Red Corner: Toilet Summit in Moscow

by Neil Woodburn on

I thought this was a joke, or modern art exhibit, but apparently it’s not.

Today is the third day of a four-day toilet festival in Moscow. Technically, it’s the 6th annual World Toilet Summit sponsored by the WTO, or World Toilet Organization. The event “highlights topics concerning city toilets, toilets for children, toilets for social integration, and non-plumbing technologies.” And yes, I reiterate, they’re serious.

Apparently the event, which was first held in Singapore, was moved to Russia to take advantage of a toilet infrastructure still hurting from communist times. The Moscow Times reports that the toilet legacy of communism means a “wide open market with huge growth potential.”

More than 60 companies from around the world have gathered to share their expertise and display products that will be showcased in a handful of different exhibitions. I’ve highlighted just a few of the more interesting from the Toilet Summit Website:

• External and internal engineering network: construction, exploitation
• Toilet paper
• Air cleansing. Ventilators, air-conditioners
• Devices for invalids, pots and pampers
• Toilet lighting
• Architecture and design of toilets
• Special literature, normative acts
• Toilet accessories for domestic animals

Oh man, they really could have used some of this western technology on my first visit to the Soviet Union in 1991 when the toilet paper holder in my hotel bathroom held nothing but torn pages from a student’s textbook, when I was lucky.

Red Corner: Moscow Expat, a Woman’s Perspective

by Neil Woodburn on

Living the expat life is never very easy. One must learn a new language, figure out local customs, and find a place to live. There are a whole host of “foreign” challenges to overcome.

This was all pretty easy when I lived in Ireland but infinitely more difficult when I moved to Prague.

One of the most challenging locations for an expat to get up and running is Moscow. While decidedly westernized these days, the capital is also uniquely Russian and presents many challenges and rewards for those who tough it out.

With this in mind, The Moscow Times recently published an interview with Marina Somers, a New Yorker who moved to Moscow five years ago. “It’s very difficult to understand how complex it is,” she tells the Times, “and why it is such a challenging place to live in.” She speaks about the “horrific bureaucracy” of running a business and the numerous “barricades” which prevent every-day things from running smoothly.

Life in Moscow is a challenge she admits, but one that is ultimately very rewarding for those who learn the language, love art and culture, and develop strong friendships with the locals.

As perhaps the greatest compliment, she equates the “buzz” of the city with that of New York. I think first time visitors will strongly disagree, but with time and the right mindset, Somers argues, Moscow can indeed be a wonderful place for foreigners to live.

Red Corner: The Russian Stroll

by Neil Woodburn on

Like so many other immigrants, Russians who move abroad bring with them so much of their former lives. Paul Berger of The New York Times reflects on one such activity which has crossed the Atlantic and is now quite visible in Russian filled Brighton Beach: walking.

Of course, everyone walks. But in Russia, and so many other poor countries around the world where money is tight, walking is favored over bars, nightclubs and cafes for the simple fact that it is free. On weekend nights and summer evenings throughout Russia, promenades, boardwalks, and sidewalks are filled with the masses out for a stroll.

The same can be said of Brighton Beach where old customs die hard. Sit in the same place long enough and you will start seeing the same pedestrians over and over again as they stroll away the evening hours.

Red Corner: Spy Tour

by Neil Woodburn on

Berlin and Moscow are two exotic cities which struck fear into the hearts of western spies throughout the Cold War.

There is nowhere on this planet more legendary for espionage and things-that-go-bump-in-the-night than these two capitals. Sadly, with the fall of communism their glory days have long passed. The spooks and their haunts, however, still remain.

Lovers of the Spy Genre will be happy to hear that The Smithsonian is conducting a nine-day tour this October that whisks cloak-and-dagger fans through the former headquarters of East Germany’s Stasi, the KGB Museum in Moscow, the Glienicke Bridge (where spy exchanges were conducted), Gorky Park, the remains of the Berlin Wall and a host of other John LeCarre locations. The tour will even be joined by retired KGB officers in Moscow who will undoubtedly have a handful of great stories to tell.

The cost is $6695 and must be paid with small, non-sequential bills or uncut diamonds.

GADLING’S TAKE FIVE: Week of August 20

by Adrienne Wilson on

Last Friday of the month folks and it’s time for a little review. Strap on your seatbelts and get ready for a take five ride.

5. Travel Trivia:
Nothing beats testing your travel knowledge. I’ve always been pretty confident in my geography skills, landmark knowledge and some historical facts, but pretty confident doesn’t always get you a 100%. Ugh! Time to hit the books or do you think you know enough to score perfect marks on this MSNBC travel quiz. Find out.

4. Red Corner: Vodka Hangover Cure:
Funny piece pointed out by Neil on the joys of toasting to new Russian friends and journeys abroad with Vodka. For the Russians the beverage is like water, but how does a foreigner peer-pressured into drinking to friendship handle a vodka hangover? From the pre-drinking stage to the actual event and next morning here is your guide to some effective cures!

3. Inside Africa Vol. 1 & 2:
TASCHEN has some new books out and these Inside Africa volumes are very much worth your attention if you’re into dwellings and living around the continent.

2. One Hundred Very Angry U.S. Cities:
Shocking piece from Men’s Health on the top 100 angry places around our United States. Florida cities rank very high on the charts, but what about your state or city?

1. Farecast Launches:
Probably one of the biggest travel buzzworthy pieces comes from Erik and his plug on Farecast. What started off as a two city travel search and airfare prediction / watch engine has expanded to 55 cities. Can’t wait to see if it’s worth all the buzz