[waitinginnj]

Like the others have said - Russia is diverse. I will tell you what sticks out in my mind, almost 5 years laters.

The cities are filled with wealthy people and all of the modern luxuries that you can imagine in any metropolitan area. There are plenty of poor and some middle class, but the ends of the spectrum tend to stick out.

The women are often very beautiful. They like to be dressed at all times, stilletto heels and lots of make up. Appearances count.

In the cities, the mood is somewhat somber. Foks do not easily make eye contact or smile readily to each other. It may appear to not be friendly, although I don't believe that to be a fair conclusion.

You will find people in the cities that can converse in English - it is less likely the more remote you get. You pay for everything - public restrooms, bags in stores etc.

In Moscow, you can find anything in a kiosk.

Traffiic is brutal and folks drive fast. Do not rely upon "the pedestrian has the right of way" theory. Cars often do not meet what would be normal US standards and can be a negative impact on the environment. traffic is normally extremely heavey - worse than LA or NY.

The buildings are stifling hot, regardless of the weather outside. There is one heat setting - hot. Dressing in layers is key.

Everyone smokes and everyone smokes everywhere. (bring Frabreze for your clothing.)

Housing for families is normally small apartments and they normally share then with other parts of the family. It is a significant accomplishment for a couple to have a private apartment.

The country is diverse in its climate and natural attributes.
Of course, many parts are beautiful.

My daughter was from Tver. We went through countryside and into wooded areas. Some small towns along the way. Folks selling their dried fish, vegitables along the highway.

A small town can crop up in what appears to be the middle of no where. The buildings vary, many are older and appear to be run down. Inside everything is very clean, even if old. A lot of bad 70's furniture is still around.

The biggest mosquitos are year round (even winter). Windows do not have screens.

Offices can be in the strangest places. For example, we walked into one building in Tver that appeared to be totally gutted and under contruction (or demolition). The passport office was on the fifth floor, fully functional. The office for the birth certificates was a doorway entrance in a strip mall, and you would have never expected to find a government office inside.

I found the people in St. Petersburg to be the rudest (we visted for a couple of days for sight seeing). Although the city was beautful, the people left a bad taste in my mouth (this was my personal experience).

I hope that this is the type of stuff you were looking for - perhaps others can share some of their thoughts and experiences.