if we'll go the agency route, can anyone recommend any in new york, national, or online? there's one that was mentioned earlier, but i'd like to hear who else people have used. this seems to be the best way to go.
thanks all for help. will keep you updated.
i also agree with other posters that Russia still has plenty of old soviet laws (and mentality) left, whether by inertia or on purporse. doind anything there is a major undertaking and i only hope it gets better. it's still a wonderful place to visits - just don't let the lack of service in various places put you off!