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I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

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Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#3
Great read. I've never been in a situation where a bribe might have helped and so it's good to get some idea of "how bribes work" for possible future reference.

I have noticed that it seems valuable to project being "poorer" rather than "richer" when traveling. Naively it might seem like throwing money around would grease all sorts of wheels but the opposite has been my experience (although probably I just don't have enough money to throw around to really grease the wheels).

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#6
Heartwarming story.

What I've experienced is, all over the world, people will try to help: if you seem like you need help and don't have all the answers/money.

For travelers -- if you know the local language, speak it. I had a scary experience in the same part of the word and managed to "ingenious" my way out of it. Speakign the local language just helps people identify with you more.

treat them like a person and they'll treat you like you are a person.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#7

Cute story, but wonder if the outcome would be the same if the author hadn't originally been Russian and didn't speak Russian.

It might've actually worked out better if he hadn't spoken Russian. Speaking the local language evokes a "who are you to bypass the rules?" sentiment and enables the officers to pass the time hanging out with you. A non-speaker would just be a huge hassle.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#8

Cute story, but wonder if the outcome would be the same if the author hadn't originally been Russian and didn't speak Russian.

While it most likely would have been different in some way, the treatment he received in Kazakhstan still seems to be better than the authors treatment in the US prison system.

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#9

Great read. I've never been in a situation where a bribe might have helped and so it's good to get some idea of "how bribes work" for possible future reference. I have noticed that it seems valuable to project being "poorer" rather than "richer" when traveling. Naively it might seem like throwing money around would grease all sorts of wheels but the opposite has been my experience (although probably I just don't have…

John MacAfee has a great guide. Context is important. You need to know the situation, you have to be situationally aware. You can't just start showing money (maybe alcohol or other "currency" depending on their penchants are more apt). You have to know a bit about the locals. See http://www.whoismcafee.com/the-travel-guide/

Re: I got arrested in Kazakhstan and represented myself in court

#10

Cute story, but wonder if the outcome would be the same if the author hadn't originally been Russian and didn't speak Russian.

It might've actually worked out better if he hadn't spoken Russian. Speaking the local language evokes a "who are you to bypass the rules?" sentiment and enables the officers to pass the time hanging out with you. A non-speaker would just be a huge hassle.

I haven't found the same to be the case.

Being able to speak the local language and to be able to portray yourself as "local boy made good" seems to bring out something in people where they want to root for you.

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