If you need to translate any of the pages linked to, you can go to http://www.translate.ru/, which is the site for Prompt software. They have a link for free web translation, as well as for their translation software. The Internet translation software is only about $29, and it integrates with your Internet Exploder software.

One of the most common question I was asked when I told people I was going to Russia was whether I had Russian ancestors. The answer to the question is no. This trip was all about one thing: making a dream trip of a lifetime come true for my mother, who has had a lifetime fascination with the land of the Tsars. With that in mind, I spent a year planning the trip as well as studying the language in preparation for the trip. That year of planning and of studying paid off well - it was an incredible trip that I will never forget.

My biggest help in planning this trip was a Ukrainian-American co-worker, Dmitri. He helped me eliminate the various touristy things the travel agency would suggest and add in those places that were truly interesting and impressive. Thank you, Dmitri!

The second biggest help I had with this trip was the travel agency I worked with - Mir Corporation. You can phone them at 800-424-7289 or email them at info@mircorp.com. If you have any problems or questions your contact at Mir can't resolve, be sure and talk to Doug, as he can fix any problems you run into.

For all of my earlier trips in Eastern Europe I was able to make all my own arrangements. Travel in Russia was a different story, and unless you have relatives or friends in Russia or you have been there before, you will probably find it very difficult to make all of the arrangements yourself.

You should be aware of some peculiarities about how the flights work with the travel agency. The way they save money on your air reservations you should know that (1) you will not be able to pay for your tickets with a credit card, and (2) you will not have guaranteed tickets until you actually pay for them by check.

I would recommend that should you decide to use them (Mir) for the air travel, get your tickets early, and if possible, avoid using Austrian Air. I have flown Austrian Air several times, and always found the people to be cold, curt, rude and uncaring, and this last time their (Austrian Air) staff outright lied to my face. If you have any problems with your flights, don't expect them (Austrian Air) to lift a finger to help you in any way - they simply don't seem to care about customer service (I'm not sure if it is in their vocabulary.) There are many other good airlines to fly, so avoid these folks if you can. I know I will!

The good thing about working with Mir is that the agents in Russia are very flexible and professional, and can fix any conflicts that arise in your schedule. Their drivers and guides are top notch and truly seem to enjoy showing you the best of Russia. The drivers and guides Mir provided us on this trip truly made the difference between an ok trip and an outstanding one.

Both hotels Mir arranged for us were excellent. In Moscow, we stayed at the Hotel Budapest. For information on the hotel and for pictures of the rooms we stayed in, click here. In Saint Petersburg, we stayed at the Hotel Korona. For information on the hotel and for pictures of the room we stayed in, click here.

I found the Russian people to be warm and friendly (contrary to what the guidebook for Moscow warned) and the groundswell of private capitalism quite active and dynamic.

A good example of that capitalism is the "unofficial taxis." Like any city, Moscow and Saint Petersburg has official licensed taxis (which charge normal, expensive rates.) What they also have are private citizens who, if they see someone on the side of the road with their hand extended similar to hitch-hiking, will pull over and negotiate a price to take the person wherever they are headed. Its a great system, but I would recommend you only do so with a native Russian speaker and never do so alone. With my guide, we were able to go anywhere in Moscow or in Saint Petersburg for no more than 200 rubles (about $6), and even had quotes from a cab driver of $27 to go the same distance. I also got to ride in a number of Russian built cars including Jigulis, Ladas and Volgas.

Driving in Moscow is not for the feint of heart. A lot of the roads have at best a small uneven trickle of white paint in the middle of the road and no actual lane markers. Even when there are lane markers they are usually ignored. Who gets to use the lane is determined by a Russian version of the game "chicken", and is usually won by the driver with the oldest car. In some of the photos you will see what I mean.

Once you are out of the center of the city you will see lots of people on the side of the road selling everything from Kvas, a tasty drink made from fermented bread or grain, to popcorn, boats, pots and pans. By the way, I have yet to find the one good brand of Kvas that is available here - so far the ones I have tasted here taste nothing like the Kvas I had in Russia.

Of all my travels in Eastern Europe, I have to say that I ate and drank the best in Russia. The variety of types of food available reflect the enormous size of this country. Think of it this way: Russia contains eleven (11) time zones from East to West. This is the largest country in the world, even without the old Soviet block countries. My favorite foods tended to be either from Georgia or from the Ukraine. I can't wait until next year when I go to Kiev - between the Gorilka (Ukrainian Pepper Vodka) and Borsch (and perhaps a little sala) I'll be set!

And the vodka I drank the most on this trip was:

Russian Standard