Page 53 - The Baltic Capitals & St. Petersburg

ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS

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During your adventure you’ll be accompanied by one of our local, expert Trip Leaders. All
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an enriching adventure. As locals of the regions you’ll explore with them, our Trip Leaders
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wildlife come alive. Coupled with their unbridled enthusiasm, caring personalities, and ability
to bring diverse groups of travelers together, our Trip Leaders ensure that your experience
with O.A.T. is one you’ll remember for a lifetime.

Culture & Points to Know

Personal Space

Our Trip Leaders have remarked that personal space seems to be bigger in the Baltics than the
U.S., especially in the countryside. Kissing, hugging, and touching in general is usually not
done unless you know the other person.

Customer Service

That the Soviet era left its mark on the Baltics and Russia is understandable and expected.
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new employees were given extensive customer service training, to which one of the puzzled
newcomers asked “Why do we have to be so nice to the customers? After all, we have the
hamburgers and they don’t!”

This is not to say that you won’t experience genuine kindness and good service while in the
Baltics and Russia, but rather that you should be prepared—service in restaurants and shops
may not be what you expect.

Language Barrier
You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if
you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be
a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a
few postcards of your hometown. If you want to meet kids, bring a puppet or other interactive
toy. Keep in mind, however, that it is always good form to know at least a few words in the
local language.

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