Call RS via phone.

Hey, Julie! Sorry; I was not the person looking for a share. I've not been very successful with sharing on two previous tours for a variety of reasons. I would be interested in connecting for explorations pre-tour. I will be staying at the tour hotel. I've not booked any specific tour or guide. Things are a bit unsettled at work at the moment but I plan to work on a plan for that day this weekend, looking at what's planned for the tour and what I also want to see. It would be fun to have a partner in crime! I live in Seattle, WA. I will be working on Sunday but, we could connect on Saturday, 15 JUN, if that would work for you. My cell # is 206-697-2441. I envy you going on to Kiev! I do plan to spend some of the free time in St. Pete touring the Peterhof palace. I understand that the included tour is only the grounds. I'm also interested in additional performance opportunities, which may be limited by the time of year.

Marlene — Fantastic. I asked for a single room, but the only space they could give me was a share. Gulp — I sure hope the person I share with is okay -- and doesn't snore and is considerate. I asked if I could speak with her, and RS said no. I haven't been on tours in YEARS and tend to feel suffocated. Sharing is NOT my first choice, but since the only way I can go at that time is to share, I’m willing to take a chance. RS has been incredibly disorganized so far, but hope these are not indicative of their tours. Should get a final answer about whether they have space for me tomorrow; I've been told yes then no then yes then no and on and on about 3-4 times over the past week, but assume it'll be a final yes tomorrow. I should be home Saturday much of the day. My home phone is 212-362-9326; my cell is 917-841-8566. Since I’m 3 hours ahead, what time is best to call? Will welcome a chat — perhaps finding a kindred spirit — and meeting a day or two before the tour starts to get grounded and see something of Moscow before the flood! Talk to you Saturday — and delighted to hear back. Best, Julie

HI Marlene. I'm on the waiting list for a single and have just been notified that the only option is a share. I'm leaning toward sharing -- and if I do, I'll arrive 2 days early, stay and extra day or two in St. Pete, and go to Kiev after the tour for 4-5 days. So yes, I'd love to connect pre-tour. Were you thinking of getting a guide or forging out on our own? Live in NYC -- You?

Hi Nadine, thanks for your questions. Tap water is considered safe everywhere except in St. Petersburg. Bottled water is provided at all meals throughout the program and additional water is available to be purchased. You can find adaptors/converters at most electronic stores or travel stores. Russia uses 220 volts and European plugs with round prongs. A voltage converter is required if your appliances are standard US voltage (110 volts) and plug (outlet) adapters are needed if your appliances are not already so equipped. Most cell phones and computer/tablets have plugs that convert the electricity so if that is what you are using, you would most likely only need an adaptor to accommodate the plug shape. It should say on the appliance plug what types of voltage it can accommodate, but if you have doubts you should be able to take it to any electronics store and they can tell you what you will need. It is recommended that all prescription medication be carried in it original containers. There doesn’t seem to be any information that suggests vitamins cannot be carried in unlabeled container, but if you are concerned about it I would suggest that you carry them in the original containers.

Hi Tod, Have you tried your local library and paperbackswap.com ? I'm going on the April/May trip

I hope the weather won't be too cold then. It's hard to know what to pack.

hi nadine, let me know how you fared. also, i went to cuba last june. i brought along lots of "gifts" for the needy- soap, crayons, medications, toys. they were very well received and i made friends. let us know of any perceived wants we can pack along to give away. tod.forman@mbcr.net

Hi Tod. Cuba is on my wish list. It sounds like you had a good experience! I think things have improved in Russia in the last 20 years. Maybe not so much for the elderly and pensioners.

Hello, Tod!

Hello, Tod! I am also joining the tour for the August departure. I've also been doing a lot of reading and have just finished "Russia - A Conise History". An excellent read that I purchased as used from Amazon. I'm about half way through Masse's "Peter the Great", with "Catherine the Great" waiting in the wings, as it were. Just saw "Swan Lake" here in Seattle; told all it was "required" for the trip; beatiful Stowells' production; I hope I get to see it while in Russia. Also learning the alphabet and some of the language - can't wait to see the Metro! Regards, Marlene

hi marlene, i was just around the corner at the finish of the boston marathon last week. sobering. i just finished "A Concise History" and both Masse books. I am deep in You Tube which gas a 3 hourv history of Russian history, practice of cyrillic alphabet and a nasty documentary on Putin. I bought rubles already from my bank and am getting excited. Stay in touch if you wish, tod.forman@mbcr.net here in Boston.

Hello Tod, Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you - family matters. So sorry to hear that you were witness to the tragedy at the Marathon. I have a very good friend to participated 2 years ago. I remember her euphoria a completing the race and struggle to understand how this kind of senseless violence serves any purpose. Just submitted my visa application so the trip of my dreams is becoming more real! Reading lots and attempting to master a the Cyrilic alphabet and some phrases so that I'm not a complete "dork" on arrival. Looking forward to meeting you! Marlene

Hi Nadine, we'll be on the April-May trip, so hello in advance. We're also noodling about how to pack warm & light. Probably will take a sweater, a fleece and a light nylon wind/rain jacket, to wear in layers. Hope that works. You'll like traveling with Road Scholar. They think of everything. Rick & Judy

Hi Richard & Judy! Thanks for the clothing info! I too want to be prepared for rain/cold/wet. I'm flying from Seattle via Frankfurt. How about you two?

Nadine, We fly Salt Lake City-Paris-Moscow. btw, latest 10-day forecast for Moscow looks very nice. Highs in the 60s.

Hi, Nadine I will be on the August departure - Moscow to St. Petersberg. It will be my first trip to Russia as well as my first with Road Scholar and I will be very interested in your experience. Wishing you a memorable experience! Marlene

Hi Marlene, I had fun checking out a lot of the European/Russian markets and cafes in the S. Seattle area. I tried different foods and beverages so I would have an idea what to order when in Russia. I didn't get a chance to go to Banya, though. I would like to try one during the trip. Perhaps we can make contact after my trip. Nadine

Welcome Home, Nadine!

Welcome Home, Nadine! I'm getting in to the final "prep" mode for my trip in August. Any insight about your experience would be most appreciated! I'm especially interested in the value of the lectures and the amount of time spent at some of the sites, especially in Moscow. If you're local in Seattle, perhaps we could get together for a coffee or, is that too cliche'? Regards,

Hi, Marlene! It definitely was a trip of my lifetime. You will love it! I live in Port Orchard. Perhaps we could meet at a Russian deli somewhere in between?!

Marlene, if you want, you can e-mail me at nadineprice@yahoo.com

Hi Nadine,

Hi Nadine, I've tried the yahoo address and only get a shoe store! I would love to get together. Please contact me at schmidge@comcast.net or telephone to 206-431-3294. I would love to hear about your trip! Marlene

I left a message. Hope it was the right number. nadineprice@yahoo.com should work!