if you've ever lived in Moscow, you'll understand ... it's not just the cold weather that you're worried about.
Here are 9 things vexing Muscovites in their daily lives.
1. The uncertainty of ordering things in the mail
A lucky customer's new iPad doesn't look exactly like he thought it would. (ru-iphones.com)
2. Encountering Spartak Moscow fans in the metro on game day
The Spartak "Ultras," known for their rowdy behavior and hooliganism, have been the subject of many sanctions and investigations. In November, the team was ordered to play 2 of its games behind closed doors because of fan violence. (Kate_Lokteve / Flickr)
3. Entering a gypsy cab, only to find out the driver does not speak English ... or Russian
Despite their willingness to pick you up, gypsy cab drivers don't really know their way around the city, a situation that is made worse by the fact that a lot of them do not speak Russian. (Vladimir Filonov / MT)
4. Seeing this on Yandex Maps when figuring out how to get home
While one should be used to the traffic after living in the city for some time, the little hope of a smooth journey home is always dashed when the Yandex Maps application is pulled up and the streets are covered in red. (Yandex.Maps)
5. Your favorite local cigarette stand/hot dog shop/drinks kiosk being removed overnight because it is deemed 'illegal'
A tobacco shop owner looks on as her store near Belorusskaya station is destroyed by authorities. (Igor Tabakov / MT)
6. Arriving at the supermarket just after 11 p.m.
There's always a rush close to 11 p.m. at supermarkets, after which alcohol sales are forbidden. Auchan, pictured above, closes its alcohol aisles even earlier, at 9 p.m.? (Andrei Makhonin / Vedomosti)
7. Arriving at a club with your friends, and being the only one 'face controlled'
These men will decide the fate of your night out, and will determine if your look and attitude meet their standards. (id108384558 / VKontakte)
8. Needing to get to the other side of the Garden Ring in your car.
Missed a turn, or need to get to the other side of on one of Moscow's main roads? Tough luck. (Evgeny Razumny / Vedomosti)
9. Forgetting your passport or documents when leaving the apartment
Being stopped by Russian police can be a harrowing experience, made worse if you do not have your passport or documents with you. After that it's all up to your bargaining skills. (Evgeny Razumny / Vedomosti)
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