Recently I was contacted by a representative of the newly established tourism branch of the Chechen government. They're organizing a promotional tour in late summer/early fall and she wants me to submit a proposal for a spot. In the proposal, I'm supposed to explain who I am, my profession, the platforms on which I write, and why I want to visit the region. This is the easy part. However, I'm not a well-known blogger and don't have a large audience so the chance of getting a spot on this press tour is extremely remote. Perhaps they're interested in having an American, especially a woman, write her impressions of the region. I doubt many average Americans have ever stepped foot in Chechnya.
In my Ukrainian Village post , I wrote about the Chechen bombers in Boston. I've read a lot about this region but maybe I'm too trusting, always trying to find an ounce of goodness in everyone. Of course I sometimes give up and realize that some people are in fact truly horrible with empty, worthless souls.
What do you think? If you had the opportunity to travel there, would you go?
In my Ukrainian Village post , I wrote about the Chechen bombers in Boston. I've read a lot about this region but maybe I'm too trusting, always trying to find an ounce of goodness in everyone. Of course I sometimes give up and realize that some people are in fact truly horrible with empty, worthless souls.
What do you think? If you had the opportunity to travel there, would you go?
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And president of Chechnya was a Chechen rebel. And then "defected" to the Russian side. Now, Chechnya gets a lot of money "for the restoration" from Russian government, in contrast to other regions.
It will be like North Korea - you will be shown only the best, not real life. And your reputation will be ruined.
Regarding Chechnya - did you see the movie of the remarkable, recently deceased Russian director, Balabanov , Voina (The War)?
It is about the fate of two British visitors to Chechnya. Very depressing.
I don't think it's a good idea. I can't think of any good reason for me to accept such offer from underlings of a person who is tied to several high-profile assassinations, not mentioning multiple human rights abuses and turning part of Russia into medieval hell.
Anyway, by some reason Kadyrov started really big PR campaign lately, and that includes inviting a lot of bloggers to visit the region, etc.
Afaik, such reports about Chechnya are currently made in very DPRK-like style: you are being toured around by officials, you don't meet normal, common folk, and you're fed with propaganda. (I think you should definitely clarify this with people who are inviting you.)
here are enough pictures to make a notion if it may be interesting for you
http://vartumashvili.livejournal.com/tag/%D1%87%D0%B5%D1%87%D0%BD%D1%8F
I'm russian, I have many friends and acquaintances of different nationalities, even include chechens. :) Why don't go and see that land?
I suspect, nazi commentators will now shaming me in style "Enough to feed the Caucasus", yes sir. Well, I'd like to advance reply them - burn in hell, you fuckin' bastards.
On official tour, you will be technically a guest of somebody in high authority, and hospitality over there is a big deal. It would be 100% safe. The place is not dangerous anymore, but they'll give you bodyguards anyway. You'll get sort of VIP treatment, meaning luxury accomodation and getting around in a very expensive cars, that's for sure. But there is no such thing as poverty and misery among Chechens anyway. Besides, the mountains are beautiful, food is pretty good, and everything will seem exotic. Also, you will spend 0 dollars, as they wouldn't allow you to pay for anything.