To Russia with Love...

[anonymous]

Hi!

Ok, so hubby and I want to take a trip to Russia this summer... he speaks it fluently, and I would like to experience the culture with him.

So, does anyone have any knowledge on Russia? Been there? Know of any specific CF-related health risks? Have any opinions on where to stay or how to get inexpensive tix?

I'm mostly posting to gain insight as to how the flight and being in that country in general may affect my CF. I'm hoping someone has been there and can share with me their experiences.... My hubby was there some years ago for about 3 weeks, and stayed with a host family (not for me... HOTEL deffinitely), but of course, not having CF, he can't speak directly to this topic.

Thanks,
Sonia

 

[NoExcuses]

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[S]

i spent 3 months backpacking around europe in '02, staying in hostels, and basically living a pretty unhealthy life in terms of what i ate and drank and smoked(ahh, amsterdam!). i don't have a clue how i made it that long without getting sick, although i did at the very end and came back and went straight into the hospital. i lost about 20 pounds while there and my doctors were all freaked out(i don't have digestion issues, though)...i tried to get through to them that it was because i walked 10-15 miles a day while sightseeing! all this was done with an fev1 around 50%. i think i just mentally told myself that this trip would not end until i said so and after 3 months i was ready to be home. i do remember that the long flight was kinda rough on my lungs, mainly just from not moving much for 13 hours and breathing crap air, but after a day or two i was good to go.

 

[anonymous]

Thanks!
Yes, we've already discussed that I dont' need to do all the touristy things... I want to experience more of the culture, and since Ben speaks Russian, we can spend more time at markets and maybe go to some ballets or something low-key.... I've made peace with the fact that I dont' have to see EVERYTHING.... Plus, I'm making reservations for only like 1 1/2 weeks, so we can't possibly even FEEL like we can take everything in. So, I will pick and choose.

I appreciate the responses! GREAT tips! (And, S, my hubby also lost about 30 lbs just from walking everywhere last time he was there. I hope this doesnt' happen to me... they do have McDonalds, eh?!?) lol

Sonia

 

[anonymous]

I don't know how Russia is but I just got back from London and they smoke everywhere- Restaurants and even the tube stations were really smoky. It bothered me quite a bit-
The long plane ride was okay- just keep hydrated.

 

[Allie]

Have you thought about what you really want to see? I've never been to Russia, and I'm curious.

 

[ladybug]

Allie:

I'm mostly into the culture, so I don't really need or want to see much aside from outdoor markets, cafes, parks, etc.... I suppose if time allows, we'll head to Red Square in Moscow and take some tours of St. Petersburg. My mom's cousin also has a wife from there, and she lived down by the sea, so maybe we'll take a train to see her if she's there at the same time as us.

I personally would rather experience things instead of just looking at things. So, anything that gets me closer to the people of Russia and the history is great. My hubby has been there and knows of a couple places to take me to look around.

We also may go to Germany for a few days if time permits. My ancestors are from there, and I'd love to experience the culture, food, people, etc. there as well.

Anyone else ever been to Russia or have any pointers on long-distance travel with CF???

Thanks!

 

[ladybug]

Just bumpin.... there's got to be more people who have traveled overseas and can share some info. on the best way to do it and what their experiences were.... aren't there? <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif" border="0">