The former USSR
Always been fascinated by the place - after all, no-one in the west (bar the spooks) really knew what went on behind the Iron Curtain. And of course, it'd be interesting to see how the countries had progressed after the fall of Communism. Was really looking forward to a visit.

Shit airlines, _SHIT_ airport, shit accomodation, shit food (really shit - imagine your old school canteen except shitter), shit service, shit buildings, rampant alcoholism (the street passes as the local boozer), tramps - LOTS of tramps, more Scorpions / Iron Maiden t-shirts than you can feasibly count, roaming packs of wild dogs, rude and confrontational twat of a customer, rude and confrontational twat of a local engineer in the pocket of the twat customer, mystery equipment and software changes designed to drag out the project, arbitrary rules on working and access, more SUVs than I've ever seen in my life, SHIT driving (had to jump off the pavement into the road to avoid cars and motorbikes nearly every day). It also fucking stinks - the Dnipro and it's tributaries seemed to waft ripe shit smell up our nostrils whenever it was warm, and street urination / defecation seemed to be the norm.

Couldn't wait to leave. I suspect it would have been better if I hadn't been stuck there against my will for four weeks with three hours sleep a night.
(mymilkshakebringsallthemongstotheyard poison hearts, poison minds - joining hate, Sat 28 Jun 2008, 14:27, 4 replies)

Try Poland...
Good airlines, good airports, fantastic accommodation, likewise food, great service, fascinating buildings, great beer, incredibly friendly people, blah blah blah...

I suspect most of Eastern Europe is doing much better than Russia - my only complaint is that some of the Communist-era architecture is rapidly disappearing. Birthplace of the solidarity movement, which arguably contributed to the entire downfall of communism in Europe? Mostly being pulled down, to be replaced by shopping malls, casinos and waterside apartments... :-/
(Happy Idiot Talk now has an alibi for, Sat 28 Jun 2008, 15:38, closed)

That's enough about London, tell us about the former USSR.

( The Mock TurtIe ™ --- Thinks you are a cunt, on, Sat 28 Jun 2008, 15:57, closed)

Looking at those photos
I can see where they got the scenery for Half Life 2.

(Actually the Art director was Bulgarian, but I'm sure downtown Burgas is not dissimilar).
(Axeman Jim, Sun 29 Jun 2008, 1:39, closed)

lol I love you Jim for bringing up the best game ever (or is that Ocarina of time??) in this totally unrelated thread.

Yes though, looking at those pictures definitely gives HL2 impressions. What a game. Loved the bit when you out on rooftops getting hunted by the baddies and you can see in the distance the great tower releasing thousands of drones.

Seriously fucking awesome
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Sun 29 Jun 2008, 12:14, closed)