a few comments on Russia by a travel site

i just have to share these comments on Russia by an adventure travel website:

Why Travel to Russia?
This vast and diverse country, occupying the top chunk of a continent all the way from Poland to Japan - and a big chunk of world history too - demands travel attention. The architecture is both glorious and hideous, the history is monstrous, the art is sensational and the people can be touchingly friendly. Absurd Fabergé eggs? Extraordinary onion domes? Caviar crepe? Yes, please. A hard day's White Night in St Petersburg? Slamming vodka with your taxi driver? Da!Big, brutal, beautiful and intriguing, Russia is an enigma that's got to be sampled by any serious traveller.

Downside:
- Accommodation is hardly cheap if comfort is an issue, though plenty of budget options are available.
- Hygiene can be a problem.
- Officials are often unpleasantly boorish.
[i think i would use a different adjective to describe russian officials...]
- Crime and corruption in the cities requires an ever-open eye.
[no shit, Sherlock...]
- Despite the size of the country, internal flights are unreliable and Russian airlines have the world's worst safety record.
[yipppiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeee.............................]

Climate:
Best: May, June, Sept, Oct. July/August can be wet. Worst: Nov-March (winter is long, dark and extremely cold with short days, but the snow scenes will be stunning. Early Spring is muddy, slushy and falling icicles kill!)

Drinks:
Most of us know the varied pleasures of vodka, particularly drunk chilled and in one gulp, but Russia also does a fine line in local beers with lively flavours, good champagne, not such good wine, passable tea and effective coffee.
Russians love to press drinks on foreigners so prepare your excuses now. Or practice chugging.

Travel Health:
Do not drink Russian tap water, not even for cleaning your teeth.
[i don't agree with this for every city in russia - moscow is fine, but tap water in st. petersburg is indeed famous for its bacteria...]
Check you are up to date with all jabs, and consider including vaccinations for diptheria, typhoid, hepatitis A and B. A flu jab is also useful if you plan to travel to Russia in spring or autumn when the bugs are rampant.
[seems like they recommend you get vaccinated against anything possible...]
Foreigners usually prefer to be treated at private clinics, which are very costly. Get Insurance!
[definitely!!!]

Costs:
Moscow is now the most expensive city in the world, but elsewhere Russia can be good value if you don't mind slightly crude accommodation and eat/drink at local establishments rather than typical tourist places.
[sigh.......................................................................................................................thinking about my monthly rent......................................................................................................................]