Moscow Survival Skills - page 2
Hi! We're continuing to study Moscow survival skills. This is the second page, the first one is here. I suggest you follow that link if you came here directly.
If you read the first page but still need more of Moscow survival skills - let's go! When we're done, you'll be a true urban commando 
Moscow traffic is...well... let's just say I've seen better! The city's growing, more cars every day and not enough space for everyone. It's not a problem when you're walking, but once you grab the wheel - well, that's totally different story.
First of all, Moscow drivers like to play it rough. Rules are of no big help, and I can't blame the people. It's really hard to stay disciplined when you're stuck in a huge traffic jam, several hours late for work.
It's important to know this:
1) Play it safe. Drive slowly, fasten your seatbelt and never, ever fight those who act rudely. Let them go - the road is no place for vendetta.
2) Come prepared. Moscow roads can be tricky, so you'd better have a map or a GPS to be sure where you're going. Don't panic if you get lost - there's always a way out!
3) Be patient. You'll probably waste some time in Moscow traffic jams. Don't feel bad - there's practically no way to avoid them. Come out forty minutes earlier if you don't want to be late for a meeting. Yeah, it sucks, I agree!
4) Make sure you're equipped. If "GIBDD" stops you - be sure you have all the papers for your vehicle, a valid driving license, a med kit and a fire extinguisher. Sometimes it's easier to pay those guys, but that's totally up to you.
Sorry if I sound like a strict teacher. I know you wouldn't do anything stupid on the road anyway. Just want to make you understand - Moscow roads are tough. Be carefule, do your homework and use the most important of your survival skills - thinking!
Then you are totally safe!
Those guys are nasty. Really nasty.
As you may guess, their primary target are "non-whites". Doesn't mean they won't attack "whites", but your chances skyrocket if you don't fit Nazi standards. Your country of origin doesn't make any difference in this case.
Just like Moscow mobsters, Russian nazi skinheads are children of slums. They rarely go out to the city center, but you can meet them in the metro, especially when it's late.
Want my advice? Be extra careful if you aren't white. I know it's extremely disgusting, and I'm sorry, but that's how it is these days. Read my mobsters page for more tips.
When I called this page "Moscow survival skills", I was kinda laughing. Skinheads are not a joke, however. They ARE dangerous.
You've probably read a lot about Moscow bombings. Well, the truth is these days things are very calm.
You surely remember "Nord Ost" and Beslan terrorist attacks, but the fact is they happen rarely. Chechen conflict cooled down and there's no reason to be afraid. Take London and Madrid - they seemed safer than Moscow and yet...
You can minimize your risks by applying the following survival skills (yes, yes, the boring list again):
1) Stay away from big crowds. They make an ideal target. I'd say it's a good advice in general - the crowd is not a good place to be. Something happens - they'll run you over.
2) Beware of lost objects. If you see one - move away. Don't touch it, and try to find a police officer (if you can).
3) Mind other passengers. If someone acts really weird, especially in metro, it's best to just get out of the train and wait for another one. Don't be a hero (unless your kung-fu is really good). See someone really suspicious? Do your best to notify the police.
4) Use a car. Traffic sucks, but if you're scared of bombings - the jams might just be a better choice.
That's it for now. I think you are scared enough already!Anyways, if you need more thrill-check back from time to time, I might just be adding new portion of horrors.
Now seriously - don't be afraid. The threats do exist, but you have all the chances to avoid them. Millions of people visit us every year, and get back home safe and sound.
So will you!
Related posts:
- Yuri Luzhkov - The Mayor of Moscow!
- Moscow bombings.
- GIBDD - the Moscow Road Police Force
- Dealing with Moscow police part II
- Moscow survival skills
- Protecting yourself from Russian mobsters
- Getting Russian currency - tips and tricks.
- Moscow Russia facts page 5
- Moscow Russia facts page 4
