Americans

[bzzzt]

Is it true what I hear, that many Russians dislike Americans now as a result of the Iraqi war? how do they feel about Israelis? Jews?
my main interest is in Moscow and St. Petersburg

[inRussia]

Is it not true that many Russians dislike Americans now as a result of the Iraqi war. Indeed, in the beginning of the Iraqi campaign there were a lot of such rhetoric in Russian newspapers and political shows on TV. However, the Russian people are known as warmhearted. They always provide their hospitality to foreign guests. If an American tourist would not insist on public discussion about U.S. politics in Iraq, there should not be any problems. As for the Jews (Israelis) there should not be any particular problems as well. The Russian Federation incorporates many nations, including the Russian Jews. The Russians consider all western tourists alike. Moscow and St. Petersburg are pretty safe for tourists. Just follow the common sense: do not accept suspicious offers from strangers on streets and do not walk into dark places in the middle of the night.

Best Regards, Interactive Russia stuff.
Travel to Russia - Online Russian travel agency offers unique sightseeing and adventure tours to Russia and special vacations. International airfares, hotels, visas.

[Duremar]

I don't think the actions of American president can change people's attitudes towards all American citizens. Many people around the globe dislike Americans, but the reason has nothing to do with Bush.

[CastleStormer]

And remember, I am an American from Texas who travels a lot.

We are the most obnoxious travellers out there. Americans generally are loud, impatient, and boisterous. We like to flash cash around and flaunt our prosperity. We tend to "look down" on the people in less wealthy countries, and wonder why we get poor service there. We have this learned attitude that the world is a much better place because we exist. In some ways that is true, but these countries did just fine before our young 200 year old country came on the scene. And it is easy to spot the Americans in the crowd. Whether it is in line at the Louvre in Paris, or walking Tverskaya, Americans stand out. And they like it that way! I went to Costa Rica many times last year, and each time I could spot the Americans in the clubs. They think the way to "score with the Ticas" is to be loud, domineering, and wield financial power over all the locals. It makes me want to puke.

My first trip to Europe was in 1986. I was guilty of all those things being a prosperous, young, bratty, all-knowing American male. I was pick-pocketed twice in Paris, and thought the world should come to a grinding halt for me! It was all about ME!!! Gee, I wonder how the pick pocketers knew who to hit? Now I enjoy myself much more when I travel by really experiencing the other countries from their own cultural perspectives. I try to see everyone as God sees them: important, significant regardless of stature, and another piece in this very mysterious puzzle of a planet.

[rbwgoodrich]

I just got back from Ekaterinburg, Russia. I went by my self with some help from people that live in Ekaterinburg. I have never meet these people until I got to Ekaterinburg. They did not care if I was from American, England or Franch. All they did was to show me what life is like in Ekaterinburg. They did not tell me about what they think is wrong with America, or bring up any thing about America. All they ask me about is things about the city that I came from. How they may be different from there every day life. I would like to see more American's go to Russia. All they need to do is keep there mouth shout and there mind open. Even the Custom People were a big help to me. Please go, you will like it.