Jun 1, 2009

Do svidaniya, Matryoshka!


According to the Washington Post, matryoshki (Russian nesting dolls) might go the way of the dodo. Why? Because tourism is down. Tourism down in Russia? Really? Who would have thought that an incredibly difficult visa process (unless you're a football fanatic) and the rise of xenophobic inspired violence would ward off tourists?

Still, I cannot believe that this will be the end of matryoshki. What else can Russia sell that tourists will want to buy? You can't legally take caviar out anymore. People can get good vodka outside the country and can get a hold of anti-freeze if they want Russian moonshine. I for one would like to show my support for the matryoshki industry. Who's up for starting an online petition?

6 comments:

Michelle said...

I'm ready, I LOVE these dolls!

LIVLIVS MAXIMVS said...

So strange, our government also restricted visa regime - from now on, if you want to enter Azerbaijan you have to have an official invitation from an Azeri citizen or organisation. Recently they even refused to some sport teams. Lol. Pedant people. World is shrinking, they are building barriers.

Anonymous said...

Not so fast! You can enter Russia visa-free via ferry for three days.

http://crisiscrunch.pbndc.com/?p=963

Pirates(and)Diplomats said...

Oh yeah, the old New York to Krasnodar ferry. I take that all the time.

Mrta said...

Eh, let Ukraine make profits off the dolls. No visa required for US and EU, and the exchange rate is looking very attractive these days.

LIVLIVS MAXIMVS said...

Ern, you see, Mrta takes revenge for this