CUSTOMS AND TRAVELING:
Your passport has been secured or is in the process. Next, we will get information to secure your VISA. You cannot enter or leave Russia without these two items.  In addition to these two items, you must fill out a declaration sheet upon entering Russia. Usually we only declare money (not over $10,000) and very expensive jewelry.  This form will be stamped as you go through the declaration line. Put this declaration form with your passport and VISA. As you leave Russia you must complete another declaration form and give both of the forms to the officer. Your VISA will be collected upon leaving Russia. (Don’t worry, we will remind 
you of all these things again.)

Your airline reservations are in process and as soon as we secure the best prices, we will contact you.  You will make your reservations directly with Sharon Silva of National Travel (1-800-359-0160).  You should be at your airport 2 hours before flight time. You will need your passport and VISA as you check in at the desk. The general rule for luggage is two check on bags at no more than 70 pounds each.  Bind your luggage with luggage straps. This helps to identify it and holds it together during the abusive handling. Your one carry-on bag is limited to 15 pounds. (Please do not let anyone tell you that you can take two carry-on bags. This is an international flight and only one is permitted).   I usually take one bag for clothing and one for gifts.  The gift bag returns with Russian gifts and souvenirs that I buy.  Remember, what you take is what YOU carry.

LODGING:
Lodging in Russia, whether in a home, on the boat, or in a hotel, will be European style (small twin beds) and private bath. You will need a transformer and adapter. Russians use 220 and a two-prong, round, male plug. You can purchase these at luggage shops and through large travel agents.  Russians use towels that are more of thin linen. If you need a big, fluffy towel, you will need to take one with you. The water is hard in Russia, therefore you may want to take a moisturizing soap and/ or shampoo. Take all medicines that you may need, including diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach, etc. ALSO, THIS IS A JUNE TRIP, ON THE RIVER, SO TAKE YOUR INSECT REPELLANT. You can buy these items in Russia, but often you will delay the entire delegation trying to find them.  You will also need an alarm clock (battery operated).


GENERAL INFORMATION:
Restrooms
Take small packages of tissue with you. The public restrooms often do not have toilet paper.  

Water
DO NOT DRINK THE WATER. You can buy bottled water when you arrive. Also, if you are in a Russian family or on the boat, they will boil water for you. Don’t even brush your teeth with the water. Most people use a mouthwash to rinse their mouth.

Gifts
Gifts are important. When you visit a family you should take a gift. Also, you will need a gift for your interpreter, organizer (Olga), and probably 3 other nice gifts. You may want to take small gifts for car drivers, bus drivers, museum guides, etc.  Always keep gifts on your person.

Toasting
Russians always have toasts. In most Russian families, new guests are toasted upon entering. A toast is proposed between courses of meals, the beautiful women are toasted (this means all women), etc. If you do not drink alcohol, it is no problem.  However, you must be consistent. You don’t pick and choose when and with what group to drink.  This is an insult to those toasting. Also, it is important that you give a toast, after the host, when you go to a home. At a banquet, it should be Russian, American, Russian, American. Do not eat or drink during a toast. Just a hint: don’t give a toast that rhymes or one that is a play on words - they don’t translate.

Language
Don’t worry about the language barrier. You can communicate and most Russians understand English and speak some. Please remember that even though they may not speak English to you, they can understand most of what you are saying.  

Getting Around
Once you arrive in Russia, everything will be paid for except souvenirs and special restaurants that you request. You will be totally immersed in the rich history and culture of Russia.. Olga Popkova, our Russian partner, will be in charge of your tour.  If you have a special request, please let your American tour director know, and he/she will relay this information to Olga. You will be very tired at the end of the day. If your Russian hosts ask you if you would like to do something else, please even though your tired, say “yes”. They are very proud of their country and the museums, theatres, circus, puppet shows, ballet, orchestras, etc., help share this enthusiasm. Also, remember, this may be your only chance to see the arts that were hidden from us for so long.

Food
The food in Russia is different from ours, but most Americans really enjoy it.  Don’t expect no fat or low fat items. Russians still walk most places and exercise, therefore they don’t have to worry about calories and/or fat. Russian families are like your grandmother when it comes to food. They are personally attached to what they serve and are very proud to serve an American guest. As always with good manners, never complain about the food or the hospitality. This would be insulting. 

Telephone/Contacting Home
Telephone calls from Russia are expensive and inconvenient. Don’t promise someone that you will call them when you arrive. There is an 8 hour time difference and telephones are not always convenient. The cost to call America is about $3.00 a minute. If you are in a nice hotel and using the pay phone, it may be as much as $10.00 a minute.

Money
The money exchange from rubles to dollars changes by the minute. Street vendors and many stores will take American dollars. You will have the opportunity to exchange money while in Russia.  Only exchange the money that you need for a short time period. Sometimes it is difficult to exchange rubles back to dollars and once you are out of Russia it is almost impossible. Also, it is illegal to take rubles out Russia. Be careful with your American money. Take only new $20, $5 and $1.  They cannot be marked or torn.

Touring Russia
You will enjoy your visit to Russia if you prepare yourself with information.   Read about Russia.  The Links page contains interesting information.   Understand that “Kremlin” means a fortress and there are kremlins all over Russia. Read about the history of Russia. We visit many places in Moscow and the Moscow Region.  Our host city of Korolev (name just changed from Kaliningrad) is the home of the Russian Space Agency and until 1992 was a secret city. The city of Alexandrov is the home and ruling city of Ivan the Terrible. The factory at Gzhel was established in 1339. Be prepared for the visit to Sergey Pasad and the Larva which is the “Vatican” of the Russian Orthodox church. Study the cities that are part of the river tour and understand that all Russian roads lead to Moscow. Learn a few words in Russian, it flatters your friends when you try to speak their language. Be prepared for Red Square, Lenin’s Tomb, the Armory, the palaces, the Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Moscow Kremlin, the Diamond Fund, the Bolshoi, the circus, the art galleries and much more. Most of all be prepared to be with our great Russian friends who will share their lives and souls with you.

If your families need to call you 

Contact Dave’s office, we can 
eventually get a message through. 
Dave McChesney
Office 304-765-7101, fax: 304-765-7148
Home: 304-765-7065 

Virginia Simmons
Home: 843-903-0374 fax: 304-248-8560

Olga Popkova, home: 011-7-095-515-0162
 e-mail: michael@podlipki.ru

Victor Daminov: e-mail: dvviktor@cea.ru

Anatoly Saveliev: e-mail: saveliev@glas.apc.org

The Russia & West Virginia 
Foundation is responsible for establishing partnerships between the two countries and creating a network of international friends. We are not 
a tourist organization.  Only a few people are selected to participate in these exchanges.  Have a great time and enjoy every moment of your trip.