keith birthday has norwegian arms

I was just followed back to my apartment/probably very narrowly escaped being mugged/beaten up

I’ve lived in Tomsk for seven months now without any problems but I have always been warned to be wary of certain types of Russians. Actually, more like one type, the gopnik (гопник). Basically a gopnik is your low-class young/petty criminal in Russia, they usually come from lower socio-economic strata, and as a result develop into minor sociopaths. 

I knew I had something to worry about as soon as I entered the store; I was just there getting a frozen pizza for dinner. Immediately behind me was a group of gopniks, instantly recognizable from their dress (black shirt, black pants, black shoes, black Russian style cabbie cap) and their demeanor (inflection, curse words I understood, words I didn’t understand that were probably also curse words). Even the security guard in the the store knew to follow them around. They bought something, checked out, left. I was next in line with my pizza. Then in came one of the group, stood behind me in line, pretended to be interested in gum. Then he just sorta, left, without a word, right after I had pulled out the 1000 ruble ($30) bill I was paying with. Living in Philly has most certainly taught me to be aware/suspicious, so I took note. 

I walked outside, and they were still commiserating, as such groups often do loiter and drink their beer outside of the shop where they bought it. ‘Вот он.’ (there he is) I heard, decided to quicken my pace slightly, I was only two blocks from home.

I heard them singing behind me, getting quieter with each step. I figured I was in the clear. Then a streetlight behind revealed the elongated shadows of three figures behind me, also walking quickly/silently. I glanced around in front of me to make sure there were other people nearby. No bystanders usually means that’s when they get down to business, a rabbit punch followed by demanding your money/cell phone. There was a couple walking the opposite direction. 

I had one more street to cross in order to get home. The light was green, I walked faster. They were still behind me as I approached my building. They were very close. Luckily the shop on the first floor of my building always has similar loiterers. The only thing I was worried about was the ten seconds I would spend in the driveway leading up to the door to the apartments. I turned into the driveway, and made my way as quickly as possible to the door. I opened it, and quickly glanced behind me as I opened the door. They had stopped at the entrance to the driveway, looked slightly confused. 

I closed the outside door behind me and dashed up the steps to my apartment. I locked the metal gate door I usually hate behind me. I was glad that door was there this time. I stole into my apartment and locked the door. I tried to see out the window if they were still waiting there, I couldn’t. Then I head noise in the stairway, they apparently had made it into the apartment building, although I thought I locked the door behind me. I guess they came inside so that they could see if I was just using that stairwell as a hiding place. Maybe they’re waiting to see if I will come out. I’m not comfortable with the fact that they know I live here. I can still hear them babbling in the stairwell. 

Now that I got back safe/nothing happened, I’m beginning to question my judgement. Would have it been better to look back/let them know I was there? Guess it doesn’t really make a difference at this point. 

Interesting how I was ‘cased’ first. Pretty well planned. Now I think half the group was singing in order to mask the footsteps of those following me in the beginning. If that’s the case, it’s not a bad tactic at all. .