Originally Posted by Pleasurepays

there are two faces of russia and russian people. one is the kind, smiling face of someone who thinks they have an use for you or can use you later. the second is the typical backstabbing nature of people there who live in a world where "survival" takes precedence over life long friendships.

your words are the typical words of the typical tourist to russia. russia is a tough place. moscow is the toughest. people are rude assholes. traffic is terrible. its dirty. everything is gray and depressing. everything is fucking expensive. police are on every street corner harrassing you for your documents... i could go on forever.

it took many many years of living in Russia to understand Russia and Russians. funny how people tend to think they have it figured out after a few visits.

in the beginning, you see what you want to see... and see only the positive. after 6 months, you will see things for what they are and your optimism will start to wane as your negative experiences start to add up.

moscow will suck the life out of you in less than a year.