WHATS IT LIKE LIVING IN RUSSIA TODAY?
Mapleleaf, I can only offer my personal observations from a tourist perspective of Russia in July 2000 for 15 days. To begin with, our boat that cruised from Moscow to St Petersburg were staffed with professonals; doctors, lawyers, and professors. They served as waiters, bar-tenders, and room stewards. The reason these professionals work on boats is that in 2000, their average monthly salary was $100, but by working on the boat, they can earn upwards of $500 per month just on gratuities. We visited many different towns along the river including Uglich, Kostroma, Petrozavodsk, Kizhi Island, and Mandroga. We observed the living conditions of many Russian towns, and my conclusion was that many Russians lived harsh lives. At every port, people would set up tables to sell Russian crafts at very modest prices – or whatever the market will bare. We visited shops and department stores without the fancy displays we are accustomed to seeing in most developed countries. I purchased a kekushka dol
