In the spring of 1996, while I was stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, I was lucky enough to travel to Russia under the Air Force's "Quality of Analysis" program along with a friend and co-worker, SSgt Scott "Cooter" Kemble. Here are some random observations I made about Russia and some lists I made which may be useful to anyone wanting to take the same trip.

Free enterprise in Russia, apart from the Mafia, seems to be confined to women. The markets, train platforms and sidewalks are all full of women (especially older women) selling food and other goods.

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Russian men, on the other hand, appear to have no initiative for honest work. Alcoholism is rampant, perhaps to an even greater extent than I had heard. The Mafia and a general air of criminality are everywhere. Black marketeers trade openly in just about every commodity imaginable.

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Intourist hotels are still bugged, I am convinced. Although it appears the Mafia, and not the KGB, is benefiting from that fact.

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This whole country is in drastic need of repair. Buildings, automobiles and anything else you can imagine are falling apart, having clearly suffered many years of gross neglect. Even the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral are in bad shape. Although littering does not seem to be a major problem, this is a dirty country. Everything needs at least a good scrubbing and a new paint job. Junk everywhere!

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You see a lot of impromptu car repair going on in the streets, quite often in the middle of the street. Changing tires is the most most prevalent, but all sorts of engine repairs are also conducted right where the cars break down. We've seen several stores with signs that say Avtozapchasti (Auto Parts) and Remont Avtomashin (Car Repair).

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Western companies, led by America, are rapidly taking over all legitimate business here. English words are being assimilated into the Russian language at an alarming rate. And, of course, everyone is clamoring to learn the language of the former vrag (enemy).