The moment it became known we were going to the Soviet Union we were bombarded with advice, with admonitions and with warnings, it must be said, mostly from people who had never been there. 
An elderly woman told us in accents of dread, "Why, you'll disappear, you'll disappear as soon as you cross the border!"
And we replied, in the interest of accurate reporting, "Do you know anyone who has disappeared?"
"No," she said, "I don't personally know anyone, but plenty of people have disappeared."

Traveling to unfamiliar places can be daunting due to preconceived notions. It's essential to approach new experiences with an open mind and not let fear overshadow the journey.