Russian women

The rat race versus the simple life. RTDoc explores consumerism and its eye-opening alternatives.

Anna had hoped her all-important trip to the United Arab Emirates would save her business, but it doesn’t seem to have worked. The new merchandise that she bought in Dubai is not selling well. It appears that, despite all her efforts, her business might now be beyond help. In a desperate attempt to raise enough money to pay her rent, Anna employs the services of a clairvoyant. Meanwhile, her husband, Shota persuades her that moving to his native Georgia would provide an opportunity to start afresh.

Anna spends several hours walking around Dubai searching for clothes and haggling. She finally finds some products to her taste, ones which she’s sure will appeal to her Moscow customers. The intrepid businesswoman doesn't get flustered or confused: after 18 years in the market business, she knows when to talk tough with her fellow traders.

In the 10 years since Anna’s last visit to Dubai the city has changed drastically. The new-born Middle Eastern metropolis leaves a powerful and lasting impression. She’s come to Dubai in search of out-of-the-ordinary products she can sell at a profit, but the local markets, and the goods on offer, have changed.

After returning from Georgia, Anna has to close one of her shops. Now she has only one, and even that is barely breaking even. Remembering the days when the clothes from the Emirates were popular, Anna decides to take a trip to the UAE. This will be the ultimate “make or break” attempt to save her business.

In an attempt to take a break from their troubles, Anna and her husband Shota go on holiday to sunny Georgia, where they catch up with old friends. Anna is so impressed with Georgian culture and the thriving local businesses she encounters, that she decides a fresh start in Georgia might be the key to a happy and secure future. 

Fortunately, the new products Anna brought from Turkey are in demand and her business booms. She earns her usual monthly income in two days. Now she must decide whether to invest the money in the business or spend it on a trip to Georgia, where her husband, Shota, must attend a relative’s christening.

They have 14-day work shifts, they’re always on the move and they have to be ready to deal with any situation. Meet the conductors of the Trans-Siberian train, Russia’s oldest and longest train route.

They have 14-day work shifts, they’re always on the move and they have to be ready to deal with any situation. Meet the conductors of the Trans-Siberian train, Russia’s oldest and longest train route.

They have 14-day work shifts, they’re always on the move and they have to be ready to deal with any situation. Meet the conductors of the Trans-Siberian train, Russia’s oldest and longest train route.

They have 14-day work shifts, they’re always on the move and they have to be ready to deal with any situation. Meet the conductors of the Trans-Siberian train, Russia’s oldest and longest train route.

They have 14-day work shifts, they’re always on the move and they have to be ready to deal with any situation. Meet the conductors of the Trans-Siberian train, Russia’s oldest and longest train route.

Anna discovers that the parcel containing her most expensive purchases has not been delivered and all the parcel offices are closed for the New Year. Her only hope: the so-called ‘shaitans’, people who carry goods on their backs across the border.

Anna finally makes it to Turkey. This trip, however, is different! This time, it’s not just the fate of her business at stake but her whole family’s too. It’s her last chance to save her livelihood, and she can’t fail. Just one mistake could jeopardise everything she has worked for.

Anna Smirnova is a trader with 20 years' experience under her belt. But the economic crisis hit her business hard. Now she has to come up with a solution that will help her stay afloat. But she’s in a race against time and her competitors. Join RTD to find out if she’s got what it takes.