Russia, once the iconic enemy of every Double O agent in England, the former arch enemy of the CIA and FBI with constant fear of a nuclear war breaking out at any moment and home of the feared KGB snooping around every corner, is now an open country that welcomes tourists and Moscow has even become an air travel hub for budget travellers looking for a cheap flight from Europe to the Far East. It is a country that has lifted its veil of secrecy and opened its cities and its countryside to tourists far and wide. The country has a rich and diverse history along with a fascinating culture to be explored by the tourists. Evidence of the communist past can be found and is still felt among many people but the country has moved on and is continuing to do so.  It’s a country where the familiar and perhaps more well-known history old regime still hide a country with a great deal to offer.

To get under the skin of Russia and walk more than just a few paces away from the Kremlin and Red Square having an understanding of the Russian language can open up a number of wonderful surprises or turn something simple into something special and memorable.

The simple act of drinking a vodka can become a memorable part of a trip, having the language can spark up a conversation and you will, of course, know that you must NEVER toast vodka with Na Zdorov’ye because it is actually a thank you for a meal not a toast associated with a drink.

But Russia is a country you will love, in fact, if anyone asks you what you think of Russia there is only one right answer and that is that you love the country – there is no other answer. Having the language will help you even explain why you love the country and what you love most.  And because you have some control of the Russian Language you will also be able to explore the country a little deeper thus being able to describe what you have seen to others in Russian!

There are many historical buildings and places that somehow survived communism and World War II that are beckoning tourists to visit, from cathedrals to monuments and museums and marketplaces.  As much as the tour guides of the many places to see will speak English and a host of other languages with the ability to converse in the Russian language your tour can become better and you as a tourist will receive a high level of respect, speaking Russian shows you love Russia and her people and in Russia that matters.

A basic ability in a foreign language will help you;

1. to safely navigate around your destination.
2. to immerse yourself in the culture more fully,
3. to meet people with very diverse life experiences and outlooks.
4. to ensure you can order food and drink, find your way around, buy tickets, etc. 

If you have a more advanced knowledge of the language, you can have real conversations with the real people you meet, which can be so very rewarding and will definitely add a new dimension to your holiday, you may even establish lifelong friendships. 

Ludwig Wittgenstein once said “The limits of my language are the limits of my universe”. Don't limit your travelling experience!