Michael Kovalski, construction worker, 43 years old:
“Guys, I’ve been to Russia. It’s damn cold there – I almost got my nose frostbitten! But I met such a wonderful girl there! I’m gonna visit her again in the spring and she’s applying for her visa now and she wants to come here!”

Jean-Pierre Jeaneau, victualer, 52 years old:
“Russian girls have impressed me the most. French ladies are fine too – but they always have their career on their mind. Russian girls are really beautiful. Besides, they are always very wrapped up in their families.”

Joshua O’Connor, businessman, 31 years old:
“Alright. We arrived in Moscow at 8 a.m. and went straight to the hotel – which, I should say, was pretty fine, with good food in the restaurant and everything… Russian cuisine is cool. I would have stayed in the restaurant if I didn’t have a date.”

Alex Melnikoff, manager, 39 years old:
“My grandparents are Russian. My Grandma always used to tell me to marry a Russian girl because they are the best wives ever. I’m not sure about marriage yet – but I liked the country a lot. The people are so frank and friendly there.”

Isaac Ainenberg, doctor, 41 year old:
“Russians are so unpredictable, that’s for sure! I just got acquainted with this girl and she already invited me for a cup of tea in her parents’ house. I should say that this “tea” was made of vodka and “zakuska”, which stands for the food stuff. Well, to be precise, it consisted mainly of vodka…”

Mats Liliefors, student, 23 years old:
“I’m writing a research paper for my history course, that’s why I decided to come see the Golden Ring of Russia. I recommend it to everybody!”

Claus Kaufmann, office worker, 50 years old:
“The people are really friendly here. I was visiting my friend who’s spent quite a long time in Russia already. He took me to his friend’s house – everybody was so happy too see us…”

John Burret, businessman, 37 years old:
“There is a lot of money rolling in Russia waiting for someone to earn it!”

Ron Martin, appliance repairman, 35 years old:
“I thought that Russia was still a communist country, but now I see that Moscow is pretty much like Manhattan – everything’s shining with posh shops all around…”

Michael White, actor, 29 years old:
“I’ve been to a small town and the province was so quiet. There’s only one factory working - the men drink a lot and the ladies, the ladies are so shy just like the ones from the old movies. They love theater and by the way, Russians also shoot good movies.”

John Burningham, interior designer, 44 years old:
“I’ve never seen anything more impressive in all my life. I stayed in a surprisingly good hotel and someone snatched my wallet while I was watching a street musician. I spent a wonderful evening with a girl called Larisa! She was trying to teach me Russian – that was funny – and cooked pelmeni for me. I’m in love!”

Stephen Beasty, programmer, 30 years old:
“I got acquainted with the Russian businessmen at the conference. They invited me to their house but I was afraid to go because everybody says that there are so many thugs on the streets. Anyway, I went with them and I don’t regret it! BTW, I never heard any shooting in the streets!”

Ali Balmont, student, musician, 20 years old:
“Russia rocks! When I said to my homeboys that I’d been to an ex-communist country they were so damn envious!”

Juan Salvador Paelha, university teacher, 53 years old:
“A long, long time ago when I was young, I saw a Russian movie. I still remember one actress, even though I don’t know her name. Since that time I dreamt about visiting Russia. At last my dream has come true! The women are really beautiful there!”

Tuve Antonson, salesman, 42 years old:
“My wife is Russian, so I visit her country pretty often. Every time I go there I get so impressed by the way her relatives meet us – I’m starting to feel like a Persian shah!”