[MamaChinch]

I agree with Shark, I have travelled extensively and lived overseas growing up and as an adult, so I knew and was prepared for what I'd see as far the third-world"ness" of Russia......yes, what was surprising was how well-dressed and beautiful ALL the women of all ages were! Spikey high heels, even in snow.
What how tell people is that it was EXACTLY like you would think it be....and that what was the shocking part. You can often intellectulize how a place might be and it ends up being very different. But Russia was just like I thought it be, but in away, I had thought it would end up being different.
That said, I had a wonderful expereince there and cherish every moment of both trips. (okay, not getting fat lip in a car accident) But the rest, yes!!