[net.travel] Question on travel to USSR

ecl@mtgzy.UUCP (e.c.leeper) (02/11/86)

Mark and I are thinking of traveling to Leningrad as part of a
Scandinavian vacation.  Would we have any particular hassles or
problems in the Soviet Union because we're Jewish?  (Facts based
on actual experience, not opinions, is what I'm looking for.)

					Evelyn C. Leeper
					...ihnp4!mtgzz!ecl
					(or ihnp4!mtgzy!ecl)

hejira@hound.UUCP (R.PRESTON) (02/13/86)

> Mark and I are thinking of traveling to Leningrad as part of a
> Scandinavian vacation.  Would we have any particular hassles or
> problems in the Soviet Union because we're Jewish?  (Facts based
> on actual experience, not opinions, is what I'm looking for.)
> 
> 					Evelyn C. Leeper
> 					...ihnp4!mtgzz!ecl
> 					(or ihnp4!mtgzy!ecl)

Although I am not Jewish myself, I was on a tour of the Russian 
Republic with a number of Jewish people just last September.  None
of them had any trouble -- or at least any more trouble than
the non-Jewish people in our group.  Two years ago, American tourists
were reportedly having trouble in Leningrad, but those problems 
have apparently abated considerably.

Leningrad is a beautiful city which is full of architectural marvels
that easily compare with those of other great European cities 
(including Paris).   In fact, given a choice of visiting the Louvre
or the Hermitage, I would choose the latter any day.  

Of course, visiting the Soviet Union is not for the typical American
tourist.  Travel in the USSR takes some patience and resilience.  Most 
Americans are used to service-oriented societies and some balk at 
the customary rudeness one encounters from waitresses, dezhurnayas, 
airline stewardesses and the like.  

Well, enjoy your trip (and don't forget to bring TP .. unless you like
using sand-paper)


	Dacvendanya!

	- Rob Preston  <ihnp4!hound!hejira>

P.S.  Ti govariesh pa-russki?