Russian contracts
Been there, done that...
One of the most enjoyable contracts I have had. The biggest challenge was the language barrier and basic conceptual communication. At first I was ready to pull my hair out. Coming from an air carrier that was known for it's Hitler mentality, it took a while to lighten up and try to approach the root of the issue.
Along with the automated technological issues such no computer projected flight planning or reporting. Everything was back to the basics and completed by the F/O before door closure. WX and other environmental reports could be 48 hours old and of no use. I remember being stuck in another country because the dispatch people back home did not understand why I needed some confusing info such as a take-off alternate. It was CATII/III there when we wanted to depart. We took a six hour delay before the issue was resolved, then the fog had cleared.
MX personnel were quicker to sign of the log, rather than fix the problem.
Some would actual call the interpreter to understand what the write up meant.
Once I learned to lighten up and work with the issue, instead of screaming my bloody head off, life became enjoyable and I saw progress.
I really enjoyed it there, at times think about going back. Accommodations were good, salary was never less than 6500 euro's a month and the food was fantastic. Biggest issue in Russia right now is the old guys and gals converting to today's international World of Aviation. The guys and gals that don't need CRM get hammered with it and the ones that need it never have an fricken clue about what it is. Once that generation goes away, Russian aviation will accelerate at a marvelous rate.