- Do not speak English around guys you don't trust in the street. This goes for cops also. Presumably when you can fit in to the population like being white in Russia, being black in Africa etc etc. Learn the local language a bit and just say yes or no with the local accent if they say something and keep walking.

- don't be a dumb trouble maker, swallow your pride sometimes. Show no fear and walk away from the danger. I was once grabbed by the throat by a 5 foot guy in a Cumbia bar in Uruguay. Yes, I've could have probably beat his ass all over the place but probably not his group standing by in the crowd waiting to jump me in a second. I just stared at the guy,showing no fear but no threat either and he let go and I walked away. Better then getting my ass beaten in a place full of low class people who don't give a damn about if you lie there in a puddle of blood.
Not many guys are willing to fight a tall foreigner who doesn't look scared without back up from their friends.

- Don't be naive and think everyone will like you. This will never happen.

- Don't be scared or suspicious of everyone either. In poor countries most people will still be nice to you without wanting something from you. Get out of the western hemisphere mindset.

I've walked around in a lot of shitty neighborhoods all around the world, often in the middle of the night and barely had any trouble. Follow these rules and you don't need to make friends with bouncers or slip them some cash or take taxis with drivers everywhere.

[RASER]

(12-11-2012 11:12 PM)FretDancer Wrote:  

For those who've been to Russia, is this true?

What about this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bNtuX4LQrM

For mine, should be a Olympic sport?

"Lifes about, shooting your load"

[jimukr104]

[quote] (12-16-2012 03:18 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

[quote='thegmanifesto' pid='328494' dateline='1355688214']
[quote='jimukr104' pid='328429' dateline='1355681297']
I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.[/quote]

What does that entail?

Just being an unknown that gives off presence. In a lot of the places I have been to, the locals could not peg me as a foreigner. However ,being dressed well and looking like I have money confused them. They know I am not an average local but they do not automatically recognize me as a foreigner or local mafia guys. Most will just keep their distance assuming you can be trouble, maybe a employee of the local thugs? They do not know so they keep back.
Of course, banging into a drunk guy can ruin my charade lol. Drunk Russians can ruin my night. They sometimes latch on. Not in a bad way but they will do crazy things and if you are associated with them you will get in trouble.I remember a time guy sat down next to me , blah blah blah. Before I know it he throws his bottle at bunch of guys sitting across from us. Lucky for him he misses. But the guy and his friends of course came over.He is getting shoved. I retreated from there quickly, saying some English words.
I have often carried cigarettes, even though I do not smoke to get rid of them.

[pozdnyshev]

These girls are in the band серебро (serebro - or silver). This is actually their own music video.

(12-16-2012 03:49 PM)RASER Wrote:  

The Russian sisterhood:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIMn9cXE4Pk

The gap between her teeth is doing-my-head-in, otherewise kool!

"Lifes about, shooting your load"

[thegmanifesto]

(12-16-2012 04:54 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 03:18 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

[quote='jimukr104' pid='328429' dateline='1355681297']
I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Just being an unknown that gives off presence. In a lot of the places I have been to, the locals could not peg me as a foreigner. However ,being dressed well and looking like I have money confused them. They know I am not an average local but they do not automatically recognize me as a foreigner or local mafia guys. Most will just keep their distance assuming you can be trouble, maybe a employee of the local thugs? They do not know so they keep back.
Of course, banging into a drunk guy can ruin my charade lol. Drunk Russians can ruin my night. They sometimes latch on. Not in a bad way but they will do crazy things and if you are associated with them you will get in trouble.I remember a time guy sat down next to me , blah blah blah. Before I know it he throws his bottle at bunch of guys sitting across from us. Lucky for him he misses. But the guy and his friends of course came over.He is getting shoved. I retreated from there quickly, saying some English words.
I have often carried cigarettes, even though I do not smoke to get rid of them.

How are you dressing?

What style?

[chochemonger1]

(12-16-2012 03:51 PM)Neil Skywalker Wrote:  

Lot of scaremongering in this thread.

Just follow the common sense rules and you'll be fine.

- Don't look dumb or lost. Always walk as if you're on your way to something even if you're not. Need to look on a map? Go inside a store or a corner and do it there. Not out in the open in unsafe areas.

- Don't show of your bling bling in countries where they can't afford it.

- Don't get stupidly drunk, people getting robbed/attacked are often in this category. You're just asking for it.

- Do not speak English around guys you don't trust in the street. This goes for cops also. Presumably when you can fit in to the population like being white in Russia, being black in Africa etc etc. Learn the local language a bit and just say yes or no with the local accent if they say something and keep walking.

- don't be a dumb trouble maker, swallow your pride sometimes. Show no fear and walk away from the danger. I was once grabbed by the throat by a 5 foot guy in a Cumbia bar in Uruguay. Yes, I've could have probably beat his ass all over the place but probably not his group standing by in the crowd waiting to jump me in a second. I just stared at the guy,showing no fear but no threat either and he let go and I walked away. Better then getting my ass beaten in a place full of low class people who don't give a damn about if you lie there in a puddle of blood.
Not many guys are willing to fight a tall foreigner who doesn't look scared without back up from their friends.

- Don't be naive and think everyone will like you. This will never happen.

- Don't be scared or suspicious of everyone either. In poor countries most people will still be nice to you without wanting something from you. Get out of the western hemisphere mindset.

I've walked around in a lot of shitty neighborhoods all around the world, often in the middle of the night and barely had any trouble. Follow these rules and you don't need to make friends with bouncers or slip them some cash or take taxis with drivers everywhere.

All good advice Neil, and I have traveled just as much as you, gone to shitty neighborhoods and never had a real problem either. So I dont want to scare anyone from going anywhere. But my sixth sense tells me something about Russia, is a bit off or different.

I could be wrong...... so when I go there I wlll describe it as I see it. In the end, I can´t really judge, until I have my boots on the ground.

Your traveling experience will be different than mine, because you are a white Dutchman and I am a latin guy. Many Europeans and Americans travel alone, so people are used to it. It is not the same for a South American man.

I do believe, like you have said that there are many scaremongers out there. Colombia is a perfect example. So, if I came across even a bit like that, just follow Neil´s advice and 98 percent of the time you will be just fine.

Only thing about Russia is that there is still too little information, especially when it comes to 2nd and 3rd tier cities.

[jimukr104]

(12-16-2012 06:26 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 04:54 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 03:18 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

[quote='jimukr104' pid='328429' dateline='1355681297']
I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Just being an unknown that gives off presence. In a lot of the places I have been to, the locals could not peg me as a foreigner. However ,being dressed well and looking like I have money confused them. They know I am not an average local but they do not automatically recognize me as a foreigner or local mafia guys. Most will just keep their distance assuming you can be trouble, maybe a employee of the local thugs? They do not know so they keep back.
Of course, banging into a drunk guy can ruin my charade lol. Drunk Russians can ruin my night. They sometimes latch on. Not in a bad way but they will do crazy things and if you are associated with them you will get in trouble.I remember a time guy sat down next to me , blah blah blah. Before I know it he throws his bottle at bunch of guys sitting across from us. Lucky for him he misses. But the guy and his friends of course came over.He is getting shoved. I retreated from there quickly, saying some English words.
I have often carried cigarettes, even though I do not smoke to get rid of them.

How are you dressing?

What style?[/quote]
At the time dark dressy clothing.

[thegmanifesto]

(12-16-2012 07:20 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 06:26 PM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 04:54 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 03:18 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Just being an unknown that gives off presence. In a lot of the places I have been to, the locals could not peg me as a foreigner. However ,being dressed well and looking like I have money confused them. They know I am not an average local but they do not automatically recognize me as a foreigner or local mafia guys. Most will just keep their distance assuming you can be trouble, maybe a employee of the local thugs? They do not know so they keep back.
Of course, banging into a drunk guy can ruin my charade lol. Drunk Russians can ruin my night. They sometimes latch on. Not in a bad way but they will do crazy things and if you are associated with them you will get in trouble.I remember a time guy sat down next to me , blah blah blah. Before I know it he throws his bottle at bunch of guys sitting across from us. Lucky for him he misses. But the guy and his friends of course came over.He is getting shoved. I retreated from there quickly, saying some English words.
I have often carried cigarettes, even though I do not smoke to get rid of them.

How are you dressing?

What style?

At the time dark dressy clothing.

Suits?

Or like black slacks, black buttondown, black leather jacket?

That steez?

Not trying to harass you here, I just want to get a feel for the best style.

[FretDancer]

Damn... This thread went from car accidents to chances of being fucked up by locals in a matter of seconds.

[Spike]

(12-16-2012 07:01 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

(12-16-2012 03:51 PM)Neil Skywalker Wrote:  

Lot of scaremongering in this thread.

Just follow the common sense rules and you'll be fine.

- Don't look dumb or lost. Always walk as if you're on your way to something even if you're not. Need to look on a map? Go inside a store or a corner and do it there. Not out in the open in unsafe areas.

- Don't show of your bling bling in countries where they can't afford it.

- Don't get stupidly drunk, people getting robbed/attacked are often in this category. You're just asking for it.

- Do not speak English around guys you don't trust in the street. This goes for cops also. Presumably when you can fit in to the population like being white in Russia, being black in Africa etc etc. Learn the local language a bit and just say yes or no with the local accent if they say something and keep walking.

- don't be a dumb trouble maker, swallow your pride sometimes. Show no fear and walk away from the danger. I was once grabbed by the throat by a 5 foot guy in a Cumbia bar in Uruguay. Yes, I've could have probably beat his ass all over the place but probably not his group standing by in the crowd waiting to jump me in a second. I just stared at the guy,showing no fear but no threat either and he let go and I walked away. Better then getting my ass beaten in a place full of low class people who don't give a damn about if you lie there in a puddle of blood.
Not many guys are willing to fight a tall foreigner who doesn't look scared without back up from their friends.

- Don't be naive and think everyone will like you. This will never happen.

- Don't be scared or suspicious of everyone either. In poor countries most people will still be nice to you without wanting something from you. Get out of the western hemisphere mindset.

I've walked around in a lot of shitty neighborhoods all around the world, often in the middle of the night and barely had any trouble. Follow these rules and you don't need to make friends with bouncers or slip them some cash or take taxis with drivers everywhere.

All good advice Neil, and I have traveled just as much as you, gone to shitty neighborhoods and never had a real problem either. So I dont want to scare anyone from going anywhere. But my sixth sense tells me something about Russia, is a bit off or different.

I could be wrong...... so when I go there I wlll describe it as I see it. In the end, I can´t really judge, until I have my boots on the ground.

Your traveling experience will be different than mine, because you are a white Dutchman and I am a latin guy. Many Europeans and Americans travel alone, so people are used to it. It is not the same for a South American man.

I do believe, like you have said that there are many scaremongers out there. Colombia is a perfect example. So, if I came across even a bit like that, just follow Neil´s advice and 98 percent of the time you will be just fine.

Only thing about Russia is that there is still too little information, especially when it comes to 2nd and 3rd tier cities.

Well, not to get all technical but I have been to over 50 countries and you to 25 and all but two were out of my own language zone where as you could speak Spanish in most Latin countries you went.

If you didn't get in trouble while traveling before then I doubt you'll be in trouble in Russia.

Russian people are nice people, generally interested in you. Avoid the occasional thug and you'll be fine even if you're a light skinned latino. No pun intented.

[The Fantasist]

(12-16-2012 04:54 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 03:18 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

[quote='jimukr104' pid='328429' dateline='1355681297']
I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Just being an unknown that gives off presence. In a lot of the places I have been to, the locals could not peg me as a foreigner. However ,being dressed well and looking like I have money confused them. They know I am not an average local but they do not automatically recognize me as a foreigner or local mafia guys. Most will just keep their distance assuming you can be trouble, maybe a employee of the local thugs? They do not know so they keep back.

Jim,you know your own experiences far better then me obviously but if I can inject a point that I think might be true: It was not your clothes that stopped you being attacked,it was just the fact that nobody wanted to attack you. If you'd been wearing a Stetson and cowboy boots I doubt you'd have any more trouble. The reason why I say this is because in my experience it is impossible for us to blend in as one of them no matter what you do. They have a sixth sense for foreignness and can smell it a mile off. I remember being in Belarus,not dressed differently then anyone else there,i.e t-shirt and sports trousers and still people were cranking their necks to look at me as I walked the streets often from quite far away. I have no idea how they know. I've asked numerous friends over there how they know and they can't explain it but they just instinctively know a foreigner from a local. To not be known as an outsider I think you would have to go completely native not just in your fashion but in your gait,the way you hold yourself,your expressions,basically your entire mentality. Unless you do that it's nigh on impossible to fool them.

Neil is bang on the money with this topic. The average Russian dude has no desire to attack you,quite the opposite. I think a lot of first time visitors will be amazed by how hospitable Russians are,far more so then in the West. Go on a train journey and your cabin mates will share their meals and drink with you insisting you eat your share,people will offer to show you there town and invite you to stay,you will be invited to weddings etc. all kinds of random acts of kindness. I could reel off a list of a hundred such acts of kindness from my travels where as only once have I been attacked or had a confrontation ( drunk Kyrgyz guy in Bishkek ).

[Aliblahba]

A bit of advice. It's always good to align yourself with locals quickly. Show interest in the culture, don't ask arrogant, ect. Doing this kept me out of fights in England and Estonia, among other places. Plus having a couple of local wings can open up better venues, pussy, good restaurants.

[Spike]

(12-17-2012 07:10 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 04:54 PM)jimukr104 Wrote:  

[quote] (12-16-2012 03:18 PM)chochemonger1 Wrote:  

[quote='jimukr104' pid='328429' dateline='1355681297']
I was usually by myself so I came across as a well dressed local,which meant I could be POWERFUL ,so I was left alone.

What does that entail?

Just being an unknown that gives off presence. In a lot of the places I have been to, the locals could not peg me as a foreigner. However ,being dressed well and looking like I have money confused them. They know I am not an average local but they do not automatically recognize me as a foreigner or local mafia guys. Most will just keep their distance assuming you can be trouble, maybe a employee of the local thugs? They do not know so they keep back.

Jim,you know your own experiences far better then me obviously but if I can inject a point that I think might be true: It was not your clothes that stopped you being attacked,it was just the fact that nobody wanted to attack you. If you'd been wearing a Stetson and cowboy boots I doubt you'd have any more trouble. The reason why I say this is because in my experience it is impossible for us to blend in as one of them no matter what you do. They have a sixth sense for foreignness and can smell it a mile off. I remember being in Belarus,not dressed differently then anyone else there,i.e t-shirt and sports trousers and still people were cranking their necks to look at me as I walked the streets often from quite far away. I have no idea how they know. I've asked numerous friends over there how they know and they can't explain it but they just instinctively know a foreigner from a local. To not be known as an outsider I think you would have to go completely native not just in your fashion but in your gait,the way you hold yourself,your expressions,basically your entire mentality. Unless you do that it's nigh on impossible to fool them.

Neil is bang on the money with this topic. The average Russian dude has no desire to attack you,quite the opposite. I think a lot of first time visitors will be amazed by how hospitable Russians are,far more so then in the West. Go on a train journey and your cabin mates will share their meals and drink with you insisting you eat your share,people will offer to show you there town and invite you to stay,you will be invited to weddings etc. all kinds of random acts of kindness. I could reel off a list of a hundred such acts of kindness from my travels where as only once have I been attacked or had a confrontation ( drunk Kyrgyz guy in Bishkek ).[/quote]

Yes, Some of the best travel moments on a trip were in Russia. People are really interested in you as a traveler on a train.
And yes, Russians have a nose for smelling out the foreigner. For me it was probably my dress style and the brown eyes that gave me away plus not having the slavic jaw and hairstyle but I never ran into serious trouble.

Even if I had a million bucks in my bank account, if I was not pressed for time I would take the dirty train over a first class seat on an airplane every day. Those are experiences money can't buy. You got to appreciate things like that to understand.