March 14, 2007 -  I am pleased to recommend Dima, my assistance since 2004, as your driver for Staritsa, Tver, and anywhere else between Moscow & St. Petersburg. Within a year, I think, he will be comfortable venturing into big cities too. He is now driving my old Renault in the conservative style that I tried my best pass on to him, and in my assessment you are safer with him than with the vast majority of taxi drivers in this land.. I'm presently retired from driving because of my growing annoyance with noise and exhaust fumes but if the situation warrants it I'm at your service too. Write to me about Dima's services. Or - Pasha  
 

"Gypsy cabs"

 

Taxi cabs
Yes,
Staritsa now has proper taxi you can call around the clock without the risk that the driver's sleepy wife will pick up the phone and tell you what she things of her bum  husband who can't get a real job, his clients, and the world in general. The prices are quite attractive, eg. 650R ($25) gets you to Tver, and a trip to Moscow will still be under $100. They'll get you anywhere within the city for just 35 roubles, which is a little over a dollar. Their number:
8-910-835-8807
While I am happy to pay less rather than more, their prices do strike me as being on par with costs. I thus encourage appropriate tipping. 

Here are Staritsa taxi drivers whom I hire regularly or recommend to my guests:

  • Boris:  8-08263-2-12-18, 8-910-532-9804   DOES NOT WORK NIGHTS

  • Vladimir:  8-910-532-0753. Vladimir is a good driver to call if you wish to be picked up in Moscow. 

  • Vadim: 8-910-937-5388.

None of them speak English but they can call me and I'll explain where you are to be taken. By default they will deliver you to Ryblovo, across the river from my dacha, and call me or my neighbour Nicolai to get you with a paddle boat. Just make sure you have on you my tel. numbers, 8-910-932-5546 (local) and 8-916-117-1527 (in Moscow).

Some more-or-less fixed rates:

100 roubles ($3.5) to Ryblovo

350 ($12) to Dubrovki, Station Staritsa, or Rodnya

750 ($25) to Tver

3500 ($120) to Moscow

For other trips the rate will be based on 30-40 cents/km. I have not seen nor heard of foreigner rip-off and other ugly taxi tricks in Staritsa. Nor in Tver, so far. Still, I do recommend you check out my Taxi Scam & Tricks.

 
March 13, 2007
September 19, 2005

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One of the local  farmers known in the community as "Uncle Pasha" supplements his meager income by providing passenger transportation services.

Yes, you can borrow one of his home-raised horses to do some leisurely exploration of the countryside.
Unlimited unescorted horse rides, a place to stay, and whatever food you'll find in the kitchen are all yours in exchange for a $30 contribution to this enterprising peasant's household, or $60 for VIP service that includes prepared meals and better attitude.

 

 

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