I work in Russia. I also have a Russian girlfriend who is wonderful and thinks like a Canadian, ie: rationally, which is awesome. We have been on many vacations together and yes, Russian tourists, for the most part, are completely ignorant when it comes to respecting boundaries, and I do mean for the most part! If you mention nicely or point out that they shouldn't be doing something, they will look at you like you are an idiot and argue that they are in the right, or just play dumb. Russians believe everything will either work or be fine all of the time, where as North Americans and Western Europeans will always have some doubt or caution until something is proven. Trust me, I've been working in Russia long enough to know. I see it first hand and hear this multiple times on a daily basis, "don't worry, it'll be ok it'll be ok", and it usually never is. You would think that me being right most of the time would sink in but sadly, no. I can only argue for so long before I have to let someone fall on their face to prove I was right.
That being said I do respect many of my Russian colleagues, I have made many friends in Russia and have met many good Russians while on vacation also. The previous is only my general observations through experiences I've had while being immersed in Russian culture. I'm not trying to bash anybody, just telling it how it is.
My girlfriend and I are heading down to Sharm in January for some diving. I hope all stays well with the shark situation. My condolences to the victims in this unfortunate scenario and nobody should have to experience that, especially on vacation. Also unfortunate for the shark population in the area as well. When it comes right down to it, they are wild animals and this is not the sharks fault. We are in their house when we enter the water and are basically at their mercy. I hope there is more respect shown for the marine environments from the resorts in respect to the previous post about resorts dumping food into the water. This practice can only end up one way, bad.
Our last dive trip was to the Maldives and it was spectacular! I was surrounded by 8 manta rays on one dive! One of the most surreal days of my entire life! We saw a few sharks on a couple of the dives too. They were curious but they kept their distance. If I remember correctly, some had black markings and some had white, on their fins. I thought I would have been more nervous but I was actually quite calm. My first shark encounter.
Can anyone recommend a great dive center in Sharm?
Thanks
