Whenever you plan to travel to a country like Russia, it is important to avoid tourist traps.
If you want to know more about the culture and diversity of the country, it is best to get to know the locals and gain information and knowledge from them.
Here are some impressions of Russia which will help prepare you for your trip to the country.
Russia was originally created in the 12th century and was much smaller than the country we know today.
During that period it was known as Muscovy and was formed around present day Moscow.
It was dominated and controlled by the Mongols for a few hundred years and it was only after that the country started conquering lands and expanding.
The Russia as we know it today was created by Peter the Great, who is still considered to be the first greater conqueror.
During his czarist reign, all lands between Moscow and the Pacific Ocean were conquered and made into part of Russia.
During the 20th century, Russia transformed from a czarist country to communism.
Unfortunately for the people the communists fared no better than the corrupt monarchy and Joseph Stalin indiscriminately slaughtered much of the population through an ill-advised plan.
In 1991, the Russians reverted to democracy, a very rough form, and this lead to turmoil in the satellite states who started breaking off and proclaiming independence.
Democracy has been an up and down path for present day Russia and while you can see Ferraris racing down the streets of Moscow, the rest of the country might end up going for months without heating.
In Russia, it is all about Moscow.
Everything first comes to Moscow and if anything is leftover, it filters down to the rest of the country.
As you travel around Russia, you will be amazed at the differences between the infrastructure and standard of living between Moscow and the rest of the country.
At one point in the late 1990s, just 7 percent of the population paid taxes.
However, all that is now changing and people are now understanding the importance for taxes.
Finally after years of upheaval, things in Russia are settling down and people are gradually reaping fruits which was not the case earlier.
If you get a chance to visit the country, you should take and form your own impressions of Russia.
The people are friendly once they know you and you will end up saying that they are the warmest and friendliest people you have ever met.