Yeah, I think Kamchatka is just the end of the world. Kind of the same feeling with Patagonia, parts of Oz I guess too. Just no fucking people around, lots of nature, not a transit point of any sort. That kind of travel lust to be at the end of it all where no one goes.
Feeling unsafe in Russia is certainly a different feeling. Cops, hookers, mobsters in cahoots and you just kind of do what exactly? Don't make eye contact, don't look like a tourist, always carry your papers, and if you can befriend some locals that you can go out with. I took all this advice from a colleague/mentor that also specifically mentioned feeling very uncomfy in his hotel. And mind you he is extremely well traveled. Timeframe 2005 to 2010.
I spent two weeks in Russia. I have like maybe 10 travel stories I tell to friends. At least 3 from these two weeks. Machine guns, unmarked cops, bribes, physically removed from a bank, I can go on. Any longer than 2 weeks I would be in jail, deported, or made king. Fuck if I know. That place is straight up batshit crazy. But I will say its a different world in Siberia and if you can ever go there (ever again?!) I would recommend it. The people are very nice, very welcoming, and love it when strangers come by. Thirsty AF, but hey I get it. Its a beautiful shithole.