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Russian Adventure Patrick Rout , West Yorkshire Branch In 2018 I submitted a Travel Form asking for assistance in visiting St Petersburg. This was our second visit and we were keen to see the city from the perspective of local people and also learn more about the Russian Police. S ection UK put me in touch with Olga Vladimirovna , Vice President for Culture in St Petersburg. Further assistance from Police Translator Major Inna helped overcome the language difficulties. Olga told us that in 2019 St Petersburg will be celebrating 300 years of policing. We visited many of the usual tourist destinations. We were fascinated by the Kremlin with its three cathedrals and vast government buildings, including President Putin’s Office Complex and the busy Red Square.

We were also surprised by the large numbers of people, even outside of rush hour. Trains on some lines ran every 20 seconds. Economy class on the trains was very spacious and comfortable, with panoramic windows giving views of the villages and Russian plains. One evening we visited a theatre to watch an awe-inspiring performance by Cossack dancers. Would we visit Russia again? Yes, without a doubt. If I had not been a member of the IPA then some of these opportunities would not have been available.

We had requested “typical” Russian food, so we were taken to a Georgian restaurant at Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main street, where we enjoyed an excellent savoury pastry dish. In the afternoon we toured the city on a bus, with English commentary from Olga and Inna. We also met two Special Forces policemen. Our tour included many of the city highlights. We are very grateful to Olga and Inna for such a memorable and informative day. After St Petersburg, we moved onto Moscow, where we were impressed with the standard of cleanliness. There was a Police presence in all the areas we visited, with many carrying a firearm. We were impressed by the politeness and friendliness of the people. Many younger people spoke English and on public transport they immediately offered their seats to older people.

Security Staff

President Putin’s office complex

Special Forces Police

Olga (left) Major Inna (right) and security staff

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No. 1, 2019