Welcome to the Mancuso Family Website!
From Russia with Love
Sorry, couldn't resist...
Russia ...The former USSR ...the old Soviet Union ...the big red one.
Lots of people seem to think that Russians drink vodka all night, and that the country is overrun by the Russian mafia. They couldnt be more wrong: Vodka is drank all day AND night, and the country is RUN by the Russian mob... ;-)
I'd have to say St. Petersburg is sort of a cross between Venice and a rock and roll star's birthday party. Looking to cruise down the canals in a gondola? try a powerboat with Russian heavy metal blaring, what a rush... ! Like opera? Try "The barber of Seville " for 30 bucks for balcony seating and it includes Russian sisters who sing along, feed you chocolate and translate as it goes... Can't speak Russian, they make it simple for you:
Joe: Is this the bear meat Sir?
Chef: Dyu liiike cheekin, no?
Joe: I'd like bear meat sir, its on the menu here.
Chef: Dis eees bear meeet, taaaste a leetle like cheekin. You buy this and you like eeet.
Joe: OK, you have bottled water?
Chef: Yah, dees watter, taste laake vodka, but good to you.
Joe: Thank you Sir.
Chef: No prrrroblim, you lern Ruuussun someday...
See how easy it is to get around? Like a language immersian course.
This place rocks. If you haven't been here check it out sometime! Its unique and awesome. One minute your being sworn at in Russian by a train station clerk and next you are surrounded by people who want to help you and walk around town for free. That tone says it all, a city of contrasts. Check out the Amber Room , Peter the Greats tomb, White nights of course and culture and arts everywhere...
Cheers and on to Poland , Slovakia and Czech before headed to the US for a family visit.
Joe
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