Eyes Wide Shut

A word of warning to all teachers, newly arrived and veteran. There is an alarming practice in Moscow clubs at the moment, which everyone should be aware of as soon as possible. Some of you may have read in the Lonely Planet the warning about meeting young ladies in a nightclub and inviting them to your home only to be drugged and robbed in your flat. Unfortunately, this can happen, and indeed has happened to two teachers recently. I urge you all to be wary of inviting anyone back to your home for the proverbial "coffee" after a night on the town. Do not allow anyone apart from your friends to buy you a drink and keep an eye on whatever drinks you may buy throughout the evening. These people usually operate in pairs and will be extremely "friendly", and perhaps only able to speak a little English. Hopefully, any more incidents can be avoided if you stay alert and stay with your friends.

Anonymous

Beware the Militsia

We've all heard the stories. Some of us have even lived them. Being stopped by the Militsia is one of the most frustrating things about living in this city. A little word of advise that will help yourself and all other teachers. When you are stopped, be very polite, but do not under any circumstances give them money! Usually you are being stopped because they heard you speaking English - which means a little extra cash for them. Do not be afraid. Basically play stupid - "I don't speak Russian," is the best response when stopped. It takes great effort for an officer of the law to take you in, especially for no particular reason. They will let you go if they think it's too much of an effort for them. If by chance you are with a Russian speaker, get them to translate for you. Say that you will go with them to the lock-up if necessary, but you want to call your embassy upon arrival. I've been in this situation before, and their response was, "the phone at the station is not working." Don't buy it - stand your ground. If we continue to pay money to got out of an inconvenient situation, they will continue stopping us - be strong and firm - do not let yourself be taken advantage of.