My husband’s grandfather was in the front lines during the first wave of a famous battle. He was one of the few survivors, his mom used to point him out in documentaries. He laid on the ground as blood from his fellow soldiers pooled around him and an enemy soldier put his boot on his helmet. For the rest of his life, he expressed wonder at why he was spared. Thanks to him, I have my husband and our children
Why some live and some die, only God knows. It’s just sick how people wish death on him or spread comments about him dying on his wife’s channel. Ya it seems kinda dumb to us on the outside, maybe it’s what he felt he had to do for his family, can only wish him success now. Most people, especially in the States, will never get to test themselves to such a degree.
I wanted to summarize my 2 week experience in Moscow. I'll split it into various little topics and write a couple of sentences regarding each one. Keep in mind that I was mainly in Moscow. It's not an article, it's just a bit of info based on my personal experience and what I learned from friends living there and Russians that I met along the way.
However, the "shared values visa" doesn't actually give you the opportunity to move to Moscow immediately.
Getting there / visa process: for pretty much all Europeans the visa process is the same. I used the 2 week e-visa which can be applied for online and takes exactly 4 days to process. Everything is pretty straightforward.
We currently can't fly there directly from the EU/NATO countries. Thus, you might want to consider flights via Tbilisi (Georgia), Istanbul and Serbia.
Moscow:
This might be one of the most modern cities I've ever been to. It's exceptionally clean, the metro is efficient and helps you get all around the city. Plus, the metro stops are actual little museums with intricate paintings, statues and decorations. Fun fact: They can be used as underground bunkers if necessary, due to their depth. The business district is looking good, new offices are being built, there are plans for a kind of high speed metro and train system that would connect Saint Petersburg and Moscow (700km). Kind of reminds me of China in that regard.
Ukraine war (visibility): There are hardly any indications that there is a war going on. Similar to how the US can wage wars with foreign foes, while life conitnues back home, Russia, too, is currently pulling this off. A stifling amount of offices, aparments and hotels are being built in Moscow, new jobs are being created and young men aren't concerned about being drafted (as usual, I mingled with the locals and they seemed happy that I was there and were eager to share their opinions on the west and Russia).
That said, some metro stations have information access points where guys can get army brochures and potentially sign up. In addition, the army and police presence within the city is clearñy visible. Full body scans take place when entering and exiting every single metro station and some other public spaces.
Russian worldview: There's eurocentrism, americentrism and also russocentrism. There's even a point in Moscow called the center of the world. Plus, the two-headed eagle on the Soviet flag also represents an eagle standing in the center of the world, while one head looks east and the other looks west. Furthermore, wars with Napoleon, the Germans, the Cold War and now with NATO, in addition to countless sanctions, have led the Russians to fully adopt their own world view and not give a damn about the west. Also, regarding the Germans, the fact that they were defeated 80 years ago is promoted quite a bit. Metro stations, playgrounds, public spaces have stickers and other constant reminders of this important feat with "The Motherland Calls" depicted on them. That's this statue over here:
What is more, the current western stance has made Russia develop its own everything, for example payment systems, messaging apps and social media apps. They are currently moving towards restricting telegram too and have just launched another app.
The most striking examples of Russian pride were the guys I met who had one parent from an EU country and one Russian parent. Due to those EU countries' laws regarding dual citizenship, they had to choose one passport. They chose Russian citizenship and never looked back. Such a decision would be almost unthinkable for all other non EU European countries, like Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia etc.
Wokeism: I didn't see any pride flags, no overweight models etc.
Migrants (workers and students): There are a ton of muslim migrants from places like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. They do most of the construction work. Therefore, I didn't get the impression that they were aimlessly roaming the streets. As for the students, there are many from those countries and from Africa too. They all speak Russian and are expected to work in Russia, once they finish studying.
Migrants (actual refugees): I saw a handful of what I'd say were Syrians. As usual, they wander around trying to steal stuff.
Women: I can write more about this in another thread, if there's any interest. Very few are fat, they're generally friendly. Some dress nicely, while others are fairly inconspicuous. Like anywhere, there's a spectrum, but definitely enough to choose from.
Language: Obviously, this is just my personal experience. They love to see you try to speak Russian. Even if they speak English well, both men and women will sometimes make you struggle through 15-30 minutes of Russian conversation and then suddenly switch to English. After which they will express their gratitude and show appreciation for the fact that you tried. I'd recommend downloading duolingo ASAP and just practing for 10 minutes three times a week. It will simply make things easier when you actually get there. If you're considering working there, then you'll obviously need at least upper intermediate Russian skills (B2).
Food prices: Looked pretty much in line with what I've seen in the EU.
Access to western goods: Many western goods, such as clothes and electronis can still be purchased online. There are stores that have direct access to the factories in China. I had a look at some sneakers and found a bunch of stuff that isn't actually available in the West. This is mainly a result of that direct access which allows for a somewhat higher degree of customization and personalization. However, shipping generally takes about 2 weeks.
Healthcare: I have no idea how it works.
If there are any topics I didn't touch on, but could be of interest to you, just let me know and many I can provide some info regarding that. Keep in mind that all of this is just my personal view and experience.
Women: I can write more about this in another thread, if there's any interest. Very few are fat, they're generally friendly. Some dress nicely, while others are fairly inconspicuous. Like anywhere, there's a spectrum, but definitely enough to choose from.
I think the woimen aspect deserves a page just by itself. Would you care to expand on this in one of the other threads. Perhaps you could discuss this topic further in the wife hunting thread:
The other threads relating to wife hunting abroad keep getting derailed by trolls and hypocrites so I want to make a more focused thread.
This is my thread so please respect the rules of this thread or do not post here:
1) This thread is a knowledge sharing thread it is not a debate thread. If you wish to debate go to the other threads. If you do not like the topic do not post.
And before anyone questions why I’m allowed to have such a thread in the old RooshV forum when the Donald trump thread got cluttered with criticisms they made a separate Donald trump criticisms thread to...
If there are any topics I didn't touch on, but could be of interest to you, just let me know and many I can provide some info regarding that. Keep in mind that all of this is just my personal view and experience.
I wanted to summarize my 2 week experience in Moscow. I'll split it into various little topics and write a couple of sentences regarding each one. Keep in mind that I was mainly in Moscow. It's not an article, it's just a bit of info based on my personal experience and what I learned from friends living there and Russians that I met along the way.
However, the "shared values visa" doesn't actually give you the opportunity to move to Moscow immediately.
Getting there / visa process: for pretty much all Europeans the visa process is the same. I used the 2 week e-visa which can be applied for online and takes exactly 4 days to process. Everything is pretty straightforward.
We currently can't fly there directly from the EU/NATO countries. Thus, you might want to consider flights via Tbilisi (Georgia), Istanbul and Serbia.
Moscow:
This might be one of the most modern cities I've ever been to. It's exceptionally clean, the metro is efficient and helps you get all around the city. Plus, the metro stops are actual little museums with intricate paintings, statues and decorations. Fun fact: They can be used as underground bunkers if necessary, due to their depth. The business district is looking good, new offices are being built, there are plans for a kind of high speed metro and train system that would connect Saint Petersburg and Moscow (700km). Kind of reminds me of China in that regard.
Ukraine war (visibility): There are hardly any indications that there is a war going on. Similar to how the US can wage wars with foreign foes, while life conitnues back home, Russia, too, is currently pulling this off. A stifling amount of offices, aparments and hotels are being built in Moscow, new jobs are being created and young men aren't concerned about being drafted (as usual, I mingled with the locals and they seemed happy that I was there and were eager to share their opinions on the west and Russia).
That said, some metro stations have information access points where guys can get army brochures and potentially sign up. In addition, the army and police presence within the city is clearñy visible. Full body scans take place when entering and exiting every single metro station and some other public spaces.
Russian worldview: There's eurocentrism, americentrism and also russocentrism. There's even a point in Moscow called the center of the world. Plus, the two-headed eagle on the Soviet flag also represents an eagle standing in the center of the world, while one head looks east and the other looks west. Furthermore, wars with Napoleon, the Germans, the Cold War and now with NATO, in addition to countless sanctions, have led the Russians to fully adopt their own world view and not give a damn about the west. Also, regarding the Germans, the fact that they were defeated 80 years ago is promoted quite a bit. Metro stations, playgrounds, public spaces have stickers and other constant reminders of this important feat with "The Motherland Calls" depicted on them. That's this statue over here:
What is more, the current western stance has made Russia develop its own everything, for example payment systems, messaging apps and social media apps. They are currently moving towards restricting telegram too and have just launched another app.
The most striking examples of Russian pride were the guys I met who had one parent from an EU country and one Russian parent. Due to those EU countries' laws regarding dual citizenship, they had to choose one passport. They chose Russian citizenship and never looked back. Such a decision would be almost unthinkable for all other non EU European countries, like Macedonia, Serbia, Georgia etc.
Wokeism: I didn't see any pride flags, no overweight models etc.
Migrants (workers and students): There are a ton of muslim migrants from places like Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. They do most of the construction work. Therefore, I didn't get the impression that they were aimlessly roaming the streets. As for the students, there are many from those countries and from Africa too. They all speak Russian and are expected to work in Russia, once they finish studying.
Migrants (actual refugees): I saw a handful of what I'd say were Syrians. As usual, they wander around trying to steal stuff.
Women: I can write more about this in another thread, if there's any interest. Very few are fat, they're generally friendly. Some dress nicely, while others are fairly inconspicuous. Like anywhere, there's a spectrum, but definitely enough to choose from.
Language: Obviously, this is just my personal experience. They love to see you try to speak Russian. Even if they speak English well, both men and women will sometimes make you struggle through 15-30 minutes of Russian conversation and then suddenly switch to English. After which they will express their gratitude and show appreciation for the fact that you tried. I'd recommend downloading duolingo ASAP and just practing for 10 minutes three times a week. It will simply make things easier when you actually get there. If you're considering working there, then you'll obviously need at least upper intermediate Russian skills (B2).
Food prices: Looked pretty much in line with what I've seen in the EU.
Access to western goods: Many western goods, such as clothes and electronis can still be purchased online. There are stores that have direct access to the factories in China. I had a look at some sneakers and found a bunch of stuff that isn't actually available in the West. This is mainly a result of that direct access which allows for a somewhat higher degree of customization and personalization. However, shipping generally takes about 2 weeks.
Healthcare: I have no idea how it works.
If there are any topics I didn't touch on, but could be of interest to you, just let me know and many I can provide some info regarding that. Keep in mind that all of this is just my personal view and experience.
You forgot one of the most important things,
How did you pay for accommodation and all other larger expenses considering that all western bank and credit cards are blocked from working in Russia ?? Did you bring a huge pile of cash with you and exchange it into Russian rubles ?? Where did you keep all that cash when you went out sightseeing ?
Hotels in Moscow are expensive and I cant imagine bringing 2000 to 4000 dollars in cash with me for a 2 week stay.
I think the woimen aspect deserves a page just by itself. Would you care to expand on this in one of the other threads. Perhaps you could discuss this topic further in the wife hunting thread:
You forgot one of the most important things,
How did you pay for accommodation and all other larger expenses considering that all western bank and credit cards are blocked from working in Russia ?? Did you bring a huge pile of cash with you and exchange it into Russian rubles ?? Where did you keep all that cash when you went out sightseeing ?
Hotels in Moscow are expensive and I cant imagine bringing 2000 to 4000 dollars in cash with me for a 2 week stay.
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Those are cheaper than 3rd tier cities in N. America. The first hotel says they accept all bank cards as well.
Ten 200 Euro notes would cover that. I guess since you can't travel to Russia directly, you can get there from a place like Turkey, Belgrade, Budapest or Dubai where you can easily get that amount in cash, maybe even in Rubles.
You forgot one of the most important things,
How did you pay for accommodation and all other larger expenses considering that all western bank and credit cards are blocked from working in Russia ?? Did you bring a huge pile of cash with you and exchange it into Russian rubles ?? Where did you keep all that cash when you went out sightseeing ?
Hotels in Moscow are expensive and I cant imagine bringing 2000 to 4000 dollars in cash with me for a 2 week stay.
I brought Euros with me and then exchanged them at a bank when I got there because the rates were better than at the airport. That said, I'm not used to traveling somewhere with a bunch of cash and calculating how much money I'll need in advance. I booked a three star hotel and it was very safe. The cleaning staff didn't touch my money and there was a safe there too, if needed.
In addition, I made sure to distribute my cash a bit. Meaning I had some in my pocket, and some in my two travel bags. Plus, I had an emergency plan in case I lost my money which would have simply been to book the quickest return flight online using my credit card and then go back home. In the meantime I would have survived on the hotel breakfast which was included in the price, while drinking tap water.
This usually refers to online payment. When you're actually there those card payment machines still display the visa / mastercard signs. However, when you attempt to pay it says that the payment failed or was declined. Thus, you definitely need to bring cash.
I don't get what all the fuss is about. I often travel with $10,000 cash in my suitcase when I go on vacations (yes even in 3rd world countries) and leave it in my suit case in my hotel. I have not had any problems with this so far. We are talking about $10,000 here not $10 million dollars.
I don't get what all the fuss is about. I often travel with $10,000 cash in my suitcase when I go on vacations (yes even in 3rd world countries) and leave it in my suit case in my hotel. I have not had any problems with this so far. We are talking about $10,000 here not $10 million dollars.
Most countries will not allow you to bring more than 10,000 USD or euro in cash without declaring it and paying taxes on it.
That said, in Russia criminals will know that westerners are forced to bring cash to pay for everything and they could become easier targets.
I brought Euros with me and then exchanged them at a bank when I got there because the rates were better than at the airport. That said, I'm not used to traveling somewhere with a bunch of cash and calculating how much money I'll need in advance. I booked a three star hotel and it was very safe. The cleaning staff didn't touch my money and there was a safe there too, if needed.
In addition, I made sure to distribute my cash a bit. Meaning I had some in my pocket, and some in my two travel bags. Plus, I had an emergency plan in case I lost my money which would have simply been to book the quickest return flight online using my credit card and then go back home. In the meantime I would have survived on the hotel breakfast which was included in the price, while drinking tap water.
This usually refers to online payment. When you're actually there those card payment machines still display the visa / mastercard signs. However, when you attempt to pay it says that the payment failed or was declined. Thus, you definitely need to bring cash.
Most countries will not allow you to bring more than 10,000 USD or euro in cash without declaring it and paying taxes on it.
That said, in Russia criminals will know that westerners are forced to bring cash to pay for everything and they could become easier targets.
Makes sense. I feel as though it might be more of an issue in somewhat more rural or secluded areas with less police and military presence, in addition to the standard of living, access to jobs etc. being poor for the average person compared to the major cities. Therefore, there would be more of an incentive to pull something like that off.
True but $10,000 is often enough for a shorter trip and for longer trips you can bring somewhat more and not declare it. People routinely bring $15,000 or $20,000 etc and do not declare it. Obviously you cannot bring hundreds of thousands because it will get noticed but generally nobody is going to sit there and count your money to see if its $10,000 or $13,000. Its only when it looks like a suspiciously large amount that they will usually check.
Most countries will not allow you to bring more than 10,000 USD or euro in cash without declaring it and paying taxes on it.
That said, in Russia criminals will know that westerners are forced to bring cash to pay for everything and they could become easier targets.
At this point you are probably more likely to get robbed in new York City than Moscow so while it is a risk I would not be overly worried about it, especially if most of your money is in your hotel rather than in your pockets.
