Way to Russia Talk Lounge

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

dude...go and do the trip...sounds like an adventure.

Yorkshire Traveller · Just Starting Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 5

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

And the odds of it disappearing are very high

LeeLee · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 1:29 am Post subject:

I have just spent a few minutes of my time reading all the above posts

Dodgy--- please saying everyone can kiss your black arse--- is not really the way to go about things---- take notice of all the advice to avoid Belarus---- you will really have problems there I will make any bet you like

If you really want to drive to Moscow ---then follow my advice WHY I HEAR YOU SAY----- because I have done it---

Drive to Harwich --- ferry to Esberg in Denmark---- then drive down to Lubeck in Germany--- then catch the ferry to St Pete---- All quite easy so far----- the get off the ferry in St Pete ----- then your problems will begin---- stand by to kiss white Russian Arse

If you take the route I mentioned above ------you stand a reasonable chance of getting to Moscow---- with your car----- come via Belarus ---- I bet you will be arriving in Moscow on a push bike

Like I said above---- I know because I have done it------ another way is down through Poland ----into Ukrainne and in to the South of Russia -----then drive up to Moscow

good luck---- especially if you insist on going to Belarus----- for god sake listern to all the posters

Lee

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

Yes I am under the impression that Belarus is not a good place...I am curious though as my friend wants me to travel from Germany to St Pete by bus and I was told that we would be going through Belarus. Any insight would be much appreciated

LeeLee · Posted: Sun Dec 17, 2006 8:05 am Post subject:

surfguy

to travel through Belarus by bus is kind of ok--- just blend in with the locals--- providing your a normal white guy you shouldnt have any problems, but obviously if you wear a Union Jack waist coat--- smoke Embassy No1, drinking Double Diamond beer from cans---- singing english rugby songs, then yes you too might have a problem

going through Belarus by bus---- not really a problem--- it will stop every now and then---- just keep your mouth shut, and mind your own business and you will be ok

1 word of advice--- make sure you have the correct transit visa---- because if you dont, you will 100% have problems at police check points----- obviously the police will see your Russian Visa and any lack of a transit visa could be sorted out with money, but dont take the chance---- you`ll be fine

my origional post was for dodgy---- Black guy speaking no Russian driving a Mustang soft top through belarus---- absolutely crazy---- I dont want to put a downer on his plans---- but he must have a death wish---- people vanish in Belarus----

if in the future I was to hear / see on the news---- black guy found in a ditch and his Mustang now on E-Bay. belarus----- I would not be even a bit suprised

Lee

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

cool thanks for the info...I will be with a Russian speaking girl which will help. Yeah I hear Belarus can be sketchy. And good on the transit visa I will have to look into getting that. Yes the original poster is on a death wish for sure...at least his car is

mister_wizzz · VIP Joined: 27 May 2004 Posts: 570

I confirm Belarus is not a so nice country.
I went there 3 times between year 1998 and 2000 for business and I didn't like at all. I ve travelled a lot, but never in my life I felt such oppressive atmosphere, I guess it was the same during the soviet times.
It started with the passport checking at the airport, the custom was looking at my pic then looking at my face and so on, this show lasted 5 minutes, believe me it was very very long.
In Minsk, people were very suspicious, and I noticed they even didn't dare having a look to a Policeman, the reflex was looking at the ground.
I had only one thing in my mind when there : finish the work as soon as possible and go back home.

And yes, in Belarus, the less you say, the better and don't think Police and customs cannot understand you, they often speak fluently several European languages.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

Ok it was never a highlight on my travel plans. Perhaps then to go up through Lithuania, And Estonia would be better. Trying to get to St Pete from Hamburg and my friend was saying to go through Poland and then Belarus and then I guess over to Moscow. And to do this by bus. I'll have to do some research and offer an alternative route. She speaks Russian, German, and English all fluent. Thanks and it sounds like Belarus would be best avoided

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 619 Location: Moscow

overseas_expat · VIP Joined: 11 Jan 2005 Posts: 619 Location: Moscow

P.S.

I was in Prague this year and met up with a Czech friend who had lived in Moscow. He was telling me about some (Czech) friends he knew who were taking a contract in Russia and moving there for a couple of years. They loaded their stuff up and drove to Russia. But in order to avoid Belarus they drove all the way up to Estonia and then back down to Moscow.

Yeah....and these people were not Americans and spoke beautiful Russian. You get around in this part of the world and people know. Know only too well: stay out of Belarus. Particularly in a vehicle.

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

Lancashirelad · Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007 8:31 pm Post subject:

ribtickler · Posted: Sun Jul 01, 2007 3:03 am Post subject:

bloomin hell!

with the amount of bad attitude from people who post on here i am suprised that they manage to travel to the local shops let alone around the world!

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996