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http://www.sptimes.ru/archive/times/910/top/t_10648.htm

... in response to Beware of gypsies in St.Petersburg........., posted by Cold Warrior on Oct 15, 2003

I've been working in Greece this summer and there are many thousands of them there. Begging and stealing is part of their culture (there is no shortage of work in Greece if they want it, but they don't.) They are well known for sending their their children out to beg for them; there's even a local fat old woman who sits in the middle of the shopping precinct every day in summer heat, holding a baby and moaning for money (and I am told that the babies are drugged to make them sleep all day.)

What makes them dangerous is the fact they they all stick together (if you cross one of them there are usually many more lurking around nearby.) Like most parasites, they are able to smell fear or weakness, and sometimes there is literally only one language they understand; a very swift  Size 10 (European 44) in the ass. I don't like to generalise, but as far as I'm concerned they have absolutely nothing going for them.

... in response to Beware of gypsies in St.Petersburg........., posted by Cold Warrior on Oct 15, 2003

The same gypsies are rampant in Rome, doing the same thing. While living and working in Italy for a year and going to Rome about every 2 weeks, I saw the gypsies all the time. From what I learned there are 2 ways to keep the gypsies away. One, take photos of them. For some reason they seem to hate to be photographed and will keep away from you. Second, get a good sized magazine to carry. If the gypsies come near you, roll it up tight and hit the closest one across the face, male or female,  or at least try to. They will keep their distance. I learned both these tricks from the Italians I worked with in Naples, and they should know.
In particular, watch out for the ones with newspapers over their arms who try to get close to you.

... in response to Beware of gypsies in St.Petersburg........., posted by Cold Warrior on Oct 15, 2003

near Nevsky Prospect, in broad daylight(as broad as it gets in late December), I was confronted first by the gypsy woman wanting money. I then knew I was a "target". Then, I noticed 5 or 6 gypsy youths, smiling and laughing as they followed me. I felt like a wounded animal with a pack of jackals on my scent. They didn't hurt me, just mugged me. That morning,I had put my passport and most of my money in the hotel safe, so they only got $50-$60. And try cancelling a stolen credit card from Russia!
I wondered what the hell was I doing in a place like that, but have since returned to Russia and Ukraine 6 times, with no more problems.

... in response to Beware of gypsies in St.Petersburg........., posted by Cold Warrior on Oct 15, 2003

They focused on gysies in the article but as it sounds, the cops are pretty much worthless.

Probably safer in Iraq.

You'd think tour operators would have hired some cops of their own.  But I guess they take up a seat on the bus.

... in response to Re: Just another reason to avoid St. Pet..., posted by wsbill on Oct 15, 2003

[This message has been edited by AJ277]

wsbill- having been both places-
as an American you are certainly safer in the FSU-

after all those "bad cops" are hooked up to the mafia, and the mafia knows full well which side of the bread the butter is on,and who has money to spend on their "wares" and in the stores they provide roof or insurance for? ;)
There is little safer travel than in travling in a country where the mob is protecting you! and owns the cops!
LOL

from the article- "We know statistics on crimes against foreigners are very low in the city compared to general statistics on all crimes...."

most dangerous situation for the average american in the FSU is the potholes in the sidewalks and taxi dodging.
Once you practice up there, and want to further those taxi dodging talents, go to Beruit or Cairo, and take it to a whole new level.

... in response to Re: Just another reason to avoid St. Pet..., posted by wsbill on Oct 15, 2003

Bill,
Why are you here?  Because you once had the balls to go to Ukraine?  You certainly didn't have them to go through with your commitment because you found some cheesy reason to wiggle out of it.  As I remember it, you thought you were being scammed because the poor girl couldn't account for a missing buck and a half.  Please don't post your mindless crap and take pot shots like the post above.  You really have nothing to offer here.
KenC

... in response to You're safer in your greenhouse, posted by KenC on Oct 15, 2003

Your always the one to attack people and demoralize.

You sound alot like my brother - he mouths off to the family and then wonders why nobody bothers to visit his family.

... in response to Re: What pot shot are you refering to ?, posted by wsbill on Oct 16, 2003

...if/when you make your wedding (to a Rusky girl now) announcement, Ken (as well as myself) will be among the first to congratulate you.
Be of good cheer!
Karl

... in response to Bill, I could just about   guarantee thi..., posted by tfcrew on Oct 17, 2003

box and I'll shut up.

... in response to Beware of gypsies in St.Petersburg........., posted by Cold Warrior on Oct 15, 2003

I have so far seen no redeeming features what so ever to these people.  Say "otvalee" sternly any time any of them approach you.  Children will surround you and try to go through your pockets or steal and run off with anything they can pry loose from you.  Adults will approach you, grab your attention, as others in their contingent attempt to go through your pockets / run off with what they can.  Definitely stay away from them - or give them the best imitation of your "South Georgian" look!