A Bit More on Russian Service

Olga and I are finding out that we took for granted the level of service received in the US. Not only was there a distinct correlation between the amount paid and the quality of services rendered, but there was an expectation of SOME level of service. If you've been keeping up with the posts, it will come as no surprise when I say that we have thrown those expectations out the window and are now accustomed to the Russian service levels. A few examples.

First, the delivery of our furniture. OK, to be fair this is partially to blame on incompetence in the US, partially due to inclement weather (we assume this is why our shipment ported in Hamburg) and to the level of service delivered here in Russia. The updates we receive on the progress of our furniture shipment are directly correlated to the number of requests sent by Olga (we have come to expect a response after the fourth request). We have also become accustomed to the cryptic responses that we receive, such as 'We need two additional business days for it to clear customs'. This is response to where is our stuff? No mention of whether it is in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kiev, Warsaw anyone??? When Olga finally hit her level of tolerance, she phoned the lady at the shipping company who replied with, get ready, 'You're from here, you know how it is'. Oh boy.

Second, our apartment is supposed to have a video-phone for security purposes. The company that supplies the service has come to pick up the phone twice in order to repair it, but has to send it out to another company in order to have it worked on. Oh goody, two levels of service!!! no idea when it will be repaired, but our landlord assured me that 'this is just the way it is here'.

Third, the connection of our Internet and satellite TV service was fun for several reasons. I was left on my own with our landlord who, although he speaks fluent English, is not totally up to speed on these two things. Add to that two young men who were here to set up the service that apparently understood most of what I said, but refused to speak any English. OK, I can't be upset about the fast that they wouldn't speak English because for all I know their English is as strong as my Russian. The interesting part is that when they could not figure out which cable in the main junction box ran to our apartment. At this point they suggested that we use a different service provider because the Internet is run through the phone! Problem solved. Well, it was the next day when two different young men came to the apartment and hooked it all up.

Even with the complaining in the last two posts about the lack of service here, it's still a fascinating country. Most of the people are pleasant and the food is great. And I'm looking forward to the season at the Bolshoi Theater (maybe I'll even understand some of the announcements this time!).