How often do we hear that Dagestan is a different country. On the one hand, saying so is an unfortunate mistake. On the other hand, while traveling in Dagestan, I realized that it is like traveling in another country, only better! How? I ll tell you now.

Hello everyone, my name is Alexandra. I am sharing with you my impressions of my trip to Dagestan Hello everyone, my name is Alexandra. I am sharing with you my impressions of my trip to Dagestan

Not so long ago, one of my articles about Dagestan¹ was noted by a well-known news publication² … And this edition allowed itself to write that Dagestan is another country . This is a wild fiasco, but even having visited Dagestan, I can sometimes catch myself thinking that I have traveled to another country. Only better.

1. Other culture

My story about why Dagestan is better than abroad, I will start with why you can feel yourself abroad. To do this, of course, you need to be a person of a different culture.

Gimrinskaya tower in the mountains of Dagestan Gimrinskaya tower in the mountains of Dagestan

Most of the population in Dagestan is Muslim. It leaves its mark on everything … On the rules of conduct, on the work of establishments (many cafes do not work during the day in Ramadan, for example) and even on advertising banners.

And my friend and I were completely lucky to find ourselves in Dagestan during Ramadan (Muslim fasting) And my friend and I were completely lucky to find ourselves in Dagestan during Ramadan (Muslim fasting)

This is my first time visiting a Muslim republic. But before that I had already been to Muslim countries. Hence the feeling: I m in an area with a different culture = I m like I m abroad.

2. Russian language

Despite the different culture that gives us the feeling of being abroad, it is much easier here than abroad … There is a different language, it is difficult to explain yourself if you do not know English. And here everything is in native Russian . Very comfortably.

Monument to a Russian teacher in MakhachkalaMonument to a Russian teacher in Makhachkala3. Russian rubles

Another obvious plus is that there is no need to exchange rubles for foreign currency. You get the feeling of being abroad, where everyone speaks Russian and accepts rubles. Looks like a fairy tale … But that s not all.

4. Russian telecom operators

And now you seem to be abroad, where everyone understands you and accepts your money. And to all this you don t need to pay for roaming or look for a local SIM-card, as your usual telecom operator perfectly catches here.

And it does not charge any additional communication fees in this region (assuming you have a modern rate).

I know that our generation is often criticized for not letting our phones out of our hands. But we must somehow share this beauty with you! I know that our generation is often criticized for not letting our phones out of our hands. But we must somehow share this beauty with you! 5. No border

Another point why Dagestan is better abroad. To get to the region, you do not need to cross the state border . And this means that you do not need to stand at customs, you do not need to take tests for a well-known ailment (although this may change), you do not need to issue a foreign passport.

6. General story

And the best part about all this is that, feeling like a guest, you are at home , in your home country … In that part of it with which you have a common history, common ups and downs. And that s also why it s so easy to be here. We are one country!

The impressive Lun ekranoplan. Nostalgic Power The impressive Lun ekranoplan. Nostalgic Power Output

We summarize what has been written. To go abroad without crossing the border, you can go to Dagestan. And to feel there as in another country, but at home at the same time. Such is an interesting paradox.

Of course, this is my personal feeling, based largely on the fact that I was brought up and live in a different culture. Hence my strong interest and violent emotions.

¹ – We went with a friend to Dagestan. Was it scary and dangerous for us in Dagestan? Personal experience
² – Russian women went to Dagestan and dispelled a popular myth (travel.rambler.ru), a Russian woman visited Dagestan and talked about the safety of the resort for girls (lenta.ru, here they did not speak directly about another country, but used the word “Russian”)

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My blog | tourist| travel Why is Dagestan better than abroad? Personal opinion with justification