Moscow at Your Door

I am very impressed by the depth and the breadth of knowledge that Paul and Maria possess about the country and people of Russia. This book is exceptionally accurate in every topic it touches. I have not seen a better translation of Russian jokes anywhere prior to reading this book. I would strongly recommend reading it before going to any Eastern European country for either business or pleasure.

As far as entering a new culture, the culture shock series could not be better at helping one figure out the process. Learning about a city's history and people are so vital a part of fitting in upon arrival. Included are important ettiquette and manners advice, tips on everything from language to housing to eating and money. The cultural quiz at the end is a fun refresher, and the glossary of the Cyrillic alphabet and some common phrases was a nice additive (although it isn't even the tip of the tip of the iceberg that is the Russian language) and the Do's and Don't's Appendix was a nice quick-read. Not included is a glossed-over, romantic impression of Moscow, and how wonderful everything will be once one arrives. Everyhting is explained very honestly and with a nice bit of that dark Russian humor. It's not all cake and ice cream. All in all, a fun read and very helpful. For anyone, it's a nice primer on Russian history, Russian people, Russian language, and the city life of Moscow. One doesn't have to be planning a trip there to enjoy the trivia and jokes in this book!