Post: #76

(10-29-2013 06:13 AM)thegmanifesto Wrote:  

(10-29-2013 05:22 AM)Magyarphile Wrote:  The most amusing thing I have encountered on this forum are the self-proclaimed regional experts. They talk about their chosen land like like they are a NGO policy analyst. And if you say anything that doesn't jive with their precious experience(ie I had a ons in the FSU) than all hell breaks loose. Hilarious shit...

That is my point.

They are almost always from the EE.

It is not like the Orange County, CA or Zanesville, OH guys are going bonkers about specific techniques you have to use to swoop there.

Although the Las Vegas threads always follow the same format:

1. Guy #1 asks for advice.

2. Guys who have been to Vegas give advice.

3. I condense that advice to exactly what one should do.

4. Guy #1 cuts corners and doesn't follow advice.

5. Guy #1 claims Las Vegas sucks and isn't easy to swoop.

6. Guy #1 flies back to Zanesville, OH and considers next trip to SEA or EE.

lol - exactly right. I mean man that's how the Vegas threads have gone down waaayyy too many times. Why the hell can't people just listen to the advice, rinse wash, repeat etc??

Post: #77

(10-26-2013 10:09 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  I feel like this thread has taken the turn into being "wow you got a new car...but oh it doesn't have mp3 player...or heated seats...or alarm system...hmm enjoy the it but you know you should really learn to fake having the mp3 player and just make long CDs...and maybe you could buy some aftermarket seat heaters or install a flashing light so it looks like you have an alarm".

I'm not here just to "slay pussy", but that's an obvious benefit. Hey, the 100mbps internet for $13 is a benefit too. One of many.

Anyway, I just got internet working and am on my way out for the night. I'll update later.

Welcome PC! You came just in time the weather is really warm now (for Moscow at least!).

BTW what internet provider are you using? I got Yota and it works pretty well - mini-modem I can use anywhere and pretty fast. Just wondering. Beeline sucked for me after while FYI - kept crapping out and my TV service isn't working again now.

Post: #78

So what's the good word, Carter?

Post: #79

About three weeks in...everything's going well. I've been spending most of my free time with four different Russian girls that I met online...good way to get free tours of the city.

Main issue coming to light is: I have to learn Russian. I'm told that, with the few things I can say, I have a good accent...so this creates the problem of whomever I'm talking to thinking that I speak more due to my accent.

Only negative incident thus far: I was at a bar with some Russian guys and this girl heard that I was American. She proceeded to yell and demand that I "give her money". I couldn't get away from her and she told security I "owed her money" for something and they grabbed me and held me. I waited for his grip to loosen and fled over to my Russian buddy and told him to tell them to fuck off, which he did. Lesson: it's always a good idea to roll with a local here while out at night (guy or girl) a least until you get some solid language skills.

Also, I'm on the subway a lot (sometimes 3+ hours per day) due to my work and DAMN. It is what people say it is, chock full of dimes. But also as others have said, seemingly very difficult to do anything approaching in this underground wonderland.

More to come.

Post: #80

(09-13-2013 01:29 PM)Menace Wrote:  Food in Moscow is generally good in restaurants, although service is spotty. As far as grocery stores, high end stores like 7th Continent will typically have all your needs met, but it will be pricy. Produce is more expensive than in the US. Foreign brands can be 3x as much as local brands, e.g. Tropicana Juice vs. Industrial Squeezade. The grocery store I went to when I was there had pretty much everything you could want, comparable to US stores.

Not sure what you based that comment on, but food in Russia is universally shit. There is no such thing as fresh produce in Russia due to a) practically no enforcement of any food or hygiene standards, b) inefficient logistics, and c) problems with the customs which result in long delays in a warehouse without any climate control.
All it takes is a trip to any EU country to see that Russia is worlds apart in that respect. I know a few people who have weekend houses just across the border in Finland for these reasons. They buy everything fresh over there each weekend. Some things (like fresh fish) can't be bought in Russia for any amount.

Out of all of the CIS, Belarus is the only place you'll find quality local produce. In Kiev you can find quality in high-end restaurants (the ones in 5-star hotels and similar) and also in METRO C&C.

In general, I would say that Russia can be extremely rewarding, but also consider that if you stay more than five years it will take its toll on your health. The pollution, culture and traffic problems each wear you down physically. After saying that, I would still do it all again even if I knew what I now know. The women are a large part of it, but also the carefree attitude Russians have.

Post: #81

Hey PC I am moving to Moscow soon as well, have a job lined up and looking forward to coming over. Hopefully we can meet up sometime, I speak Russian fluently (not native). My best advice for learning Russian is to go to bars, but only have 1-3 beers or so. It loosens your tongue and you can spend 5-6 hours a day practicing Russian that way for free. Don't drink more though, or it retards memory formation.

Post: #82

(11-16-2013 09:49 AM)DaveR Wrote:  Not sure what you based that comment on, but food in Russia is universally shit. There is no such thing as fresh produce in Russia due to a) practically no enforcement of any food or hygiene standards, b) inefficient logistics, and c) problems with the customs which result in long delays in a warehouse without any climate control.

This is not strictly true, you can find decent produce at upscale Moscow markets like azbuka vkusa. Insane prices and still lower quality than America/Europe.

Most Russians stick to canned/pickled vegetables in the winter. The ones you can buy fresh tend to be long-lasting and not easily bruised. Things like bell peppers, onions, carrots, and cabbage. Good luck finding lettuce, unbruised bananas, or nice tomatoes, for instance.

Post: #83

(11-16-2013 03:11 PM)BigDave Wrote:  This is not strictly true, you can find decent produce at upscale Moscow markets like azbuka vkusa. Insane prices and still lower quality than America/Europe.

Most Russians stick to canned/pickled vegetables in the winter. The ones you can buy fresh tend to be long-lasting and not easily bruised. Things like bell peppers, onions, carrots, and cabbage. Good luck finding lettuce, unbruised bananas, or nice tomatoes, for instance.

That's basically what I was saying - pay top dollar at Azbuka Vkusa and it still won't be as good as what you get at Billa or Tesco in Poland. In Russia you can't even dream of the kind of food you can buy at the local markets in Italy and France.

Post: #84

When I said good food I meant in restaurants. Otherwise yeah, produce/meat likely wanting and very expensive.

Post: #85

(11-16-2013 06:18 PM)Menace Wrote:  When I said good food I meant in restaurants. Otherwise yeah, produce/meat likely wanting and very expensive.

I wouldn't rate restaurant food much higher, to be honest. What are you comparing it to? The places in East/Central Europe I would visit for the food are Poland and Lithuania. Russia isn't great, and the rest are hit/miss but you can find good restaurants if you look around.

One thing I can say is that the atmosphere in Russian cafes and restaurants is very good.

Post: #86

DaveR comparing it to restaurants in the US. I can't say that any place I went to in Moscow was bad. It went from decent to good. Maybe you just have higher standards?

Post: #87

Chaihona was pretty good I thought.

Post: #88

(11-16-2013 08:14 PM)Menace Wrote:  DaveR comparing it to restaurants in the US. I can't say that any place I went to in Moscow was bad. It went from decent to good. Maybe you just have higher standards?

Yeah, I would say my standards are higher, because I'm Europe-centric. Average for me is the average of what you can get in Europe. The States isn't a very good reference food. I'm not America bashing - I just think it's one of the weak points there.

Places I would rate as good are:
Italy and France (both are pretty much culinary heaven).
Poland and Lithuania (in the centre of the cities. I don't know about their suburban restaurants).
Singapore
Hong Kong
Top restaurants (or hotels) in Asian holiday destinations for reef fish
UK for Indian

You can still find good restaurants in other places but it isn't as easy. Likewise, you can also find bad restaurants in the places I listed, but the standard makes it less likely. The problem in Russia is that chefs have trouble finding quality fresh food, just as you and I do, so the standard is pretty low.

Post: #89

An update - what you've all been waiting for.

I've been reluctant to do it simply because there's so much to say that it becomes so little to say. But I remind myself it doesn't have to be said all in one post so...yeah.

Moscow is...full of hot women.

It's not easy. My experience: I'm seeing a couple girls regularly and I'm getting 3-5 fresh dates a week. They've all be from nightgame or internet. Daygame is something I haven't really tired here yet, but something I want to attack especially in the summer.

It's easy to survive cheaply here, if you plan. I live on the outskirts of the city. Last stop hos. But it's a high-rise condo and I'm on the second to top floor (16th). My employer covers that and I have no clue how much it would cost (going to find out). Cigs are super cheap. So is vodka. A pack of "premium" smokes (Swiss-made Parliament Carats) is about $3. A bottle of whatever vodka is about $6. The expensive things are good-quality meats and produce. A pack of ramen noodles is 10 cents. The expensive part? Anything in the city center. Drinks are usually $10-25, but there are places to go to get cheap and still have a cool atmosphere.

This city is BURSTING with hot girls. And I've only seen the winter. But you all knew that.

I'll say though...it blows your mind, regardless of what you tried to prepare for. There's nothing like it in the western world as far as I know. They are EVERYWHERE. And by they I mean 8s,9s, 10s. It never ends.

Some crazy situations I've had: one girl was all over me in the club then when we got in the cab she got the driver to pull over and she hopped in another cab to disappear. Another one (Valentine's Day) came to my place, I started fingering her and dipped for 2 seconds to piss...when I came back she was dressed ready to go. After we talked, she wanted to sleep but not "do anything". We tried that for about 10 minutes then I kicked her out when I saw it wasn't happening.

Also, I'm fighting a few demons here. Drinking too much is one...tonight I was talking with a model...she was taller than me (I'm 6') and showing me her "portfolio" on her phone. Lots of "kino" but I was too fucked up and had to gtfo. :/

Lots of girls want to date a while before fucking. Others don't care. It's what you're used to dealing with. But, as you know they're feminine and proud of it. One girl I'm seeing brought up that she wants to be "collared"...

It's not an easy playground. I've been lazy with learning Russian, but it's important. Important, but not essential. You can get by with a few words if you're here for a short period. But I'll go to talk to fine girls and if my Russian were a bit better, I could get the ball rolling more. Basically, they like that I'm western and that I speak English, but there is sometimes a need for a bit more "small talk" in Russian before she's comfortable.

By the way...I've been "attacked" once for talking to a dude's girl. He jumped on me and before I knew it, my newly-met Italian homies pulled him off me and saw that he was kicked out. I feel safer here than in NYC and Atlanta, most of the time. Since I roll solo usually, often I will try to "make friends" with a couple dudes in the venue...as insurance.

But holy shit...the women. Absurd. Alternate reality. Don't expect to get lazy though. There girls make you a better man. They make you work, and they know their power.

Notice I said "it's not easy" more than once. Be ready to work more. The rewards are what's different, and what's worth it.

Much more to come...

Post: #90

(02-20-2014 07:45 PM)presidentcarter Wrote:  Notice I said "it's not easy" more than once. Be ready to work more. The rewards are what's different, and what's worth it.

Welcome.

Post: #91

Ok so I know an update is LONG over due and possibly a data sheet, so I'll try to do that asap.

But what I want to throw out there right now is this: a possible relocation. The Ruble is getting absolutely destroyed and makes any effort for saving/traveling kind of fruitless. If I still had big savings in USD or my salary was in another currency, I would probably be loving life right now, but that unfortunately isn't the case. I'm also trying to think longer term and I just don't see things here turning around any time soon. Impending inflation could continue to haunt Russia long after the currency situation stabilizes.

Now, I've got a pretty good gig here but it has been slow to build momentum. Business English and private tutoring is very unpredictable, so just because I'm in a pretty good spot now in regard to doing the kind of work I like and having a comfortable lifestyle, the low earnings ($ wise) and bleak economic outlook are starting to overtake the absolute heaven that is the female situation here. Also to note is that I haven't invested much time into studying Russian here...chalk it up to laziness and the fact that life is doable here in Moscow without much Russian.

So I guess my question is this: what do you think about this situation? Fight or flight, if you were in my shoes? And where would you suggest I look into going next? I can go anywhere in the world.

For the first time ever, I'm actually starting to become more interested in Asia, particularly China and maybe Shanghai. I've started doing some research on large China cities as well as places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Seoul.

Post: #92

(12-04-2014 04:31 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  Ok so I know an update is LONG over due and possibly a data sheet, so I'll try to do that asap.


So I guess my question is this: what do you think about this situation? Fight or flight, if you were in my shoes? And where would you suggest I look into going next? I can go anywhere in the world.

Thanks for posting good info on Russia.

I don't really know enough about your situation to offer an opinion as to whether you should leave, but presuming you want to go here's some factors that load on best locations are:

--Age, and apparent age. I found EE/FSU heaven to about 45-50, then I aged out of the 8+ girls. Now in Philippines I can get 21 year olds again.

-- Emotional type-- I am the romantic type-- high attachment tendencies-- so for instance I like Philippines more than i think I would like China. The Chinese people I met in America were strangely materialistic and detached, the Filipinos sensitive and gregarious, although not very intellectual.

-- Environmental preferences. I like mountains and fresh air. Both suck in urban Phils, I'm thinking of moving to rural Northern Italy if I find a Filipina wife.

Which brings us to financial opportunity and Divorce laws ( if one wants to be married.)

--Finance-- I have a passive income so as long as overhead is less than 2K 'm allright. Finding work abroad is a whole science unto itself.

--Divorce laws-- Obviously anglosphere ManIsWrong world is out if you want marriage. I see Italy as a bit of an oasis if you already have a girl and want to live in First world comfort. I believe it takes seven years to get a divorce.

I believe life in Italy might be a fantasy for any Russian girl if you have EU passport and she might REALLY like to go with you there.

Post: #93

(12-04-2014 04:31 AM)presidentcarter Wrote:  Ok so I know an update is LONG over due and possibly a data sheet, so I'll try to do that asap.

But what I want to throw out there right now is this: a possible relocation. The Ruble is getting absolutely destroyed and makes any effort for saving/traveling kind of fruitless. If I still had big savings in USD or my salary was in another currency, I would probably be loving life right now, but that unfortunately isn't the case. I'm also trying to think longer term and I just don't see things here turning around any time soon. Impending inflation could continue to haunt Russia long after the currency situation stabilizes.

Now, I've got a pretty good gig here but it has been slow to build momentum. Business English and private tutoring is very unpredictable, so just because I'm in a pretty good spot now in regard to doing the kind of work I like and having a comfortable lifestyle, the low earnings ($ wise) and bleak economic outlook are starting to overtake the absolute heaven that is the female situation here. Also to note is that I haven't invested much time into studying Russian here...chalk it up to laziness and the fact that life is doable here in Moscow without much Russian.

So I guess my question is this: what do you think about this situation? Fight or flight, if you were in my shoes? And where would you suggest I look into going next? I can go anywhere in the world.

For the first time ever, I'm actually starting to become more interested in Asia, particularly China and maybe Shanghai. I've started doing some research on large China cities as well as places like Taiwan, Hong Kong, Seoul.

I feel for you and, sadly, don't see a quick and easy end in sight for Russia at this point, at least in the next couple of years, mostly now due to the huge drop in oil prices. The sanctions are kicking in and the inflation will eventually catch up to them on most things too.

Even if the Ukraine situation does come to some sort of conclusion (pretty unlikely in the near-term) I think oil will continue to stagnate for the next year at least. That's obviously bad for the Russian economy.

When I was back in Moscow looking for work this Fall it really seemed dead job-search wise, and felt like many businesses were staring into the abyss. Many of the expats I knew and hung out with over the course of a few years have either been let go or left - at least 50% of them.

I'd maybe fight it out for a bit but if things don't mildly improve by say mid-summer (you need to stay there for summer if you tough out the winter, right?) then maybe look to move on?

One thing about China is the pollution...every person I've talked to who's visited there says it's unbelievable now and a real health hazard...so that would point to somewhere else. The economy there is also due for a big slowdown, but that might not affect English teachers for awhile. How about Japan?

Post: #94

Prez, have you considered st peter? It has a totally different feel from moscow. In many ways, its better than Moscow. Daygame mecca of EE. Slightly cheaper cost of living too.

Post: #95

I have a lot of love for Moscow. Still keep in contact with my girls and friends that I had back there on a regular basis. Its not a city for everyone and defiantly makes you a lot stronger if I paraphrase the elder expat businessmen that I used to meet on nights out drinking around Gorky Park, good times .

On a serious note prez, I do genuinely feel for you, I would recommend sticking it out for few more months, and really tie up the loose ends; establish an anchor so to speak or contacts that could guide you back into the market, if you wish to return.

Guangzhou/Shanghai are good places to live, there are plenty of Russians in these locations, and China has a feel of being like on a different planet. Despite the bleak outlook, Russia will always be there. If you have knowledge of the language and know people; then there will always be potential to return. I would suggest Asia though, such a goldmine for those who are willing to go there.

@Akula, the expats you are referring to who lost their jobs, where they working for well established international companies, or just the local Russian businesses ?

Post: #96

Congratulations to anyone who had the balls and the vision to make the jump overseas. Stories like these are what help keep me inspired.

Post: #97

(12-04-2014 01:12 PM)Constitution45 Wrote:  @Akula, the expats you are referring to who lost their jobs, where they working for well established international companies, or just the local Russian businesses ?

It's mostly guys I knew in international real estate, finance and legal firms. It just feels like the cycle is over in Russia for the international expat who comes from abroad and works at XYZ & gets a package. Many international firms are just using Russians who have Western work experience now and paying them less, or just reducing their Russian workforce given how business has dried up.

A lot of international expats are also gone because of the TNK-BP takeover by Rosneft. That buyout blew out a lot of energy industry expats. And the implosion of Renaissance Capital (big EM investment bank) caused them to fire over 1000+ expats in the finance industry over the past couple of years.

I think for the entrepreneurs and smaller business people there still should be opportunities, but given the sanctions I can only imagine that US and EU citizens are not as novel and welcome as they once were, even if there's no blatant outright bias against them. For the ones that tough it out there might even be more opportunities now I bet.

Post: #98

,,,

Post: #99

Mad respect to you, for doing it, and for sharing your experiences.

I'm bummed I didn't make it there in time to hang out, but I learned from your posts.

Bottom line is, if you have to ask the question, "Should I leave?", the answer is probably yes. You've been there long enough to squeeze the juice.

I feel the same way about girls. If your first reaction isn't "hell yes" to any question about staying with someone (or, in your case, staying in some place), you should keep going until you get to "hell yes".

Life's short. Hell yes is out there.

Oh, and keep us posted!

Post: #100

I'm about to move to Russia so I wouldn't say it's finished, but there's no easy money for the first-timer or those without deep roots in the country. You say you're teaching business English and private tutoring, right? If you're willing to go to the Urals and further east to smaller cities, you could probably still find a place in the local market. There aren't many native speakers heading out that way to teach English and stay for the long-haul, but there's still some demand for natives to learn English. Some of the steadier schools out there are delighted if a native speaker stops by even for a one-off talk. If you're hoping to stay in Russia, it's worth exploring. At the worst, being out east would put you in close proximity to Asian countries if you still end up wanting to get out quick.