Back in North Goa after four years, and what a change for the worst. It really is a Russian invasion!
Every day I hear another account of peoples' bad experiences with Russian tourists - 'Vodka Louts'. Ask any local, "what do you think of them?" and you get the same response - trouble! Rude, no concept of good manners (to anyone), loud, drunken, aggressive and sometimes violent.
I asked one taxi driver if it wasn't worth it for the extra trade/income. He replied that they would rather not have the Russians here at all and lose money than have to deal with the trouble cause. Sadly, this problem appears not to be with simply a 'small minority'.
The worst incident so far has been in Ashvem (Aswem) where a taxi driver was beaten to death by a group of Russians (confirmed - not a rumour). This, along with plenty of other incidents has now meant that many taxi drivers have been told not to accept fares from any Russians after sunset.
I and some others also concerned by this upsetting change have decided, in the future, to check with hotels before booking to see if they have any contracts with Russian tour operators. It might be tricky, to find hotels that haven't, but we come here to enjoy the place, the people, and relax.
We just tried to ignore them and asked the barmen why they served anyone when they are obviously drunk?
They said they could not refuse them. Hopefully next year when there are extra flights from the UK they will be in the minority.
Goa it seems could be reaping what it has sowed.
The Russians are relatively new to foreign travel and it seems a lot of them do not know how to behave. Same could be said for a fair few Brits I have seen abroad.
There are massive cultural hurdles to overcome for them and it seems all is not well.
I have also heard that many taxi drivers will not carry them.
Interesting times.
Papa
Some interesting comments from a very well-educated Russian lady I met, who lives and works as a teacher in the UK. She explained to me.....
There is new wealth for so many in Russia (hence the holidays abroad), but the lack of 'cultural heritage' means that they simply do not know how to handle it. They become 'loud' (her description). They also have little, if any, concept of good manners and respect for others - another cultural issue.
Many people are saying that the police should set an example to miscreants to try and show some measure of controlling the situation. However, a local has said that the government have told the police to avoid arresting Russians.
They also have little, if any, concept of good manners and respect for others - another cultural issue.
I think some people from other countries (i.e. not just Russia) when they are paying for a service - be it in a shop, bar, hotel, restaurant etc - do not feel it is necessary to say 'please' and 'thank you'.
It is sufficient (in their culture) to simply pay their money.
I personally wouldn't dream of not saying 'please' when I asked for something, and I always say 'Thank you ' when a waiter brings me a meal or drink or am given my change in a shop, but quite a few of my fellow counrymen don't.
And that's here in our own country, let alone abroad.
I also think that the Russian language itself sounds quite aggressive.
I was lying on my sunbed and thought World War 3 had broken out as some Russians seemed to be on the verge of assaulting each other.
When I sat up , they were just having a conversation.
Having said that, I have seen some very drunken Russians well before midday and I dislike what some of them do - taking their own drinks to the beach, then trying to negotiate the food prices on the shack menus.
We were in a shack when 4 Russians came in and asked the price of red snapper.
After being told the price they ordered 2 and were told it would take x minutes to cook.
Halfway into the cooking time, they said they would only pay half the price.
The shack staff stuck them out and after they'd eaten they paid (full amount), then ordered Honeybees.
After drinking that, they started to walk out, the shack staff challenged them about the drinks and they said 'complimentary'.
Once again, the beach staff stuck them out for the money.
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