TO RUSSIA
WITH LOVE
Ivan or John...it's all
the same thing over there.
Now that Russia is practicing 'Glasnost'
with the free world, many travelers are finding that a
trip into the former Soviet Union is an experience like
no other. While Russia will never equal the opulence of
Monaco or Beverly Hills, it has become famous for its
lucrative international sex trade.
In the 70s under Communist control, it
was common for 'ruble girls' to exchange sexual favors
with rich 'Ivans' (AKA 'Johns') not just for the money,
but also for the gifts or extravagances the girls could
not otherwise afford. In some instances, girls merely
required her 'Ivan' to take her grocery shopping.
Up until the early 80s the problem of
prostitution was officially denied in Moscow in spite
of the fact that some 10,000 prostitutes worked there.
Today, the Russian government is so bogged down with bigger
problems--nuclear proliferation, economic chaos and organized
crime--that prostitution isn't even on the list of things
they're concerned about. Glasnost not only opened up Russia's
borders, it opened new economic markets and brought new
prosperity to many clever entrepreneurs who quickly jumped
on the bandwagon of international trade. Because Russia
is so strapped for income, prostitution has become one
of the few 'new' international businesses now flourishing
in the former Soviet Union. Interdevochka or 'international
girls' have, for the most part, replaced 'ruble girls.'
With the sudden influx of foreign businessmen oozing with
cash, the international girl soon became one of the most
sought-after careers for females 13-40. Moscow newspapers
published long articles about the international girl and
her glamorous lifestyle servicing foreign clientele. Russian
women from far and wide flocked to major cities and even
small towns that bordered on affluent countries like Finland
to begin aspiring careers as high-priced international
girls.
Currently, newspapers like Moscow Times
or Moscow Tribune list sex parlors under the headings
of "Massage" or "Introductions." These establishments
run their business with one stipulation: no Russians,
please. The World Sex Guide lists prices starting at about
$150 USD for one hour.
"Small towns
like Vyborg are pushing for the regulation of
prostitution as wealthy Finns flock across the border
looking for discounted hooker
rates."
Since any form of sexual education was
nonexistent until Glasnost, STD proliferated. The Communist
government taught its people AIDS was a disease that only
concerned homosexuals and drug users. Russia is still
hush-hush about AIDS, and condoms are still in amazingly
short supply. Bring plenty of the latex and donate a box
to the girls you visit. Call it a world health visit.
If you would like to get a taste of Russian
pussy, flights from PDX to Moscow average about $1,000
R/T; you'll probably have to fly at least a portion of
the way on the world's most poorly maintained airplanes...Aeroflot.
Thankfully, Delta, KLM and Northwest fly there, too. You'll
need a passport and Visa to enter Russia.
Another (more expensive) option is flying
into Helsinki, Finland, then traveling the four hours
by train to Vyborg, Russia. Vyborg has come to rival Moscow
and St. Petersburg as Russia's hooker capital. Small towns
like Vyborg are pushing for the regulation of prostitution
as wealthy Finns flock across the border looking for discounted
hooker rates. A crackdown on prostitution would seriously
deprive the local businesses, which also catch a little
of the money, of desperately needed foreign income.
I have taken the train from Helsinki to
Parikkala, Finland, and know the ride is short and scenic.
Once in Parikkala, you walk or drive across the border.
Vyborg is about 60 miles further. (No cameras allowed
at border crossings!)
If some of you have decided to give international
girls a whirl, know that American commodities are worth
their weight in gold. Gifts from America can still be
used to pay for sex. Fad clothes like the old Madonna
'Boy Toy' stuff is hot over there right now as is the
70s-style, low-cut bell-bottom pants. Take a few pairs
in sizes 5, 6, and 9 to Russia and barter your balls off.
Frilly, low-cut and lacy bras from Victoria's Secret or
Frederick's of Hollywood will also turn the key to any
Russian hooker's heart. Glasnost, baby.
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