BootsnAll Travel Community

RE: http://www.bootsnall.com/articles/06-04/anatomy-of-a-bribe-moscow-russia.html

What a nightmare. Terse, scary and well written.

Wow, this is extremely well written!

Such a horrid experience, but captured so well.

Thank you for the positive feedback....it means a lot.

How man times have I been in situation just like this? Maybe 25. You had the right idea originally: you should have called the consulate. When you are going into a country where border shananigans and shakedowns are part of the deal, ALWAYS HAVE:

1. The consulate phone number, and the name of the key person;
2. You will have previously called the consulate and been given the name of a consular contact; you will later visit the consulate and let them know who and where you are AND grab the consular official's card (I now have a book of them, and they have saved my ass several times). You will name the consular officials to these pigs, hand them his (or her) card and suggest they call him. NOW.
3. You insure you are clean, well dressed and don't look like a target.
4. Mentioning that "my newspaper editor " will find this interesting works occasionally too.
5. And you NEVER, EVER don't know the names of the hotel or people you are staying with and have the phone number of the place you are staying.

There are times when your life is at risk and you have to pay the mordida. Most of the time you can get out of it if you have thought ahead and planned for event. Russia, the Stans, Asia, Central and South America: this shit happens ALL the time.

Magnificently written. You had us on the edge of our seats as I read this to my husband. Russia is one place on the planet that just doesn't call my name....and for sure, after reading your piece, it never will.

Thank you for sharing.

Olya

Thanks for sharing your Russia experience with us. Like everyone said, it was very well written. I am sorry that happened to you. Better luck next trip!