I've been going to Russia / doing business since 2009. I am not the one time tourist. I would describe my experience something like this, in this order
START
Total mystery
Intrigue
Curiosity
PEAK
Educated blissful ignorance with a touch of romance wrapped in familiarity
END
Hard reality
Disappointment
Frustration
I think it takes about 3-4 years to get though this cycle. Most people end up somewhere between peak and the end, but unless something bad happens
For starters, lets chill out with the American hate please. This was from last week, Restaurant Dolma in Moscow. Peterburg has a history of welcoming foreigners, but Moscow ( close to the kremlin) can sometimes be a bit too much. I did not feel comfortable eating at this restaurant, nor do I suspect any American would.
