Just reading all of the messages from beginners and feel comforted as I too am just starting out. I managed to get to Moscow on business earlier this year and felt like I had come home. I instinctively felt part of an incredible romantic history, yet also that I was about to be given a dressing down by one of the police for doing something offensive to the country and their culture, hence I went around with a dirty great grin on my face coupled with a distinct look of fear. My colleagues met me from the airport and took me to the Iris Hotel in Moscow where I was to present at a Hi-Fi show. I couldn't wait to get out to see the country and feel the flavour of the city. The Distributor that I met was my host for the next 6 days and boy did they show me the sites of the city. From the place of death of Rasputin to the Bolshoi Ballet, feasting like a russian shot-putter and failing miserably to compete in a Vodka drinking fest each and every evening. WoW, what a city!!! I keep in touch with Natasha (Moscow Distributor) and hope to visit her and her daughter soon. In the meantime I will be trying to learn Russian as much as possible. I was hopeless at languages at school and yet feel so at home and determined with Russian - hey it's only the beginning, but I'm off!!

Thank you for being so helpful I hope to stay an avid learner.............