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Information & Chat => The Expatriate Life: Living in the FSU, Asia or Elsewhere => Topic started by: Jerash on November 08, 2016, 12:17:47 AM

Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 08, 2016, 12:17:47 AM
Please feel free to move this if another category might be more appropriate.

I am leaving to Moscow at the end of the year.  I've been sewing up all the loose ends here and closing up an era of my life. 

I am writing because, firstly, I want to share this news and the coming experiences.  And secondly, I know that some of you live or have lived in the FSU and I would appreciate your guidance.  Without a doubt I am excited about the future, but of course also apprehensive and uncertain.  Hence, the title of this thread.

I have been making my plans and getting things in order, but there are still a lot of questions I have.  To be quite honest, I think there are a lot of questions that I don't even know I should have at this point, a bit like Donald Rumsfeld's Known Unknowns, and Unknown Unknowns.  I realize I am jumping into the great unknown.  That's why I'm doing it, but I'd be a great fool if I didn't attempt to reach out to those of you who know a lot about what I can expect.  In so doing, I hope we can also create an up-to-date thread for others who are curious about taking the leap.  Feel free to repost relevant items here from other past threads that relate to this topic.

My background is in social policy, so my options are limited coming to Moscow.  Therefore, I am taking the route of English teaching.  I will be taking a certification course in Moscow through a reputable school and they are going to send me an invitation for a 3 month, single entry work visa.

I don't really know much more beyond that at this point.  I have heard that there are possibilities to work uncontracted through the organization and continue to have the visa support, which is a top priority for me.  I do know that I can sign a contract and have my papers in order this way, along with a number of other perks.  I suppose I am going to figure that all out once I'm on the ground.  I know that the pay is piss poor and I plan to develop a private clientele.  This is where the real money is, although working uncontracted through the school will likely pay more as well (but I suppose the perks would be off the table then).

I have taken Danchik's advice and I want to land with some back up money, so that I don't have to stress out about finances while I am trying to get established.

Right now, a big conundrum I have is what to do about accommodations.  The school will provide accommodations if I like.  They would be shared accommodations and it seems like the accommodation top up on salary if I go find my own is pretty poor.  That being said, I won't want to share accommodations long term (not with a teacher that is), and I'm considering striking out on my own from the get go in this regard.  This is probably my biggest headache right now.

Some other random things that are on my mind right now are:

1) Is it advisable to bring a certain amount of USD into Russia with me?  It would be under the limit, so no problems there.  It would be somewhere between 5,000-10,000USD.  I talked to a money changer, who happens to be Bulgarian and has experience in the region; he said the best thing is to exchange to USD while I am still here and then bring it in in cash and then open up a bank account in Moscow to place it in.  Is this wise?

2) Books (and e-commerce).  I am sure Moscow has good English-language bookstores these days.  That being said, we have good bookstores here too, but they don't often have what I'm looking for and Amazon has been my solution.  How is this going to change in Russia?  How will I get any book I want to read?  I don't know if it sounds trite or something, but I'm serious.  If I have to drop my standards in this regard (I am asking for English books in a Russian speaking country and that's all I mean by "dropping standards"; imagine a Russian speaker ordering books in an English speaking country), that's fine, but it'll help me to know in advance.

3) Gyms.  Moscow has a wide-array of gyms all over the city and I will need a membership.  How much should I expect to pay for a membership?  This is important as my salary is going to be extremely modest to begin, but I am not willing to put off physical well-being until I earn more.  I know there are some chains and I suppose some one offs too. Any recommendations are welcomed.

4) Unknowns.  What the hell is not even on my radar, but should be?  I am going and so things will get sorted out, but what am I completely missing that I should already know about right now?

I am not a complete novice, but I am coming in with rusty, rudimentary Russian (yes, I can read the alphabet), without any connections on the ground other than the school where I will get my certification.

Thanks in advance!

PS: If anyone has any ideas on how I can leave for Czech Republic at the end of November and still get my visa, I am all ears.  The research I have done indicates that I am going to have to apply for the visa in my country of nationality.  Thanks again!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on November 08, 2016, 12:33:03 AM
I would say that Danchik is the best person on this site to answer all of your questions.
Suggest you drop him a pm if he does not respond for a few days, he could be busy...
For books from amazon, you might wish to consider electronic versions where they are available, certainly saves on space and weight...
HTH
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 09, 2016, 05:26:20 AM
Please feel free to move this if another category might be more appropriate.

I am leaving to Moscow at the end of the year.  I've been sewing up all the loose ends here and closing up an era of my life. 

I am writing because, firstly, I want to share this news and the coming experiences.  And secondly, I know that some of you live or have lived in the FSU and I would appreciate your guidance.  Without a doubt I am excited about the future, but of course also apprehensive and uncertain.  Hence, the title of this thread.

I have been making my plans and getting things in order, but there are still a lot of questions I have.  To be quite honest, I think there are a lot of questions that I don't even know I should have at this point, a bit like Donald Rumsfeld's Known Unknowns, and Unknown Unknowns.  I realize I am jumping into the great unknown.  That's why I'm doing it, but I'd be a great fool if I didn't attempt to reach out to those of you who know a lot about what I can expect.  In so doing, I hope we can also create an up-to-date thread for others who are curious about taking the leap.  Feel free to repost relevant items here from other past threads that relate to this topic.

My background is in social policy, so my options are limited coming to Moscow.  Therefore, I am taking the route of English teaching.  I will be taking a certification course in Moscow through a reputable school and they are going to send me an invitation for a 3 month, single entry work visa.
So far, so good.

I don't really know much more beyond that at this point.  I have heard that there are possibilities to work uncontracted through the organization and continue to have the visa support, which is a top priority for me.  I do know that I can sign a contract and have my papers in order this way, along with a number of other perks.  I suppose I am going to figure that all out once I'm on the ground.  I know that the pay is piss poor and I plan to develop a private clientele.  This is where the real money is, although working uncontracted through the school will likely pay more as well (but I suppose the perks would be off the table then).
Is it Language Link? And yes, you can work independantly aside from your contracted duties if the organization allows.

As far as perks, I wouldn't count too much on any perks.

I have taken Danchik's advice and I want to land with some back up money, so that I don't have to stress out about finances while I am trying to get established.

Right now, a big conundrum I have is what to do about accommodations.  The school will provide accommodations if I like.  They would be shared accommodations and it seems like the accommodation top up on salary if I go find my own is pretty poor.  That being said, I won't want to share accommodations long term (not with a teacher that is), and I'm considering striking out on my own from the get go in this regard.  This is probably my biggest headache right now.
This is the best site to find an apartment to rent in Moscow. The second link I set up for you for a 2-rm flat between 35-60000 rubles, but you can take it from there if you want to downsize to a studio or 1-rm flat. Click the links for your desired specs (с фото means with photo, so push there, and не важно is doesn't matter or not important). You can figure the rest. Obviously, the closer to the center, the more expensive.

http://www.cian.ru

http://www.cian.ru/nd/search/?currency=2&deal_type=rent&engine_version=2&maxprice=60000&minprice=35000&offer_type=flat&region=1&room1=1&room2=1&type=4

You can scroll down and chose the areas that interest you.

Some other random things that are on my mind right now are:

1) Is it advisable to bring a certain amount of USD into Russia with me?  It would be under the limit, so no problems there.  It would be somewhere between 5,000-10,000USD.  I talked to a money changer, who happens to be Bulgarian and has experience in the region; he said the best thing is to exchange to USD while I am still here and then bring it in in cash and then open up a bank account in Moscow to place it in.  Is this wise?
I would set up an online bank account in the States and work from there. Not sure what will happen in the future, but as of now, FACTA is in full effect and opening a bank account in Russia is more trouble than it's worth.

I handle all my business online from the States, and pay for things here in rubles.

I would also wait to exchange money after you arrive with due respect to the Bulgarian guy.

If I were you, I would bring enough to live on until you start earning some rubles. I even stopped using a debit card many years ago as it cost me $12 in fees every time I used it and that was even taking just $50 out at any time. Haven't had a debit card in almost 12 years. Maybe you can set it up with a no fee debit card if it's more comfortable.


2) Books (and e-commerce).  I am sure Moscow has good English-language bookstores these days.  That being said, we have good bookstores here too, but they don't often have what I'm looking for and Amazon has been my solution.  How is this going to change in Russia?  How will I get any book I want to read?  I don't know if it sounds trite or something, but I'm serious.  If I have to drop my standards in this regard (I am asking for English books in a Russian speaking country and that's all I mean by "dropping standards"; imagine a Russian speaker ordering books in an English speaking country), that's fine, but it'll help me to know in advance.
Amazon delivers to Moscow. I have also used a company called Better World Books which delivers as well.

I also buy books when I travel back to the States, and ask my students whom travel to America to bring certain, easy to carry things as a favor; as they do with me when I'm there.

3) Gyms.  Moscow has a wide-array of gyms all over the city and I will need a membership.  How much should I expect to pay for a membership?  This is important as my salary is going to be extremely modest to begin, but I am not willing to put off physical well-being until I earn more.  I know there are some chains and I suppose some one offs too. Any recommendations are welcomed.
Gyms are all over the place depending on your needs and budget. I joined a gym 1 day after I moved into my first apartment. Finding a good gym will be the least of your troubles.

4) Unknowns.  What the hell is not even on my radar, but should be?  I am going and so things will get sorted out, but what am I completely missing that I should already know about right now?
Other than anything that might happen to you living in another city, not much. Moscow is a first class city and you can get and do what you want as you can in any other big city in the world.

If you can be a little more specific, maybe I can be of more help. One thing I would recommend is to find a trusted local to befriend. He/she will be worth their weight in gold.


I am not a complete novice, but I am coming in with rusty, rudimentary Russian (yes, I can read the alphabet), without any connections on the ground other than the school where I will get my certification.
So only half an idiot? :P

Seriiously, I was so excited to be here that every day was an adventure for me. My best advice is to stay positive and embrace the cultural differences. Remember, things that are easy in America can be much more difficult to deal with here (why a local friend is invaluable), but roll with it. Anything you need, or need to have done, can be handled in one way or another.

I would also suggest you start to look at things from a backward point of view. No, I don't mean dumb or old fashion; I mean in reverse. Many things here are better understood using a reverse approach in thinking.

PS: If anyone has any ideas on how I can leave for Czech Republic at the end of November and still get my visa, I am all ears.  The research I have done indicates that I am going to have to apply for the visa in my country of nationality.  Thanks again!
As long as you have an invitation you can get your visa in another country. Keep in mind, if you're applying for a work visa, the initial one has to be done in your home country.

Good luck man, you're in for a wild ride.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Manny on November 09, 2016, 10:14:15 AM
Quote from: Dan
I would also wait to exchange money after you arrive.

I agree, and be sure to bring new or as new notes. Russian banks make a long and tedious performance of checking the condition of each one. Any damage or tears or writing will render them worth less or not exchanged.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 10, 2016, 01:32:48 PM

Is it Language Link? And yes, you can work independantly aside from your contracted duties if the organization allows.

As far as perks, I wouldn't count too much on any perks.

It's BKC and I've been accepted into their CELTA course beginning in mid-January.  I thought that I had read in a few places that an alternative to being contracted to the school was to be un-contracted but still receiving the necessary work visa support through them.  Perhaps I have misunderstood this?

"Perks" is probably too strong a word.  What I was referring to are some of the advertised benefits of being under contract, including partial reimbursement of the CELTA tuition fees and flight to Russia, payment of taxes, medical coverage, metro pass, etc.

This is the best site to find an apartment to rent in Moscow. The second link I set up for you for a 2-rm flat between 35-60000 rubles, but you can take it from there if you want to downsize to a studio or 1-rm flat. Click the links for your desired specs (с фото means with photo, so push there, and не важно is doesn't matter or not important). You can figure the rest. Obviously, the closer to the center, the more expensive.

http://www.cian.ru

http://www.cian.ru/nd/search/?currency=2&deal_type=rent&engine_version=2&maxprice=60000&minprice=35000&offer_type=flat&region=1&room1=1&room2=1&type=4

You can scroll down and chose the areas that interest you.

Thanks for this Danchik.  I'll have a look. 

I was a little bit miffed the other day to learn that the housing supplement they are offering is 12,000RU/mth if I secure my own accommodation.  Previously when researching schools over there, I had seen figures in the neighbourhood of 19,000RU/mth.

I would set up an online bank account in the States and work from there. Not sure what will happen in the future, but as of now, FACTA is in full effect and opening a bank account in Russia is more trouble than it's worth.

I'm not sure if I'm following you and I'm wondering if it has to do with confusion about my nationality?  From what I understand, FATCA applies to US Citizens, whereas I'm Canadian.  I'm coming from Canada and currently have Canadian Dollars.  What the money changer had recommended me was to NOT go to Russia with Canadian cash, but to change it to USD first, and then enter Russia with USD cash.

From what I gleaned off of their website, it looks like the school will open an account in my name in order to deposit my pay there.

My question was more directed at whether or not I should bring some cash USD over with me to Russia. Is it safe to do so (I'm assuming yes) and what should I do with it once I arrive?
 
I handle all my business online from the States, and pay for things here in rubles.

I would also wait to exchange money after you arrive with due respect to the Bulgarian guy.

If I were you, I would bring enough to live on until you start earning some rubles. I even stopped using a debit card many years ago as it cost me $12 in fees every time I used it and that was even taking just $50 out at any time. Haven't had a debit card in almost 12 years. Maybe you can set it up with a no fee debit card if it's more comfortable.

I think I'm missing something here - you only have a US account, but no debit card?  How would you access your money then?


Gyms are all over the place depending on your needs and budget. I joined a gym 1 day after I moved into my first apartment. Finding a good gym will be the least of your troubles.

This is good to know.  I read a blog post on Crazy Russians and an Englishman, where he provided an excellent and hilarious overview of fitness options in Moscow.  I would quote, but it is not letting me copy text.  Unfortunately, the information is from March 2013 so a little dated, specifically the price points.  In category 8, he listed the so-called "Mid-priced Gym" - essentially a clean place with all the standard cardio and weight machines, free weights, an assortment of group classes, MAYBE a pool and/or sauna, and attended by both men and women; in short the type of establishment that would appeal to the average gym goer.  Here in Canada, such a gym is going to run you about 40-50CAD/mth (~1,800-2,350RU).  Would that be about comparable to what I can expect in Moscow price wise?

4) Unknowns.  What the hell is not even on my radar, but should be?  I am going and so things will get sorted out, but what am I completely missing that I should already know about right now?


Other than anything that might happen to you living in another city, not much. Moscow is a first class city and you can get and do what you want as you can in any other big city in the world.

If you can be a little more specific, maybe I can be of more help. One thing I would recommend is to find a trusted local to befriend. He/she will be worth their weight in gold.

I'll post here as more specific questions arise.  Agree with you completely about finding a trusted local.

I am not a complete novice, but I am coming in with rusty, rudimentary Russian (yes, I can read the alphabet), without any connections on the ground other than the school where I will get my certification.


Quote
So only half an idiot? :P

Hopefully not a half-idiot,  :chuckle: although I'm more than that at the moment when it comes to my Russian-speaking abilities, which is what I was referring to.  I'm up for the challenge and I tend to succeed at whatever challenge I set for myself or am confronted with.  I know that some days are going to be harder than others, but I'm fully optimistic that this will be a very positive experience.  Otherwise, I wouldn't do it.

Quote
Seriiously, I was so excited to be here that every day was an adventure for me. My best advice is to stay positive and embrace the cultural differences. Remember, things that are easy in America can be much more difficult to deal with here (why a local friend is invaluable), but roll with it. Anything you need, or need to have done, can be handled in one way or another.

I would also suggest you start to look at things from a backward point of view. No, I don't mean dumb or old fashion; I mean in reverse. Many things here are better understood using a reverse approach in thinking.

Haha, I find this very intriguing.  Can you elaborate or provide an example of what you mean by "using a reverse approach in thinking."  I would like to understand this better. It sounds very refreshing.

Quote
As long as you have an invitation you can get your visa in another country. Keep in mind, if you're applying for a work visa, the initial one has to be done in your home country.

Thanks, I've been trying to figure the ins-and-outs of visas these past few days.  Good to know that it is the work visa that needs to be done from my own country.  I should be alright then.

Quote
Good luck man, you're in for a wild ride.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!  A wild ride is what I'm up for.  :)  The same old, same old has gotten, well...old.  tiphat
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 10, 2016, 01:36:19 PM
Quote from: Dan
I would also wait to exchange money after you arrive.

I agree, and be sure to bring new or as new notes. Russian banks make a long and tedious performance of checking the condition of each one. Any damage or tears or writing will render them worth less or not exchanged.

Thanks Manny, I'll pay special attention to this.  I once got tracked down in a Cuban town by a bank employee after they discovered that I had exchanged a Canadian polymer bank note that had received a little bit of scotch tape surgery!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on November 10, 2016, 05:47:26 PM
Not just tears and writing. Worn bills are sometimes not accepted.  So if the surface of the bill is fading away (or has many creases), they will also reject it.  As said earlier, try to get new or near new condition bills.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Markje on November 11, 2016, 01:28:24 AM
Good luck!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on November 11, 2016, 04:05:28 AM
Here in the civilised world we have these things called credit cards and their handy cousin the debit card.

We use these things to access money from marvellous machines called Automated Teller Machines or (ATMs). In this part of the world they are often called 'bancomats' or bankavtomat'. We put our credit or debit card into the machine and it dispenses the local currency.

There's no need to be traveling with more cash than is needed for immediate use while en-route, but even aircraft run by civilised world operators take credit cards these days. On arrival at one's destination one simply looks for the nearest ATM and withdraws money.

I am sure that on my previous trips to North America I have seen primitive versions of both credit cards and ATMs and I know that North American credit cards are interchangeable with those found in civilisation.

Bear in mind that carrying cash has risks and costs. Carrying credit and debit cards is much less risky and, assuming one has the wit to find an appropriate card, cost is negligible. For example, I have cards that have no cost associated with their use for purchases worldwide and that offer a better rate than one is likely to be able to find in any retail level bureau de change. Withdrawing cash might have a cost but if done sensibly and not for tiny amounts the cost is negligible compared to the cost/risk of carrying cash and then exchanging it when at one's destination. (Traveler's tip - if you want cash without paying commissions and fees head to a casino and do the transaction there. Withdrawing cash for use in a casino is usually treated as a purchase by the casino and the bank and is thus much less expensive than using an ATM or bureau de change)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 11, 2016, 05:54:39 AM
Here I have a Dankort, i.e. Debit card, everywhere has a wee contactless machine on the counter or bar, even the mobile pølservogn (sausage wagons). Buy, touch, collect, eat!!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 11, 2016, 05:58:53 AM
Also if u want cash here at the ATM you can have DKK, SEK, NOK, or Euro, as the Danish kronor is tied to the Euro, dunno about the others. All places take any of those currencies in my experience so far. Think u can get Finnish currency too but forgot what that is
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on November 11, 2016, 06:12:32 AM
Ste, so the ATM actually stocks loads of different currencies?

They used to do that in Russia so that folks who depend for life upon dollars (prostitutes, taxi drivers etc) could survive.

Finnish currency is called the Euro.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 11, 2016, 06:20:09 AM
Ste, so the ATM actually stocks loads of different currencies?

They used to do that in Russia so that folks who depend for life upon dollars (prostitutes, taxi drivers etc) could survive.

Finnish currency is called the Euro.

They must do but then again, I only use them infrequently, fair to say the Scandinavians have been in a relationship pre EU!

I though FI might be Euro, couldn't be arsed checking, this Finnish guy at work bangs on about Finnish Marks, that made me doubt myself..

Random shop on the station...

(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161111/3718ca0dc16a37ec2aa311daf88dae60.jpg)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on November 11, 2016, 06:24:52 AM
That's not a typical shop though is it? That's in a tourist thoroughfare with lots of travelers with foreign paper in their pockets. I bet the rate on JPY and sterling is eye watering!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 11, 2016, 06:29:22 AM
That's not a typical shop though is it? That's in a tourist thoroughfare with lots of travelers with foreign paper in their pockets. I bet the rate on JPY and sterling is eye watering!

7-11, there are lots of them, I'll ask around.

BTW the 7-11 in the Central Station in the pic closes at 20:30....
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 11, 2016, 06:43:13 AM
That's not a typical shop though is it? That's in a tourist thoroughfare with lots of travelers with foreign paper in their pockets. I bet the rate on JPY and sterling is eye watering!

7-11, there are lots of them, I'll ask around.

BTW the 7-11 in the Central Station in the pic closes at 20:30....

Lass in the cafe here says they don't but they do in supermarkets i.e. Lidl, Netto for the scum and Irma, Førtex and Matås for me!!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on November 11, 2016, 07:32:51 AM
IIRC, over there 7-11 is a franchise so they can make some of their own rules in the branch. They'd not bother doing exchange in a place that did not have Japaneses, Merkins and Englishes wandering around.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on November 11, 2016, 01:59:32 PM
That's not a typical shop though is it? That's in a tourist thoroughfare with lots of travelers with foreign paper in their pockets. I bet the rate on JPY and sterling is eye watering!

7-11, there are lots of them, I'll ask around.

BTW the 7-11 in the Central Station in the pic closes at 20:30....

7-11, isn't that an American invention?  I guess we're also part of the "civilized world".   :laugh:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 11, 2016, 02:34:30 PM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on November 11, 2016, 03:01:07 PM
Don't forget to declare what you take in.  I can't remember the limit but it isn't that high. There's also an absolute limit. Neither applies when using tokens - plastic.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 11, 2016, 03:53:13 PM
Don't forget to declare what you take in.  I can't remember the limit but it isn't that high. There's also an absolute limit. Neither applies when using tokens - plastic.

The internet seems to be a little all over the place on this question, but there does seem to be a consensus that $3,000USD is what you can bring in without declaring it. Anything over needs to be declared and it seems that there is $10,000USD limit on what you can export with you when you leave (that shouldn't be an issue though as there will be other ways to access or take my money back when I leave).

A few sources also mentioned an absolute limit of $10,000USD for import, but that doesn't make any sense to me. Why would Russia want to limit the amount of money you bring into the country to plop down into the local economy?


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 11, 2016, 04:12:44 PM
We've taken £2,000 out of Russia in Sterling, no issues, no idea if it was legal or not!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 13, 2016, 04:40:56 AM
It's BKC and I've been accepted into their CELTA course beginning in mid-January.  I thought that I had read in a few places that an alternative to being contracted to the school was to be un-contracted but still receiving the necessary work visa support through them.  Perhaps I have misunderstood this?
It's possible. In order to receive any "perks' from the school, usually you have to be under contract and registered in Moscow. Now this could vary from school to school, but it might be possible without a contract.

Just know that things can change once you're here. Just means it can, not that it will.

"Perks" is probably too strong a word.  What I was referring to are some of the advertised benefits of being under contract, including partial reimbursement of the CELTA tuition fees and flight to Russia, payment of taxes, medical coverage, metro pass, etc.
It's highly unusual to get medical without being under contract.

Paying your taxes isn't a big deal and all schools will do this.

I'm not sure if I'm following you and I'm wondering if it has to do with confusion about my nationality?  From what I understand, FATCA applies to US Citizens, whereas I'm Canadian.  I'm coming from Canada and currently have Canadian Dollars.  What the money changer had recommended me was to NOT go to Russia with Canadian cash, but to change it to USD first, and then enter Russia with USD cash.
Yes, I forgot you’re Canadian.

Yes, enter with US dollars, and bring enough to live on for a while; nobody is going to steal your money.

From what I gleaned off of their website, it looks like the school will open an account in my name in order to deposit my pay there.
If that's the case you shouldn't have a problem, especially as a Canadian.

My question was more directed at whether or not I should bring some cash USD over with me to Russia. Is it safe to do so (I'm assuming yes) and what should I do with it once I arrive?
Keep it in your flat, there's no bogeyman running around here. Many Russians do it if they can't invest it in a flat of ther own or some other commodity.

Most Russians I know have keep 1=2K around the house at minimum. It’s well-known and nobody is robbing others.
 
I think I'm missing something here - you only have a US account, but no debit card?  How would you access your money then?
Everyone pays me for my work in cash. I will explain more as I address another post.

This is good to know.  I read a blog post on Crazy Russians and an Englishman, where he provided an excellent and hilarious overview of fitness options in Moscow.  I would quote, but it is not letting me copy text.  Unfortunately, the information is from March 2013 so a little dated, specifically the price points.  In category 8, he listed the so-called "Mid-priced Gym" - essentially a clean place with all the standard cardio and weight machines, free weights, an assortment of group classes, MAYBE a pool and/or sauna, and attended by both men and women; in short the type of establishment that would appeal to the average gym goer.  Here in Canada, such a gym is going to run you about 40-50CAD/mth (~1,800-2,350RU).  Would that be about comparable to what I can expect in Moscow price wise?
Things have change much sine 2013. Like I said, depending on your needs, it can vary from 2K rubles a month up. The most expensive club is around 6K rubles for 13 months, with every place else somewhere in between.



I'll post here as more specific questions arise.  Agree with you completely about finding a trusted local.

I am not a complete novice, but I am coming in with rusty, rudimentary Russian (yes, I can read the alphabet), without any connections on the ground other than the school where I will get my certification.


Quote
So only half an idiot? :P

Hopefully not a half-idiot,  :chuckle: although I'm more than that at the moment when it comes to my Russian-speaking abilities, which is what I was referring to.  I'm up for the challenge and I tend to succeed at whatever challenge I set for myself or am confronted with.  I know that some days are going to be harder than others, but I'm fully optimistic that this will be a very positive experience.  Otherwise, I wouldn't do it.
I was joking, I think you'll do fine. A positive attitude goes a long way.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 13, 2016, 05:05:47 AM
Here in the civilised world we have these things called credit cards and their handy cousin the debit card.
Are there sanctions in your "civilised" world?

If Sberbank handles a retailer's transaction; good luck getting your credit card approved. I am not sure if the same rules apply for Canadians, but an American credit card will absolutely not be approved.

Wouldn't it be nice to be out on a first date and have the restaurant tell you your card has been refuse in front of your date. Hopefully, you'll have enough money on you to cover things and not have to ask your date to lend you money. :)

I have and use credit cards when absolutely necessary (major purchases, Uber, etc.), and when I travel. But, 95% of the time I use money in Russia. Nobody is going to steal your money if you keep it at home. I have had up to $20000 dollars stashed in various places at various times around my apartment going on 12 years. No bogeyman here.

Russian banks only insure up to 750K roubles, and I'm not a big fan of holding a lot of money in the banks here.

Maybe you also know of some landlords here whom take credit or debit cards as payment for rent. :). You might need at least $1500 just to move in for a basic flat.

When I relocated here you could only withdraw $300 max from any machine. That would mean 3 withdrawls to pay my rent ($36 in fees) just to pay my rent. I know you can take out more now, but it varies from machine to machine. I'm not sure what the max is, my guess would be $5-600 max, but maybe up to a grand. Still, I wouldn't be comfortable withdrawing $1k from a machine here in public view.
 
Sometimes, when I save up 2-300K roubles, I pay my rent 2-3 months in advance to move some money out of my flat. Really though, I live in a very safe and secure apt complex, and have had up to 700K roubles in my flat at any given time.  And not that much money to worrying about some petty thief stealing it (he'd need to be Spiderman to get inside my flat here BTW). After 12 years, it has never been a problem, even in less secure complexes.

Nevertheless, Jerash should have a bank account through BKC, so they'll issue a debit card to him and he can use that without any fees. Still, I feel naked if I don't have at least 150K (about $2,300) of roubles lying around my house to handle a myriad of situations.

We use these things to access money from marvellous machines called Automated Teller Machines or (ATMs). In this part of the world they are often called 'bancomats' or bankavtomat'. We put our credit or debit card into the machine and it dispenses the local currency.
Many US banks charge an internatinal service fee, and ATM’s here charge a service fee if you use an international card or a local card off system.

Personally, I don't like debit cards or dealing with banks and it's never been a problem; never. My credit cards issue money as a cash advance at 19%, not as money taken from my account.

I must have spent up to $300 on banking fees (withdrawing the maximum) my first year here until I finally started to build a rouble reserve and just let my debit card expire and have never looked back.

Yes, not life changing money, but I'm not in the habit of throwing my money away. And if it's negligible, maybe you can wire $300 into my account for me or pay for half of Jerash's first month rent.

It's never been a problem carrying cash, or moving money into my accounts in American through various means at various times when needed.

It's also not unusual for me to have 150,000 rubles on me as I traverse around the city and no, I am not worried about the bogeyman.

I don't flaunt it, nor do I draw attention to myself. IOW, it's not a problem and I have found that money still works just fine in the civilised world.

There's no need to be traveling with more cash than is needed for immediate use while en-route, but even aircraft run by civilised world operators take credit cards these days. On arrival at one's destination one simply looks for the nearest ATM and withdraws money.

I am sure that on my previous trips to North America I have seen primitive versions of both credit cards and ATMs and I know that North American credit cards are interchangeable with those found in civilisation.
Great, WTF does that have to do with relocating to Russia?

I'm not 100% sure if debit cards will work here if you use them if the transctions are handled by Sberbank, so it could pose a small problem. I do know credit cards won't work. How do I know? I live here and have tried.


Bear in mind that carrying cash has risks and costs. Carrying credit and debit cards is much less risky and, assuming one has the wit to find an appropriate card, cost is negligible. For example, I have cards that have no cost associated with their use for purchases worldwide and that offer a better rate than one is likely to be able to find in any retail level bureau de change. Withdrawing cash might have a cost but if done sensibly and not for tiny amounts the cost is negligible compared to the cost/risk of carrying cash and then exchanging it when at one's destination.
There are risks in many things people do.

The risks of carrying cash around here are no higher (much lower IMO) than getting robbed after leaving an ATM, and even much less risky than having someone steal your card's number and code from a machine.  I had 100K on rubles on me when I wrote this post at Starbucks and had, as many times in the past, no problem walking around town and travelling home. There is no bogeyman here.

I do not like using credit cards, debit cards (where people see you withdraw money, no risk there) and having enough to handle a situation if I want to splurge a little using cash.

(Traveler's tip - if you want cash without paying commissions and fees head to a casino and do the transaction there. Withdrawing cash for use in a casino is usually treated as a purchase by the casino and the bank and is thus much less expensive than using an ATM or bureau de change)
Great, only gambling was banned back in 2009 in Russia, and Jerash is relocating, not travelling around the world. The casino I frequented for Texas Hold'em and my sports bets is a French restaurant now. Maybe they'll let me use their ATM without a fee if I can tell them that you sent me.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 13, 2016, 05:21:50 AM
Don't forget to declare what you take in.  I can't remember the limit but it isn't that high. There's also an absolute limit. Neither applies when using tokens - plastic.

The internet seems to be a little all over the place on this question, but there does seem to be a consensus that $3,000USD is what you can bring in without declaring it. Anything over needs to be declared and it seems that there is $10,000USD limit on what you can export with you when you leave (that shouldn't be an issue though as there will be other ways to access or take my money back when I leave).

A few sources also mentioned an absolute limit of $10,000USD for import, but that doesn't make any sense to me. Why would Russia want to limit the amount of money you bring into the country to plop down into the local economy
I wouldn't worry about it unless it's over $10,000.

The Russians worried more about what you're taking out than what you're bringing in. I have never been stopped and ask about money, even during the 1 time I was stopped retuening from the States and coming in like a челнок. They only wanted to know how long I was staying in Russia because of the amount of things in my luggage.

Jerash, you will get a lot of information from people in your country and here. Much of it will be by people who do not want you to be successful, those who will try to "scare" you in beliieving you're moving to another planet, or those who will give you info that is just plain outdated.

Don't overthink things. Set up a system to handle your business in your home country and bring only what you need to Russia. As far as money goes, I'd not worry about bringing $5-10k. I brought in around $3-4000 IIRC (at a time when the limits were much smaller), and used my bank card. If I had known then what I know now, I would have bought in more money and only use my cards when absolutely necessary.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 13, 2016, 05:28:20 AM
We've taken £2,000 out of Russia in Sterling, no issues, no idea if it was legal or not!
You can take up to $10k out of the country without a problem.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on November 13, 2016, 01:25:36 PM
Unlike Dan, I rarely carry any larger amount of cash on me, max is normally about 2,000r, for everything possible, I use either one of my Russian Bank cards, or my UK cards...

Bringing in over $10,000 should be declared, showing where you got it from, if you don't declare it, IF stopped and checked (Which is rare), you can face confiscation of the lot..

Btw, the insurance sum claimable if a Bank goes "Tit's up", is now 1.2m/r, but don't hold your breath waithing for it...

HTH..
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 13, 2016, 08:43:05 PM
Danchik, thank you for all the information, really.  This really does help me a lot.

Gipsy, are you in Moscow as well? 

I'm pretty sure any amount above $3,000 coming in needs to be declared.  If someone does know definitively, please advise.

As to showing where I got it from, I'm wondering how I would go about doing that if it is a requirement.  As I said earlier, I've been selling off all my meagre assets (e.g. furniture, etc on second-hand sites).  I don't have paper work for that.

I'm starting to think that the best way to go is to take in the undeclared limit of $3,000 and hold the rest in a bank account here for withdrawal as needed in Moscow.  I have experienced the myriad of Bankomats in Moscow and elsewhere in Russia and as Danchik says, there is variance on the withdrawal limits.  At the time, my day limit with my bank was $500 and I was able to take this out, but just had to fish around with different bankomats until I found a bank that would spit that amount out. (I remember the bad old days spending a day going from bankomat to bankomat in Petersburg, finally finding one that allowed a max withdrawal of $120.

That being said, $3,000 could go really quickly, ponying up $1,500 to get into a flat, another 140 pounds for the Cambridge cut on the course I'm taking (to be paid once I arrive), plus visa/invitation expenses the school wants back (I think they said 5,500RU, so not much), and then all the other start up expenses.  Then a month on the course without an income.

In my situation, while they have offered to bring me on a work visa, I'm starting to worry there may not be enough time, in which case they can more quickly bring me on a business visa.  But that means when I can actually start working for them is going to be delayed, and I'll have to leave the country, most likely back to Canada, although they said that some non-Latvian citizens/residents have been able to depart Russia to Latvia and obtain a work visa there.

My objective was to have enough money socked away under the mattress so I wouldn't have to worry about finances for about a year, freeing me up to deal with all the other challenges that will come my way almost daily, while also growing up my local income without feeling like I have a gun to my head.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on November 14, 2016, 12:41:54 AM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.

I've been liquidating my meagre assets  Fair play to you! I have two friends from the US who sold every thing to live in Russia , house,car,clothes the lot!

Im sure after sorting yourself out you will not regret it.. :thumbsup:


Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on November 14, 2016, 12:46:55 AM
Russia..Yes
Moscow...No..

Here is the Russian customs law regarding the importation of cash monies...

•Cash over $3000
You are entitled to import/export up to $10000 USD in cash into Russia, but sums over $3000 should be declared at customs. This applies to all foreign currencies and to roubles, with the exact quantities varying slightly from currency to currency. The most important reason for doing this (apart from your legal obligation) is to ensure that you will be able to take your money out of the country unimpeded. If you try to leave Russia with more than $3000 in cash and no stamped customs declaration, you are likely to run into difficulties unless you have official documentation proving that the money has legally been earned by you in Russia.
There is no obligation to show evidence of acquisition up to this amount, anything over and above this amount must be supported by verifiable evidence of ownership. 

Many Atm's will only give you a cash extraction hit of 20,000r, some much less, Currently Sberbank will only process 10,000r each hit, however, if you so wish, you can make several withdrawals one after another (at the same cash machine/same time) up to your cards limit. (this is my personal experience outside of the big Pelmani), within Moscow, I cannot say..

Once you have your first work visa, (obtained in your own country), you can obtain renewals within a few days in various other countries, E.g. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, which will be much cheaper than constantly travelling back to your homeland....

HTH

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 14, 2016, 01:53:36 AM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.

I've been liquidating my meagre assets  Fair play to you! I have two friends from the US who sold every thing to live in Russia , house,car,clothes the lot!

Im sure after sorting yourself out you will not regret it.. :thumbsup:

Steve, thanks!  I have always admired your optimism and I find it infectious)

I sold it all, furniture to knick knacks.  Working on the car, I still need it)

House is bolloxed. Everything else bolloxed.  I'm setting it all up now to start new in a place I want to be!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on November 14, 2016, 02:03:57 AM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.

I've been liquidating my meagre assets  Fair play to you! I have two friends from the US who sold every thing to live in Russia , house,car,clothes the lot!

Im sure after sorting yourself out you will not regret it.. :thumbsup:

Steve, thanks!  I have always admired your optimism and I find it infectious)

I sold it all, furniture to knick knacks.  Working on the car, I still need it)

House is bolloxed. Everything else bolloxed.  I'm setting it all up now to start new in a place I want to be!


I would not worry about anything! Once your there Im sure some how you will solve things. Positive mental attitude its all it takes.
A long time back I was even thinking of working on the roads with some kazi workers just to get by.. :laugh:
I have a Russian friend who has a construction business, just didn't fancy working outside in the winter -20  :(


Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on November 14, 2016, 02:04:54 AM
Just as long as you are not running away from something but moving toward something. There's a difference and it makes a big difference.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 14, 2016, 02:12:25 AM
Just as long as you are not running away from something but moving toward something. There's a difference and it makes a big difference.

100% agree.  I've thought that through and I know I'm not running.  I'm moving towards something yes.  Let's see where it goes.  Maybe I'll be working construction for Steve's friend. Afterall, I'm Canadian and I can tolerate the cold! :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 14, 2016, 03:58:42 AM
Russia..Yes
Moscow...No..

Here is the Russian customs law regarding the importation of cash monies...

•Cash over $3000
You are entitled to import/export up to $10000 USD in cash into Russia, but sums over $3000 should be declared at customs. This applies to all foreign currencies and to roubles, with the exact quantities varying slightly from currency to currency. The most important reason for doing this (apart from your legal obligation) is to ensure that you will be able to take your money out of the country unimpeded. If you try to leave Russia with more than $3000 in cash and no stamped customs declaration, you are likely to run into difficulties unless you have official documentation proving that the money has legally been earned by you in Russia.
There is no obligation to show evidence of acquisition up to this amount, anything over and above this amount must be supported by verifiable evidence of ownership. 

Many Atm's will only give you a cash extraction hit of 20,000r, some much less, Currently Sberbank will only process 10,000r each hit, however, if you so wish, you can make several withdrawals one after another (at the same cash machine/same time) up to your cards limit. (this is my personal experience outside of the big Pelmani), within Moscow, I cannot say..

Once you have your first work visa, (obtained in your own country), you can obtain renewals within a few days in various other countries, E.g. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, which will be much cheaper than constantly travelling back to your homeland....

HTH

Couple of things; I have left Russia many times with $10K (and have told any agent whom asked me how much cash I had that I was carrying this amount without a problem) and you do not need any declarations for this 100%. This was the case a few years ago, but has changed. The old way was $3K.

I have never brought in more than a few grand, so I'm not 100% sure about this, but since Russia usually reciprocates its actions, I don't think it will be a problem. Declare it if asked to, but the bottom line is up to 10K is not going to be a problem either way.

Secondly, once you obtain your first work visa, you do not have to leave the country for any subsequent work visas. All other visas, yes you must leave the country.

Yes you're right, they have raised the insured limit from 750 to 1.2 mil (it was 750 when I had an account speaking of outdated info). I know we all think that the Russian government will just steal your money if the bank you deal with goes tits up.

As most know, Russia has been going through a banking crisis over the last few years where many banks have failed. A friend of mine recently had a problem with her bank and had close to a million roubles in her account. Of course when news broke of the failure, customers raced down to try and secure their money. Low and behold, and it might surprise you, the bank returned all her money to her as she closed her account.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on November 14, 2016, 05:20:47 AM
Russia..Yes
Moscow...No..

Here is the Russian customs law regarding the importation of cash monies...

•Cash over $3000
You are entitled to import/export up to $10000 USD in cash into Russia, but sums over $3000 should be declared at customs. This applies to all foreign currencies and to roubles, with the exact quantities varying slightly from currency to currency. The most important reason for doing this (apart from your legal obligation) is to ensure that you will be able to take your money out of the country unimpeded. If you try to leave Russia with more than $3000 in cash and no stamped customs declaration, you are likely to run into difficulties unless you have official documentation proving that the money has legally been earned by you in Russia.
There is no obligation to show evidence of acquisition up to this amount, anything over and above this amount must be supported by verifiable evidence of ownership. 

Many Atm's will only give you a cash extraction hit of 20,000r, some much less, Currently Sberbank will only process 10,000r each hit, however, if you so wish, you can make several withdrawals one after another (at the same cash machine/same time) up to your cards limit. (this is my personal experience outside of the big Pelmani), within Moscow, I cannot say..

Once you have your first work visa, (obtained in your own country), you can obtain renewals within a few days in various other countries, E.g. Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Sweden, which will be much cheaper than constantly travelling back to your homeland....

HTH

Couple of things; I have left Russia many times with $10K (and have told any agent whom asked me how much cash I had that I was carrying this amount without a problem) and you do not need any declarations for this 100%. This was the case a few years ago, but has changed. The old way was $3K.

I have never brought in more than a few grand, so I'm not 100% sure about this, but since Russia usually reciprocates its actions, I don't think it will be a problem. Declare it if asked to, but the bottom line is up to 10K is not going to be a problem either way.

Secondly, once you obtain your first work visa, you do not have to leave the country for any subsequent work visas. All other visas, yes you must leave the country.

Yes you're right, they have raised the insured limit from 750 to 1.2 mil (it was 750 when I had an account speaking of outdated info). I know we all think that the Russian government will just steal your money if the bank you deal with goes tits up.

As most know, Russia has been going through a banking crisis over the last few years where many banks have failed. A friend of mine recently had a problem with her bank and had close to a million roubles in her account. Of course when news broke of the failure, customers raced down to try and secure their money. Low and behold, and it might surprise you, the bank returned all her money to her as she closed her account.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on November 14, 2016, 11:45:56 AM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.

I've been liquidating my meagre assets  Fair play to you! I have two friends from the US who sold every thing to live in Russia , house,car,clothes the lot!

Im sure after sorting yourself out you will not regret it.. :thumbsup:

Steve, thanks!  I have always admired your optimism and I find it infectious)

I sold it all, furniture to knick knacks.  Working on the car, I still need it)

House is bolloxed. Everything else bolloxed.  I'm setting it all up now to start new in a place I want to be!

What does it mean, house is "bolloxed"?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on November 14, 2016, 12:03:19 PM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.

I've been liquidating my meagre assets  Fair play to you! I have two friends from the US who sold every thing to live in Russia , house,car,clothes the lot!

Im sure after sorting yourself out you will not regret it.. :thumbsup:

Steve, thanks!  I have always admired your optimism and I find it infectious)

I sold it all, furniture to knick knacks.  Working on the car, I still need it)

House is bolloxed. Everything else bolloxed.  I'm setting it all up now to start new in a place I want to be!

What does it mean, house is "bolloxed"?

Bolloxed aka bollocksed means, well basically fooked....
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 14, 2016, 02:36:52 PM
Good luck!

Thanks Markje. This is a big decision for me, and not one I'm taking lightly. In other words, I know that there's a lot of things I don't know.

Thanks Andrew and Ste.

In preparation for my move, I've been liquidating my meagre assets, so most is converted to cash right now. I had asked about the advisability of bringing some USD cash into Russia, because that's what I want to do. I have my own reasons.

I appreciate all the comments and advice!


.

I've been liquidating my meagre assets  Fair play to you! I have two friends from the US who sold every thing to live in Russia , house,car,clothes the lot!

Im sure after sorting yourself out you will not regret it.. :thumbsup:

Steve, thanks!  I have always admired your optimism and I find it infectious)

I sold it all, furniture to knick knacks.  Working on the car, I still need it)

House is bolloxed. Everything else bolloxed.  I'm setting it all up now to start new in a place I want to be!

What does it mean, house is "bolloxed"?

Bolloxed aka bollocksed means, well basically fooked....

Yes, basically this. Actually the house is gone and not my concern. I'm starting fresh with only a few bucks and gonna make a go of it in Moscow.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 29, 2016, 01:06:38 AM
I have an update to add to this thread now.

1) I've decided to bring something in the neighbourhood of $4990USD with me into Russia.  The reason for this is that enroute to Moscow, I'll be having a holiday over the New Year in Istanbul.  And I'll be meeting a very lovely Russian girl there.  We'll see how it goes, but it's been very positive over the two months we've been communicating.  Anyway, Turkey allows you to export $5000USD without declaration, so that seals the deal for me.  I'll put the rest into a Canadian bank account.

2) I booked an open-jaw flight last week that arrives in Istanbul and then departs from Moscow in early August.  It made no sense to book a one-way flight as the price is almost the same.  I have no idea when I will get vacation, so I figured that picking an early August date, which will be the dog days of summer in Moscow, was as good a guess as any.  At the end of the day, I'll be charged an additional $300CAD plus any difference in flight cost to change it, but at least I can change it.

3) I realized that I ideally needed some flexibility with accommodation.  While the course I'll be attending every day for a month is a stone's throw from Red Square, I have absolutely no idea what satellite location I will be posted to when I begin working for the school (they have about 30 locations).  So I didn't want to lock in to something longterm from the outset, only to find that I have a nightmare of a commute once I begin working.  Really, what I need at the beginning is a flexible situation that I can change relatively easily if needed once the course ends and I know where I'll be working. 

The school would put me up in shared accommodation for the duration of the course at 1,500RU/day, which works out to 45,000RU/mth.  Given that I won't be earning anything during this period, and at that price I could probably find a reasonably decent non-share option, and that my salary will only be 50,000RU/mth + 12,000RU accommodation supplement if I organize my own housing, I balked at this offer.  Once I have feet on the ground and start getting the lay of the land, I hope to develop a private clientele, but in the meantime, the only thing I know is that I may land a contract for 62,000RU/mth, so that has to be my reference point when I consider what I can spend on housing.

As of tonight, I have secured my accommodation over the first month and a bit.  I think I lucked out on AirBNB, finding a nice, well-reviewed room in a shared flat in the Nagatinsky Zaton District, metro Kolomenskaya.  4 stops, no transfers to where I need to be everyday for the first month.  I am super excited now as it all starts to get real.  I can now scope out my neighbourhood on google maps  :party0031: :king:

I would have loved to have been able to find a place in Moscow that I could enter for the first time and know that it is home for the foreseeable future and then start settling in in earnest.  But it just didn't make sense to go that route at this time, given I don't know what part of the city I'll be working in after the course ends.

Now, trying to figure out how to fit up a new life into 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on case, and a back pack.  Wish me luck!!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on November 29, 2016, 01:26:36 AM
I forgot to add that, thanks to an Airbnb glitch, I'm paying about 22,000RU for just over a month. Apparently it should have been about 28,500, still a decent rate.  If it's Airbnb's mistake, I'm pretty sure they'll compensate the flat owner.


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on November 29, 2016, 03:45:50 AM
I have an update to add to this thread now.

1) I've decided to bring something in the neighbourhood of $4990USD with me into Russia.  The reason for this is that enroute to Moscow, I'll be having a holiday over the New Year in Istanbul.  And I'll be meeting a very lovely Russian girl there.  We'll see how it goes, but it's been very positive over the two months we've been communicating.  Anyway, Turkey allows you to export $5000USD without declaration, so that seals the deal for me.  I'll put the rest into a Canadian bank account.
Sounds good.

2) I booked an open-jaw flight last week that arrives in Istanbul and then departs from Moscow in early August.  It made no sense to book a one-way flight as the price is almost the same.  I have no idea when I will get vacation, so I figured that picking an early August date, which will be the dog days of summer in Moscow, was as good a guess as any.  At the end of the day, I'll be charged an additional $300CAD plus any difference in flight cost to change it, but at least I can change it.
The two slowest times of the year are January and August.

January because of the New Year holidays and August because everyone is on vacation, or enjoying the relatively few "dog" days of summer.

Speaking of which, you have about 2 1/2 months of nice weather a year, so there will be no "dog days". Now winter is a different story. :)

3) I realized that I ideally needed some flexibility with accommodation.  While the course I'll be attending every day for a month is a stone's throw from Red Square, I have absolutely no idea what satellite location I will be posted to when I begin working for the school (they have about 30 locations).  So I didn't want to lock in to something longterm from the outset, only to find that I have a nightmare of a commute once I begin working.  Really, what I need at the beginning is a flexible situation that I can change relatively easily if needed once the course ends and I know where I'll be working. 

The school would put me up in shared accommodation for the duration of the course at 1,500RU/day, which works out to 45,000RU/mth.  Given that I won't be earning anything during this period, and at that price I could probably find a reasonably decent non-share option, and that my salary will only be 50,000RU/mth + 12,000RU accommodation supplement if I organize my own housing, I balked at this offer.  Once I have feet on the ground and start getting the lay of the land, I hope to develop a private clientele, but in the meantime, the only thing I know is that I may land a contract for 62,000RU/mth, so that has to be my reference point when I consider what I can spend on housing.

As of tonight, I have secured my accommodation over the first month and a bit.  I think I lucked out on AirBNB, finding a nice, well-reviewed room in a shared flat in the Nagatinsky Zaton District, metro Kolomenskaya.  4 stops, no transfers to where I need to be everyday for the first month.  I am super excited now as it all starts to get real.  I can now scope out my neighbourhood on google maps  :party0031: :king:

I would have loved to have been able to find a place in Moscow that I could enter for the first time and know that it is home for the foreseeable future and then start settling in in earnest.  But it just didn't make sense to go that route at this time, given I don't know what part of the city I'll be working in after the course ends.
Really, your work location can and usually changes, and after you start to pick up some privates, you'll be moving around more. Plus, with privates, you have a better chance of having them come over to your place if you're centrally located than out in the sticks.

What I would suggest is to find a place centrally located (inside the 3 ring, or a couple of stops past at most) and not worry about it. If you're centrally located, getting to most places will be less than an hour, with most under 30 minutes; ideal for a city like Moscow. Instead of getting acquainted with your neighborhood, get better acquainted with the metro. The metro will quickly become your new best friend until you get on your feet and taxi's/uber become an option (very affordable in Moscow compared to other big cities).

Also, get used to walking (I love it now). I walk, according to my tracker, on average 9000 steps a day and love the physical activity. This is on top of my workout routine. RW love it too. :)

When I'm in the States, I walk much more than I used to when I lived there, which seems a little strange to most of the locals, including my family.

Now, trying to figure out how to fit up a new life into 1 checked bag, 1 carry-on case, and a back pack.  Wish me luck!!
I brought only what I needed and then adjusted, i.e. brought back more things on my next couple of trips back to the States. Because of the devaluation of the ruble, some things are actually cheaper here than in Canada/U.S..

Pack lightly.

Jerash, you're going to go backwards before you move forward. Keep this in mind. It took me about 1 1/2 years to make as much money as I was spending, and then things really took off.

One thing to alert you to is that you are coming at a much different time than I did. When I came, Russia, especially Moscow was booming. Now there's a bit of a crisis, so people tend to prioritize their spending. The market for English is still good, but no where near what it was 10 years ago.

The good news is I think the worst is over. Also, because expats tend to leave town when things get rough, you'll have less competition for what's available.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on December 20, 2016, 03:53:20 PM
Thank you for your wishes Danchik. I need them now. An unexpected turn of events. Following news yesterday, and $800 later, I am at the airport awaiting my flight to attend a visa interview at the Russian Embassy tomorrow. I fly to Turkey in 7 days. 


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 11, 2017, 09:37:28 AM
Hello!  I want to provide an update and seek advice.  I had visa problems when I applied for the Russian work visa.  The embassy kept asking for more and increasingly difficult/impossible to obtain documents until the point where I had to ask for my passport back, so as to not mess up a bunch of other things.

I had made arrangements for a meeting with a nice Russian girl in Istanbul prior to going up to Moscow.  As I had an open jaw flight to Istanbul and returning from Moscow in August, I went ahead with the travel to Istanbul.  Most importantly, this girl had made all her travel arrangements to meet me here in Istanbul as well, so I did not want to cancel on her.  Aside from the weather, we had a really nice time here.

She's gone now and I'm still here in Istanbul.  Very early tomorrow I have a flight up to London, with 24 hours to kill before onward travel to Canada.

The school I am working with in Moscow (BKC-IH) was only able to provide the old version paper invitations for a work visa, not a telex.  However, they can provide me a telex invitation for a business visa through a partner (the visa agent I've been working with in Canada says that the telex invitation is much more desirable and the fact that the school cannot provide me with telex invitation for a work visa is bizarre and that they don't understand why the school is "messing" with me).

That's all more or less background.  Now comes the urgent bits:

When I asked the school if the business visa means that I will need to return to Canada (where I am legally resident) to apply for the work visa after completing my training, they said that, yes, most likely I will.  However, they also told me: "you can also contact the Russian Consulate in Riga, Latvia and check if it is possible for you to apply there. Generally, you have to be either a citizen of the country where you are applying for the visa or have a residence/work permit of that country, but our experience shows that the Russian Consulate in Riga seems to be more flexible about this."  Does anyone have any additional information on this?

Furthermore, they have now wrote me to say that after being in touch with their partner agency that can arrange the business visa invitation, that the partner agency advises that: "the visa agency that is going to arrange an invitation say that the Russian Consulate in Ottawa is indeed notorious for inviting visa applicants to interviews and has a higher than usual rate of visa rejections. The agency highly recommends that you avoid applying to that Consulate again. Instead, based on the agency’s experience with Canadian citizens, they suggest that you apply  to the Russian Consulate in Vilnius, Lithuania. They usually offer 1-day and 3-day visa processing, but you better double-check this with the Consulate directly."

So, now I am advised to avoid re-applying to the embassy in Ottawa.  And instead, it is recommended that I apply in Vilnius (again, a country where I am not resident).  Does anyone here have any advice or insight on this situation?

I am still in a position to cancel my flight to Canada and hop a cheap flight to Vilnius.  Is this advisable???  My timelines are short....
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 11, 2017, 09:46:46 AM
Hello!  I want to provide an update and seek advice.  I had visa problems when I applied for the Russian work visa.  The embassy kept asking for more and increasingly difficult/impossible to obtain documents until the point where I had to ask for my passport back, so as to not mess up a bunch of other things.

I had made arrangements for a meeting with a nice Russian girl in Istanbul prior to going up to Moscow.  As I had an open jaw flight to Istanbul and returning from Moscow in August, I went ahead with the travel to Istanbul.  Most importantly, this girl had made all her travel arrangements to meet me here in Istanbul as well, so I did not want to cancel on her.  Aside from the weather, we had a really nice time here.

She's gone now and I'm still here in Istanbul.  Very early tomorrow I have a flight up to London, with 24 hours to kill before onward travel to Canada.

The school I am working with in Moscow (BKC-IH) was only able to provide the old version paper invitations for a work visa, not a telex.  However, they can provide me a telex invitation for a business visa through a partner (the visa agent I've been working with in Canada says that the telex invitation is much more desirable and the fact that the school cannot provide me with telex invitation for a work visa is bizarre and that they don't understand why the school is "messing" with me).

That's all more or less background.  Now comes the urgent bits:

When I asked the school if the business visa means that I will need to return to Canada (where I am legally resident) to apply for the work visa after completing my training, they said that, yes, most likely I will.  However, they also told me: "you can also contact the Russian Consulate in Riga, Latvia and check if it is possible for you to apply there. Generally, you have to be either a citizen of the country where you are applying for the visa or have a residence/work permit of that country, but our experience shows that the Russian Consulate in Riga seems to be more flexible about this."  Does anyone have any additional information on this?

Furthermore, they have now wrote me to say that after being in touch with their partner agency that can arrange the business visa invitation, that the partner agency advises that: "the visa agency that is going to arrange an invitation say that the Russian Consulate in Ottawa is indeed notorious for inviting visa applicants to interviews and has a higher than usual rate of visa rejections. The agency highly recommends that you avoid applying to that Consulate again. Instead, based on the agency’s experience with Canadian citizens, they suggest that you apply  to the Russian Consulate in Vilnius, Lithuania. They usually offer 1-day and 3-day visa processing, but you better double-check this with the Consulate directly."

So, now I am advised to avoid re-applying to the embassy in Ottawa.  And instead, it is recommended that I apply in Vilnius (again, a country where I am not resident).  Does anyone here have any advice or insight on this situation?

I am still in a position to cancel my flight to Canada and hop a cheap flight to Vilnius.  Is this advisable???  My timelines are short....

There is an agent somewhere in either Latvia or Lithuania who is called Vladim, just off the top of my head, but exactly where he is I cannot say, I would need to ask a colleague of mine who is not in Russia at the moment, but time is needed..

Do you wish me to try ??
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 11, 2017, 09:50:46 AM
Hello!  I want to provide an update and seek advice.  I had visa problems when I applied for the Russian work visa.  The embassy kept asking for more and increasingly difficult/impossible to obtain documents until the point where I had to ask for my passport back, so as to not mess up a bunch of other things.

I had made arrangements for a meeting with a nice Russian girl in Istanbul prior to going up to Moscow.  As I had an open jaw flight to Istanbul and returning from Moscow in August, I went ahead with the travel to Istanbul.  Most importantly, this girl had made all her travel arrangements to meet me here in Istanbul as well, so I did not want to cancel on her.  Aside from the weather, we had a really nice time here.

She's gone now and I'm still here in Istanbul.  Very early tomorrow I have a flight up to London, with 24 hours to kill before onward travel to Canada.

The school I am working with in Moscow (BKC-IH) was only able to provide the old version paper invitations for a work visa, not a telex.  However, they can provide me a telex invitation for a business visa through a partner (the visa agent I've been working with in Canada says that the telex invitation is much more desirable and the fact that the school cannot provide me with telex invitation for a work visa is bizarre and that they don't understand why the school is "messing" with me).

That's all more or less background.  Now comes the urgent bits:

When I asked the school if the business visa means that I will need to return to Canada (where I am legally resident) to apply for the work visa after completing my training, they said that, yes, most likely I will.  However, they also told me: "you can also contact the Russian Consulate in Riga, Latvia and check if it is possible for you to apply there. Generally, you have to be either a citizen of the country where you are applying for the visa or have a residence/work permit of that country, but our experience shows that the Russian Consulate in Riga seems to be more flexible about this."  Does anyone have any additional information on this?

Furthermore, they have now wrote me to say that after being in touch with their partner agency that can arrange the business visa invitation, that the partner agency advises that: "the visa agency that is going to arrange an invitation say that the Russian Consulate in Ottawa is indeed notorious for inviting visa applicants to interviews and has a higher than usual rate of visa rejections. The agency highly recommends that you avoid applying to that Consulate again. Instead, based on the agency’s experience with Canadian citizens, they suggest that you apply  to the Russian Consulate in Vilnius, Lithuania. They usually offer 1-day and 3-day visa processing, but you better double-check this with the Consulate directly."

So, now I am advised to avoid re-applying to the embassy in Ottawa.  And instead, it is recommended that I apply in Vilnius (again, a country where I am not resident).  Does anyone here have any advice or insight on this situation?

I am still in a position to cancel my flight to Canada and hop a cheap flight to Vilnius.  Is this advisable???  My timelines are short....

There is an agent somewhere in either Latvia or Lithuania who is called Vladim, just off the top of my head, but exactly where he is I cannot say, I would need to ask a colleague of mine who is not in Russia at the moment, but time is needed..

Do you wish me to try ??

Yes, I can use all the help I can get  now.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 11, 2017, 09:58:57 AM
Have sent him an e-mail, will get back to you as soon as I get a reply...
No telling how long it will take though...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 11, 2017, 10:03:56 AM
Have sent him an e-mail, will get back to you as soon as I get a reply...
No telling how long it will take though...

OK, noted, but I thank you for trying!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 11, 2017, 10:17:33 AM
Have sent him an e-mail, will get back to you as soon as I get a reply...
No telling how long it will take though...

OK, noted, but I thank you for trying!

this is the Russian office of the company, you could call them and ask if they can help you with your problem...

http://rusvisa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=24&Itemid=38
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 11, 2017, 10:56:39 AM
Have sent him an e-mail, will get back to you as soon as I get a reply...
No telling how long it will take though...

OK, noted, but I thank you for trying!

this is the Russian office of the company, you could call them and ask if they can help you with your problem...

http://rusvisa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=24&Itemid=38

Thanks for the link.  I'll send them an email in the morning.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 12, 2017, 04:34:44 PM
Have sent him an e-mail, will get back to you as soon as I get a reply...
No telling how long it will take though...

OK, noted, but I thank you for trying!

this is the Russian office of the company, you could call them and ask if they can help you with your problem...

http://rusvisa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=24&Itemid=38

Thanks for the contact, Gipsy. I've been in touch with Vladim and it he's looked into it and sounds like he's got a plan for me involving Kiev.

Turns out Vladim is the same agent that the school was going to arrange my telex business visa invitation through, so he was already a bit familiar with my case! Small world!

I was a bit skeptical and did some web research. I can find nothing but positive reviews of Vladim and his services :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 12, 2017, 10:46:34 PM
Have sent him an e-mail, will get back to you as soon as I get a reply...
No telling how long it will take though...

OK, noted, but I thank you for trying!

this is the Russian office of the company, you could call them and ask if they can help you with your problem...

http://rusvisa.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=24&Itemid=38

Thanks for the contact, Gipsy. I've been in touch with Vladim and it he's looked into it and sounds like he's got a plan for me involving Kiev.

Turns out Vladim is the same agent that the school was going to arrange my telex business visa invitation through, so he was already a bit familiar with my case! Small world!

I was a bit skeptical and did some web research. I can find nothing but positive reviews of Vladim and his services :)


.

Glad to have been of some help.
Good luck.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 22, 2017, 09:56:02 PM
A have a new angle now because of my visa problems. Hopefully, the visa issues will be resolved, but I have a new question that I'm wondering if you guys can weigh in on. I'm going to pick up my visa in Kiev and then planning to take the train up to Moscow from there. Is it still advisable to carry about 5K with me?  I'm wondering because now it's Ukraine and land borders. Grateful for any thoughts on this.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 22, 2017, 10:59:15 PM
A have a new angle now because of my visa problems. Hopefully, the visa issues will be resolved, but I have a new question that I'm wondering if you guys can weigh in on. I'm going to pick up my visa in Kiev and then planning to take the train up to Moscow from there. Is it still advisable to carry about 5K with me?  I'm wondering because now it's Ukraine and land borders. Grateful for any thoughts on this.


.

Never having done the route I cannot really say, however, I think that you should be okay, not all people who travel by trains are robbers...
Having said that, I wouldn't travel by train with so much cash with me, though have known wifey to go on the train with much more than $5k in her handbag...
Flying from Kiev to Moscow wold have been much easier before the problems erupted, these days however its a real ballsache transiting via Minsk...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 23, 2017, 03:54:17 AM
A have a new angle now because of my visa problems. Hopefully, the visa issues will be resolved, but I have a new question that I'm wondering if you guys can weigh in on. I'm going to pick up my visa in Kiev and then planning to take the train up to Moscow from there. Is it still advisable to carry about 5K with me?  I'm wondering because now it's Ukraine and land borders. Grateful for any thoughts on this.

Jerash,

I have taken that trip many times and you should be fine. I must admit, I haven't taken the trip for a few years, but as a Canadian, I can't imagine any problems if your paperwork is in order.

If you're worried about the money just travel "coupe" (not плацкарт) and believe me, most of the people travelling in that class will be more afraid/suspicious of you than you of them. :)

Coupe will have 4 bunk beds and you'll see mostly families, business people, or middle class Russians travelling in that class. If you're lucky, you'll get a cabin with 3 devs who speak English (has happened to me before). The worst that can happened is that you get a Russian guy who snores like a bear. :P

Normally what I do is put the money in a small carry on or bag and sleep with/next to it just to be sure/safe. When you settle into the cabin, you'll understand what to do.

I'm optimistic about this year in Russia and expect a good year here. As you know from our private conversations in the past, I rarely if ever meet with people from this or any forum. But, since youre actually moving here, if you want, give me a shout out and we can meet for coffee and I'll break down some things for you to help with your transition. Good luck.

Here's a little history lesson to warm you up before you get here.

https://www.facebook.com/istoriyatv/videos/675026099343023/
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 25, 2017, 10:11:56 PM
A have a new angle now because of my visa problems. Hopefully, the visa issues will be resolved, but I have a new question that I'm wondering if you guys can weigh in on. I'm going to pick up my visa in Kiev and then planning to take the train up to Moscow from there. Is it still advisable to carry about 5K with me?  I'm wondering because now it's Ukraine and land borders. Grateful for any thoughts on this.

Jerash,

I have taken that trip many times and you should be fine. I must admit, I haven't taken the trip for a few years, but as a Canadian, I can't imagine any problems if your paperwork is in order.

If you're worried about the money just travel "coupe" (not плацкарт) and believe me, most of the people travelling in that class will be more afraid/suspicious of you than you of them. :)

Coupe will have 4 bunk beds and you'll see mostly families, business people, or middle class Russians travelling in that class. If you're lucky, you'll get a cabin with 3 devs who speak English (has happened to me before). The worst that can happened is that you get a Russian guy who snores like a bear. :P

Normally what I do is put the money in a small carry on or bag and sleep with/next to it just to be sure/safe. When you settle into the cabin, you'll understand what to do.

I'm optimistic about this year in Russia and expect a good year here. As you know from our private conversations in the past, I rarely if ever meet with people from this or any forum. But, since youre actually moving here, if you want, give me a shout out and we can meet for coffee and I'll break down some things for you to help with your transition. Good luck.

Here's a little history lesson to warm you up before you get here.

https://www.facebook.com/istoriyatv/videos/675026099343023/

Thanks for the reassurance regarding the train.  I'm hoping I'll get three devs rather than the snoring bear in my cabin :chuckle:  If all goes well, I'll be on my way up to Moscow on February 7th.

Does anyone have any advice on the easiest way to buy my train ticket?

Thanks for the kind offer, Danchik - I'll see you soon in Moscow then :)

Will check out the clip too once I get to a proper wifi connection.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 26, 2017, 02:47:50 AM
Does anyone have any advice on the easiest way to buy my train ticket?

https://www.russianrailways.com
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 26, 2017, 09:39:37 AM
Danchik

I reckon the actual Russian railways site is FAR better and it is cheaper

http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en (http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en)

Why ?

In my experience it often offers more choice than your route

e.g Say you want to buy a one way from Kiev ( Kiev as Russians write it ) to Moscow with 'your' site - you aren't offer first class accommodation on the 7.33 pm departure on 16th Feb 2017

Booking an e-ticket - direct - you are ....

I regularly book  long distance trains using this site, now

PLUS .. It's far cheaper -- same train ..same dates, times

3rd class 3000 v 4390 Rub

2nd class 5300 v 6700

1 st cl 11,817 v no option for 1st class sleeping..

 







Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 26, 2017, 02:18:43 PM
Is 1st Class the sleeper class or are sleepers offered in 2nd Class as well?


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on January 26, 2017, 02:35:23 PM
Is 1st Class the sleeper class or are sleepers offered in 2nd Class as well?


.

Every class is sleeper class in Russia!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 26, 2017, 03:18:50 PM
Danchik

I reckon the actual Russian railways site is FAR better and it is cheaper

http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en (http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en)

Why ?

In my experience it often offers more choice than your route

e.g Say you want to buy a one way from Kiev ( Kiev as Russians write it ) to Moscow with 'your' site - you aren't offer first class accommodation on the 7.33 pm departure on 16th Feb 2017

Booking an e-ticket - direct - you are ....

I regularly book  long distance trains using this site, now

PLUS .. It's far cheaper -- same train ..same dates, times

3rd class 3000 v 4390 Rub

2nd class 5300 v 6700

1 st cl 11,817 v no option for 1st class sleeping..
I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 26, 2017, 04:59:36 PM
Danchik

I reckon the actual Russian railways site is FAR better and it is cheaper

http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en (http://pass.rzd.ru/main-pass/public/en)

Why ?

In my experience it often offers more choice than your route

e.g Say you want to buy a one way from Kiev ( Kiev as Russians write it ) to Moscow with 'your' site - you aren't offer first class accommodation on the 7.33 pm departure on 16th Feb 2017

Booking an e-ticket - direct - you are ....

I regularly book  long distance trains using this site, now

PLUS .. It's far cheaper -- same train ..same dates, times

3rd class 3000 v 4390 Rub

2nd class 5300 v 6700

1 st cl 11,817 v no option for 1st class sleeping..
I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

I had googled this question too and recognize both sites that have been posted here.  Not knowing what sites are reliable though and how well I could expect to get on at the train station buying there, I figured I'd ask.  I may just go to the station in Kiev and get the ticket there.  Not sure how well that will go - I don't know any Ukrainian, Russian tolko choot-choot, speak some Polish.  Could I hope for any English at the station?  I could also write things out in Russki before I go, it'll all work out - hopefully I'll end up with something for the right train on the right day!  :chuckle:

SOMEHOW, I managed to do it many years ago.  By the way, do they still have the Foreigners' Kasa in Russian train stations?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 27, 2017, 01:54:56 AM

Every class is sleeper class in Russia!

Hi Ste,

The latest 1st class double decker sleepers actually allow you to sleep - they are GREAT  ! I don't know if they operate on the Kiev-Moscow route yet..My info is just Moscow - Piter / Samara / Kazan and  Sochi ( Adler)

It's often cheaper to fly from Kiev to Moscow via an Eastern European city -such as Riga. Skyscanner / Kayak for 16th Feb are about the same price as Danchiks recommendation -2nd class
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 27, 2017, 02:05:18 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ... 







Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 27, 2017, 02:22:57 AM

SOMEHOW, I managed to do it many years ago.  By the way, do they still have the Foreigners' Kasa in Russian train stations?



Travelling by such trains - you'll either love it or hate it ..  If you want a quiet / 'boring' life - fly via Riga on S7 !!

Booking online via the official Russian railways site ( Eng Version ) is easy - just time consuming to register .. But much of the info you give will be checked against your passport by the Russians and printed on your ticket.//So after the first time... booking is easy.

I even checked if you can book from Ukraine online.. you can ..

http://booking.uz.gov.ua/en/ (http://booking.uz.gov.ua/en/)

Strangely, the prices are higher than booking via 'my' site for the same teain / dates

http://booking.uz.gov.ua/en/ (http://booking.uz.gov.ua/en/)

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Markje on January 27, 2017, 04:31:50 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 27, 2017, 06:19:47 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 27, 2017, 06:36:44 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

Suggest that you get your ticket as soon as you arrive in Kiev, as its the only direct route to Moscow, feel that it may be well patronised by both countryfolk's.
Normally, 2nd class is a coupe, and I believe that on this route, they may also have male and female only carriages..
Might be wrong of course, as I have not used the route...
Listening to Dan would be your best bet.
If your stay in Kiev is in a reasonable hotel, they may be able to help you with buying your ticket, though there may well be a multi-lingual ticket counter at Kiev station.
Otherwise, if your Russian language skills are lacking somewhat, just write down exactly what you wish for translated into Russian beforehand, and hand the paper to the booking's clerk at the station..
You will need to show your passport.
HTH..
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 27, 2017, 06:45:36 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets...
It's not the issue. Good for you.

Do you ever read someone's post and understand the message? Do you have to consistently take someone's post/point in a direction that it need not/shouldn't go (please I don't need to hear that you were trying to save him money, I get it)

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?
Scroll up.

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.
Really? You must be kidding me. Thanks for this info, but I'm not travelling anywhere either, and if I were, I know the procedure. Try giving people credit for understanding basic stuff. To say it another way, I wasn't going to resister just to find Jerash the best price, he's a grown man and can do that for himself.

When people are relocating, I give advice. What I don't do is hold someone's hand to the point where all they have to do is add water. If you want me to do everything for you, you're going to have trouble dealing with things when you move here. You could give me a link to what is exactly the best price, and I'm still going to go on the internet and shop it to make sure it is indeed the best price. I think this is what most people do, and lo and behold, it's what Jerash did :nod:. I was also in a big hurry at that moment and only had time to do what I did, which was only post a link.

Jerash's also needs to start to understand how to deal with things in Russia/Russian. The sooner the better. Moving to a place where you don't speak the language nor understand the culture is challenging.

Jerash has some experience in the FSU, he's not a novice. It's not difficult to go to the train station in Kiev and it maybe even be an interesting adventure for someone alone with nothing else to do for a day in a foreign city while he waits (he's there until the 7th if I'm not mistaken) and a chance to feel more comfortable dealing with people in Russian. The more Russian speaking situations you put yourself in, the quicker you'll learn to speak and understand the language. This is important even if you have a Russian wife, but hugely important being a single man and something you should do also.

He can also check the layout of the train station, get a feel of what he'll need to do when he departs, and find out exactly where the train will be parked to avoid/reduce any stress on departure day.

I still like doing it and the train stations in Moscow are on all around the circle line so its easy for me to swing by when necessary on my daily jaunts through the city. I like holding a real ticket in my hand as well. Plus it's feel good when you deal with people in Russia, in Russian, successfully.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
Non-issue. Recognize, sheesh. And please, no further response from you to me is necessary. I get it; when will you?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 27, 2017, 06:46:43 AM
I had googled this question too and recognize both sites that have been posted here.  Not knowing what sites are reliable though and how well I could expect to get on at the train station buying there, I figured I'd ask. I may just go to the station in Kiev and get the ticket there. Not sure how well that will go - I don't know any Ukrainian, Russian tolko choot-choot, speak some Polish.  Could I hope for any English at the station?  I could also write things out in Russki before I go, it'll all work out -
I would highly recommend this.

As I wrote unthread, go check out the layout of the train station (what else do you have to do for a week :)). You will feel a thousand times better on the day you depart and know exactly what you have to do.

The Russian you need is easy (можно один билет до Москви, пожалуйста, купе = mozhna adeen bilyet doe moskvi, pajahlusta, coupe) a ticket to Moscow please, coupe. What you will hear back normally will be, туда и обратно = tuda abratna (roundtrip), and you say , nyet, tolko tuda. She'll then ask for money and documents.  You know what the price is so be sure they don't overcharge you.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on January 27, 2017, 07:29:09 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 27, 2017, 07:33:02 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Ste, I have found the international trains to be an upgrade to the domestic ones in all the FSU regions (quieter, smoother, less crazies, etc.). Not sure what your experience is in this regard.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on January 27, 2017, 07:40:14 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Ste, I have found the international trains to be an upgrade to the domestic ones in all the FSU regions (quieter, smoother, less crazies, etc.). Not sure what your experience is in this regard.

This was 2002 (I think) Moscow Kazanskiy to Vladivostok. The ticket woman tried to stiff me with the Westerner tax but I knew enough Russian to avoid that, $250 down to $80! Bought the tix at an office Arbat I remember, fighting my past the begging Red Army Soldiers. Took about 40 mins as it seemed everything was hand-written, except the ticket itself which I still have I think.

Think Putin was in charge back then too actually. I hadn't a clue what I was doing, winged it all the way.....
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 27, 2017, 07:48:32 AM

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!

Ste, On some routes the double deckers are seriously posh ..  I don't think they operate on international ones - due to their height..

The worst prob with Coupes is when travelling alone you worry about your valuables and never know who one will share with and just as you get to know 'em - they're gone and at 3am new folks get on and wake you up :))

My longest journey has 'only' been 37.5 hours ..but that was enough ...If the plane is the same price or sl.more... PLANE every time :)

I'm glad I've tried it, though.. It's a good way to meet people ..


Normally, 2nd class is a coupe, and I believe that on this route, they may also have male and female only carriages..
Might be wrong of course, as I have not used the route...

[/quote]

When booking online - if the coach is one sex only - it is clearly marked

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 27, 2017, 08:00:48 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Ste, I have found the international trains to be an upgrade to the domestic ones in all the FSU regions (quieter, smoother, less crazies, etc.). Not sure what your experience is in this regard.

This was 2002 (I think) Moscow Kazanskiy to Vladivostok. The ticket woman tried to stiff me with the Westerner tax but I knew enough Russian to avoid that, $250 down to $80! Bought the tix at an office Arbat I remember, fighting my past the begging Red Army Soldiers. Took about 40 mins as it seemed everything was hand-written, except the ticket itself which I still have I think.

Think Putin was in charge back then too actually. I hadn't a clue what I was doing, winged it all the way.....

I have used the trans sib approx. 2 times a year from 2000 up until about 2006, and again from 2009 to 2016, but have never had any such experience that you have described, nor have I ever been skimmed for the cost.. Always a restful nights sleep..
I did find that it got a little too hot for me at times..
Its possible that you have not used the trans sib, as it goes nowhere near Kazan.

Checked just to make sure that I was correct..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Railway#Trans-Siberian_line
Scroll down to "Routes"...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on January 27, 2017, 08:15:44 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Ste, I have found the international trains to be an upgrade to the domestic ones in all the FSU regions (quieter, smoother, less crazies, etc.). Not sure what your experience is in this regard.

This was 2002 (I think) Moscow Kazanskiy to Vladivostok. The ticket woman tried to stiff me with the Westerner tax but I knew enough Russian to avoid that, $250 down to $80! Bought the tix at an office Arbat I remember, fighting my past the begging Red Army Soldiers. Took about 40 mins as it seemed everything was hand-written, except the ticket itself which I still have I think.

Think Putin was in charge back then too actually. I hadn't a clue what I was doing, winged it all the way.....

I have used the trans sib approx. 2 times a year from 2000 up until about 2006, and again from 2009 to 2016, but have never had any such experience that you have described, nor have I ever been skimmed for the cost.. Always a restful nights sleep..
I did find that it got a little too hot for me at times..
Its possible that you have not used the trans sib, as it goes nowhere near Kazan.

Checked just to make sure that I was correct..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Railway#Trans-Siberian_line
Scroll down to "Routes"...

I never said it went near Kazan, it left from Kazanskiy station in Moscow is all I remember and I was on a route via Eburg cos I was stopping off along the way so probs not the actual TS express itself but certainly the route.

I remember the station had a gap between the station building and the train shed and it was February and fecking freezing...

Uncle Pasha dropped me off, what a man, if he like you, what a dick if he didn't....

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 27, 2017, 08:47:29 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


.

I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Ste, I have found the international trains to be an upgrade to the domestic ones in all the FSU regions (quieter, smoother, less crazies, etc.). Not sure what your experience is in this regard.

This was 2002 (I think) Moscow Kazanskiy to Vladivostok. The ticket woman tried to stiff me with the Westerner tax but I knew enough Russian to avoid that, $250 down to $80! Bought the tix at an office Arbat I remember, fighting my past the begging Red Army Soldiers. Took about 40 mins as it seemed everything was hand-written, except the ticket itself which I still have I think.

Think Putin was in charge back then too actually. I hadn't a clue what I was doing, winged it all the way.....

I have used the trans sib approx. 2 times a year from 2000 up until about 2006, and again from 2009 to 2016, but have never had any such experience that you have described, nor have I ever been skimmed for the cost.. Always a restful nights sleep..
I did find that it got a little too hot for me at times..
Its possible that you have not used the trans sib, as it goes nowhere near Kazan.

Checked just to make sure that I was correct..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Railway#Trans-Siberian_line
Scroll down to "Routes"...

I never said it went near Kazan, it left from Kazanskiy station in Moscow is all I remember and I was on a route via Eburg cos I was stopping off along the way so probs not the actual TS express itself but certainly the route.

I remember the station had a gap between the station building and the train shed and it was February and fecking freezing...

Uncle Pasha dropped me off, what a man, if he like you, what a dick if he didn't....

Miss read on my part, apologies...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on January 27, 2017, 08:51:38 AM
Quote from: Danchik link=topic=2607[qu7.msg457328#msg457328 date=1485469130
]I just google and posted a site and imagine Jerash could just google a site sa well. It's not MY site. I expected a douche like you to come back with something. I tried the site you posted and got nothing BTW, becauseyou have to register. Im' sure it works, so spare me your usual I now Russia better than you do paradigm

Yeah, I guess saving $20 is FAR better. I usually buy a ticket at the station, it's relatively easy when you speak Russian. You know like you do (:).

Danchik

I didn't NEED to google - as I really HAVE used the site to book tickets... 

Would you rather members paid more via a third party - taking commission - or book direct ?

OF COURSE you need to register... Travelling on such trains - one is required to give your name, passport details, etc.

I am sure you speak Russian far better than me... or Jerash ...
When the Trains from/to Crimea / Kiev were still going, you needed to book at least 1 day in advance. But that was also because they were sold out, every one of them.

I wonder if it's the same story with the Kiev Moscow route. I arrive in Kiev on the 3rd and won't be able to travel onward at least until the 6th.

By then I'm going to be so sick of airplanes and airports. Having a good sleep in the train sounds really appealing at this point. :)


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I found it impossible to sleep on the train, too bumpy, rattling over points, trains on the other track whizzing by, and this isn't just in Russia. Of course you do sleep, just feels like you didn't with broken sleep, etc. It's just too noisy.

I went on the Transsiberian, coupe (two bunks) I was  :censored: ed by the time I got to the Urals. My only regret was not nicking the glass and metal coffee mug from the train, I was so naive then I was convinced the FSB had cameras trained on me 24/7...

Oh, and corridors full of sick from plaskartniy types wandering into the posh end of the train were I was!!
Ste, I have found the international trains to be an upgrade to the domestic ones in all the FSU regions (quieter, smoother, less crazies, etc.). Not sure what your experience is in this regard.

This was 2002 (I think) Moscow Kazanskiy to Vladivostok. The ticket woman tried to stiff me with the Westerner tax but I knew enough Russian to avoid that, $250 down to $80! Bought the tix at an office Arbat I remember, fighting my past the begging Red Army Soldiers. Took about 40 mins as it seemed everything was hand-written, except the ticket itself which I still have I think.

Think Putin was in charge back then too actually. I hadn't a clue what I was doing, winged it all the way.....

I have used the trans sib approx. 2 times a year from 2000 up until about 2006, and again from 2009 to 2016, but have never had any such experience that you have described, nor have I ever been skimmed for the cost.. Always a restful nights sleep..
I did find that it got a little too hot for me at times..
Its possible that you have not used the trans sib, as it goes nowhere near Kazan.

Checked just to make sure that I was correct..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trans-Siberian_Railway#Trans-Siberian_line
Scroll down to "Routes"...

I never said it went near Kazan, it left from Kazanskiy station in Moscow is all I remember and I was on a route via Eburg cos I was stopping off along the way so probs not the actual TS express itself but certainly the route.

I remember the station had a gap between the station building and the train shed and it was February and fecking freezing...

Uncle Pasha dropped me off, what a man, if he like you, what a dick if he didn't....

Miss read on my part, apologies...

Havin' ma doots now, looking on Google Earth, I can't be sure which station is it, unless they demolished the train shed!

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 27, 2017, 09:19:25 AM
The trans sib, starts from both kazanskya, and Yaroslavya, dependant upon the train number I think..

If you were travelling direct (Not changing trains) from Mos to Chel, then you would probably not have used the trans sib, as they do not stop in Chel.

Maybe you went Mos, Kaz, Ufa, Chel route..
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 29, 2017, 10:35:56 AM
Just wondering if I purchase the train ticket in advance, which would be ideal, and then my visa doesn't come through on the day I am led to believe it will, is it fairly straight forward to change the ticket to a different date?


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 29, 2017, 10:39:38 AM
I remember having to go to the foreigners kasa at the station in Moscow when getting trans-sib tickets. Only Russian was spoken and the only purpose of the foreigners kasa was to ensure that foreigners paid a mark up.

Can you imagine my surprise when going to the foreigners kasa in Irkutsk to buy the return ticket and the girl there spoke perfect English!? :). I loved the journey on the Trans-Sib and the time spent at and around Lake Baikal. Good memories!


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 29, 2017, 10:53:46 AM
Jerash,

IF you want to change tickets - you must give 3 days notice and will be asked to pay a fee of at least 1000 Roubles

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on January 29, 2017, 11:26:36 AM
Just wondering if I purchase the train ticket in advance, which would be ideal, and then my visa doesn't come through on the day I am led to believe it will, is it fairly straight forward to change the ticket to a different date?


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First visa, then ticket..

To be sure..
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 29, 2017, 01:25:33 PM
Yes, definitely wait until you have visa in hand.

Stiil, take a day to go down and check out the station, it's only a short metro ride from the center and spend a couple hours getting acquainted with the place while you're waiting for your visa. It will be, or should be interesting actually. The metro takes you right to the train station. My guess is that you're ok riding the metro, yes?

Check out what you'll need to do and where to go. Then, when you do return, all you have to do is buy the ticket and go straight to the train (kind of what I had in mind when suggesting). Buying a ticket at the station can be a little intimidating because of the language, but really the actual buying of the ticket is not that big of a deal and takes about 5-10 (or less even) minutes on average. Practice your lines in Russian.

Not sure how much you have with you, but if it's not that much (2-3 bags you can carry relatively easy) you can use the metro to the train station when you depart as well.

The train I used to take to Moscow usually departs somewhere around 18:30-19:30, but maybe it has changed. Apologies, if this is your plan aready.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 29, 2017, 02:44:14 PM
Yes, definitely wait until you have visa in hand.

Stiil, take a day to go down and check out the station, it's only a short metro ride from the center and spend a couple hours getting acquainted with the place while you're waiting for your visa. It will be, or should be interesting actually. The metro takes you right to the train station. My guess is that you're ok riding the metro, yes?

Check out what you'll need to do and where to go. Then, when you do return, all you have to do is buy the ticket and go straight to the train (kind of what I had in mind when suggesting). Buying a ticket at the station can be a little intimidating because of the language, but really the actual buying of the ticket is not that big of a deal and takes about 5-10 (or less even) minutes on average. Practice your lines in Russian.

Not sure how much you have with you, but if it's not that much (2-3 bags you can carry relatively easy) you can use the metro to the train station when you depart as well.

The train I used to take to Moscow usually departs somewhere around 18:30-19:30, but maybe it has changed. Apologies, if this is your plan aready.

From what I have been able to find out, there is two trains a day to Moscow from Kiev, the second one being at 19:30ish.  I've used the metro in Kiev before, so no problems there.  The one mistake I did make last time and am learning from this time is if I book myself into a proper hotel, the front desk will be able to call me a cab.  Last time I was there, you had to call a cab with an address, you could not flag one down.  When I'm actually on my way, I'll want to take taxi to the station as I'll have one checked-luggage sized suitcase (23kg/50lbs), one carry on suitcase, and one back pack.  Really don't want to navigate the metro with that load.

I don't know how easy it is to get a train ticket for same day travel, so if everything goes according to plan I think it's going to look like this:

Feb 3 - fly into Kiev, get settled
Feb 4-5 - kill time, smell the roses, field trip to the train station to scope everything out, practice my buying lines (what is the right term to express a preference for "lower bunk"?)
Feb 6 AM - meet with agent for document hand-over
Feb 6 PM - receive russkaya visa, metro to train station to purchase ticket, collect things from hotel, taxi back to station
Feb 6 evening - board train, go to Moscow
Feb 7 arrive in Moscow, begin new adventure

Still looking for accommodation in Moscow, but have some leads that will hopefully be fruitful.  I think I'll be spending the first few days in hotel/Airbnb set up at any rate, as I don't want to pay any deposits before I've actually seen a flat with my own eyes.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on January 29, 2017, 03:53:36 PM
Train 006K leaves at 19.33 on the 6th and only 7 of the 18 coaches departing have availability and not so many places left .. only 13 on the lower - more popular bunks

 
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on January 30, 2017, 04:45:39 AM
Still looking for accommodation in Moscow, but have some leads that will hopefully be fruitful.  I think I'll be spending the first few days in hotel/Airbnb set up at any rate, as I don't want to pay any deposits before I've actually seen a flat with my own eyes.
What's your budget? And, would you consider a nice hostel?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 30, 2017, 09:37:43 AM
Train 006K leaves at 19.33 on the 6th and only 7 of the 18 coaches departing have availability and not so many places left .. only 13 on the lower - more popular bunks

Thanks Moby. Not good news.


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 30, 2017, 09:40:54 AM
Still looking for accommodation in Moscow, but have some leads that will hopefully be fruitful.  I think I'll be spending the first few days in hotel/Airbnb set up at any rate, as I don't want to pay any deposits before I've actually seen a flat with my own eyes.
What's your budget? And, would you consider a nice hostel?
It depends on what we are talking about. Nice hostel for few days? Maybe - depends how nice, how private, and how secure.

As to a room for longer term - to start, 25,000-30,000 max, ideally less as I'll be in training for the first two months.


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 01, 2017, 10:40:06 AM
Today is the eve of departure.


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on February 01, 2017, 11:58:50 AM
Your paperwork must have arrived early. if you haven't a place yet, booking.com is a good source for temporary stays (2-10 days) until you get settled. Just be sure to confirm with a credit card and be skeptical of sites that say you can confirm without one.

Hiring a real estate agent is an option as well for long term rental, it's what I did. Maybe ask your employer for some leads. The one I knew moved to Australia, but I could ask around if interested.

Good luck.
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 01, 2017, 12:23:38 PM
Your paperwork must have arrived early. if you haven't a place yet, booking.com is a good source for temporary stays (2-10 days) until you get settled. Just be sure to confirm with a credit card and be skeptical of sites that say you can confirm without one.

Hiring a real estate agent is an option as well for long term rental, it's what I did. Maybe ask your employer for some leads. The one I knew moved to Australia, but I could ask around if interested.

Good luck.

Thanks Danchik. The paperwork is all being put together in Kiev now. Tomorrow I fly Winnipeg -> Toronto -> London -> Kiev. By the time I arrive in Kiev it will be dinner time Friday.

I've got a tight connection in London, but there were no other good options, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is going to work out. UK now sells the ability to move quickly through passport control (because they're so understaffed), so I got myself one of the express passes to help speed things up.

I have a few leads on flat shares in Moscow. There is one in particular that I am really keen on if she'll have me :) Flat is very nice and roomy and the location works - close to m. Ulitsa 1905 Goda. I'm really hoping that is going to work out. It would be a very good situation. If not, still have a couple of less desirable options in the works. I'll be in touch if I decide I need a real estate agent.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 01, 2017, 01:15:40 PM
Today is the eve of departure.

Good luck to you. I've enjoyed reading about your plans.  :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Danchik on February 01, 2017, 01:27:42 PM
Your paperwork must have arrived early. if you haven't a place yet, booking.com is a good source for temporary stays (2-10 days) until you get settled. Just be sure to confirm with a credit card and be skeptical of sites that say you can confirm without one.

Hiring a real estate agent is an option as well for long term rental, it's what I did. Maybe ask your employer for some leads. The one I knew moved to Australia, but I could ask around if interested.

Good luck.

Thanks Danchik. The paperwork is all being put together in Kiev now. Tomorrow I fly Winnipeg -> Toronto -> London -> Kiev. By the time I arrive in Kiev it will be dinner time Friday.

I've got a tight connection in London, but there were no other good options, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it is going to work out. UK now sells the ability to move quickly through passport control (because they're so understaffed), so I got myself one of the express passes to help speed things up.

I have a few leads on flat shares in Moscow. There is one in particular that I am really keen on if she'll have me :) Flat is very nice and roomy and the location works - close to m. Ulitsa 1905 Goda. I'm really hoping that is going to work out. It would be a very good situation. If not, still have a couple of less desirable options in the works. I'll be in touch if I decide I need a real estate agent.
I had no idea what your schedule was like so the advice was a little on the fly.

Yes, 1905 is a nice area where you can navigate and operate nicely relative to the city center and would be a nica place to start your stay. Hope it works out.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 02, 2017, 12:58:53 AM
Today is the eve of departure.


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Good luck, have a safe  :plane:

Whatever you do, don't buy your train ticket until you have your visa in your mit, Kiev is a little notorious for visa delays..
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on February 02, 2017, 07:50:32 AM
Good luck, Jerash

I must confess, I did not read your visa situation, properly

I would have gone for a  RU m/entry biz visa and sought a work one - while within Russia  - even if it meant leaving for a few days

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 02, 2017, 06:02:27 PM
Thanks for the good wishes, guys. I swear, I pack like a girl. Threw in the towel at 5 in the morning and then finished up when I got up today.  Left from Winterpeg, Manitoba today where it was a balmy -14 with a biting wind that made it feel like -24. I know I'm going to Moscow, so I have to keep my expectations in check, but hope for at least a small improvement in the weather. Looks like Kiev is hovering at about zero. Well, now I'm in Toronto, with about 90 minutes to take off for London.

A recommendation to anyone travelling to FSU countries and don't speak the local languages: I used Lingo Taxi today to book my cab from Borispol to the hotel. Went to the website and had immediate response from a real person when I opened a chat window with them. Booked it all via chat and waited for my confirmation to come by email. Once I received it, I was directed to a secure site to put in all my credit card info (I could choose to pay online by credit card/PayPal or pay cash to the driver directly) and now it's all done.

Alexey, my English-speaking driver, will be waiting for me with a sign in the arrivals hall to take me to my hotel. The price includes an hour of wait time, and airport parking. I've got his number too in the event I can't find him. I can hardly imagine anything easier. I used Lingo's Service in Moscow before and it worked like a charm.


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on February 02, 2017, 06:21:03 PM
Have a safe journey and hope the time zone adjustment will go smoothly.  :plane:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 02, 2017, 06:54:25 PM
Have a safe journey and hope the time zone adjustment will go smoothly.  :plane:

Thanks!


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on February 03, 2017, 12:59:09 AM
Have a safe journey and hope the time zone adjustment will go smoothly.  :plane:

Thanks!
You're welcome.  You mention Manitoba in a previous post.  That reminds me of a long lost Aunt who lived in Winnipeg back in the 1930s. Her mother was French Canadian and moved back to Canada after the onset of the Great Depression.  They were in Minnesota previously (I think she was born there).


Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 03, 2017, 03:05:23 AM
Good luck, Jerash

I must confess, I did not read your visa situation, properly

I would have gone for a  RU m/entry biz visa and sought a work one - while within Russia  - even if it meant leaving for a few days

Why? I'm getting the work visa now.


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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 03, 2017, 03:07:05 AM
Have a safe journey and hope the time zone adjustment will go smoothly.  :plane:

Thanks!
You're welcome.  You mention Manitoba in a previous post.  That reminds me of a long lost Aunt who lived in Winnipeg back in the 1930s. Her mother was French Canadian and moved back to Canada after the onset of the Great Depression.  They were in Minnesota previously (I think she was born there).

It's a small world. :) There is a small French population in Manitoba, although I think mostly Metis.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on February 03, 2017, 04:11:23 AM


Why? I'm getting the work visa now.
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Hopefully, and it time for your train :)  I meant to alleviate the stress factor!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 03, 2017, 04:56:21 AM
Good luck, Jerash

I must confess, I did not read your visa situation, properly

I would have gone for a  RU m/entry biz visa and sought a work one - while within Russia  - even if it meant leaving for a few days

That would be against the RU law, doing what Jerash is planning...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 03, 2017, 08:52:46 AM
Good luck, Jerash

I must confess, I did not read your visa situation, properly

I would have gone for a  RU m/entry biz visa and sought a work one - while within Russia  - even if it meant leaving for a few days

That would be against the RU law, doing what Jerash is planning...

Clearly the mohabism's of the World only like laws which suit their agendas.  :coffeeread:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on February 03, 2017, 10:15:37 AM


That would be against the RU law, doing what Jerash is planning...

I'm sure - given you keep tell me I'm 'breaking the law'

Paddock Pass for Sochi Grand Prix sorted ...


Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 03, 2017, 01:54:41 PM
The eagle has landed). Given that there was two connections from the middle of North America, I'm pretty happy to be here in about 18.5 hours flat. Lingo Taxi worked again exactly as advertised from Borispol. I was surprised that even at Borispol passport control the girl was friendly with me and we were joking a bit about my passport photo. She didn't ask me any questions and it was straight through.

I've settled into my hotel and relieved that I have all my luggage here with me. The girl here doesn't speak any English, so I'm already getting lots of practice with trying to communicate and understand in Russian.

Ever since I got to the waiting lounge for the Kiev flight in London, I couldn't help but notice the devushka factor. So many pretty girls everywhere!  And it just gets better in Kiev)). This is great!

The view from my hotel room:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170203/33e76b6932e24cfc0a2b8f4275687c7c.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170203/e1dd35d664120a33f49a87aaa4d069d7.jpg)


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Dogsoldier on February 03, 2017, 02:31:50 PM
The eagle has landed). Given that there was two connections from the middle of North America, I'm pretty happy to be here in about 18.5 hours flat. Lingo Taxi worked again exactly as advertised from Borispol. I was surprised that even at Borispol passport control the girl was friendly with me and we were joking a bit about my passport photo. She didn't ask me any questions and it was straight through.

I've settled into my hotel and relieved that I have all my luggage here with me. The girl here doesn't speak any English, so I'm already getting lots of practice with trying to communicate and understand in Russian.

Ever since I got to the waiting lounge for the Kiev flight in London, I couldn't help but notice the devushka factor. So many pretty girls everywhere!  And it just gets better in Kiev)). This is great!

The view from my hotel room:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170203/33e76b6932e24cfc0a2b8f4275687c7c.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170203/e1dd35d664120a33f49a87aaa4d069d7.jpg)


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Thats not from a hotel. Its all apartments in that block. There was an Ukrainian restaurant at ground level. Not sure its still there. Could be a seafood place now.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 03, 2017, 02:36:36 PM
The eagle has landed). Given that there was two connections from the middle of North America, I'm pretty happy to be here in about 18.5 hours flat. Lingo Taxi worked again exactly as advertised from Borispol. I was surprised that even at Borispol passport control the girl was friendly with me and we were joking a bit about my passport photo. She didn't ask me any questions and it was straight through.

I've settled into my hotel and relieved that I have all my luggage here with me. The girl here doesn't speak any English, so I'm already getting lots of practice with trying to communicate and understand in Russian.

Ever since I got to the waiting lounge for the Kiev flight in London, I couldn't help but notice the devushka factor. So many pretty girls everywhere!  And it just gets better in Kiev)). This is great!

The view from my hotel room:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170203/33e76b6932e24cfc0a2b8f4275687c7c.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170203/e1dd35d664120a33f49a87aaa4d069d7.jpg)


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Thats not from a hotel. Its all apartments in that block. There was an Ukrainian restaurant at ground level. Not sure its still there. Could be a seafood place now.

You are right, it is not a "hotel" in the pure sense of the word.  But the top floor (or part of it) has been converted into a "mini-hotel".  There's still a restaurant down stairs, not sure what though. Might be called "Opera".


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on February 03, 2017, 06:17:21 PM
Thanks for the photos.  It looks deserted, so must be in the very late night hours.  Reminds me of those movies where all humans were eliminated and nothing left except empty structures (ignoring the artificial lighting).   :-X
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 05, 2017, 10:47:26 PM
Thanks for the photos.  It looks deserted, so must be in the very late night hours.  Reminds me of those movies where all humans were eliminated and nothing left except empty structures (ignoring the artificial lighting).   :-X

I was thinking about how lucky I was to have the whole square of the Ukrainian National Opera House to myself. Actually, when I took that photo it was only 10 or 11 pm on a Friday night, go figure. Things look a bit different this morning with 4-5 inches of fresh snow overnight. And it's still snowing.

Here's a few more:(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/52afdae329977f7e9d717804c4a31dcb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170206/2f4360cae1e52b6e0ce446b60631b913.jpg)



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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 08, 2017, 06:56:06 AM
Damn, this city is cold!

On the recommendation of Gipsy, I contacted a visa agent in Moscow, who advised me to go to Kiev for my Russian work visa. I arrived there last Friday and got myself settled into my little hotel, which was great value for money. Nothing special, pretty simple, but a warm, private room with tv and private shower and toilet, and really friendly non-English speaking staff in a prime location for $35CAD/night.

I had the weekend to find some places to eat (I'm a big fan of Puzata Hata), tour the city a bit, and scout out everything for showtime on Monday. Spent awhile at the train station on Sunday to familiarize myself.

Monday arrived. I went to the office of the agent's agent. All I had to do was bring my passport. Everything else I was able to provide beforehand by email, including images of the previous application I had filled out. So I dropped off my passport a little after 10am with instructions to come back at 2pm. Went and got something to eat and went somewhere else for a pint of beer.

Arrived back at the agent at 2:30. Was handed my passport back with a Russian work visa!!!! Fair price and easy as pie in the end. Thank you to Gipsy for pointing me in the right direction. I would not hesitate to recommend Vadim to anyone who may need his services in the future.

Very pleased with everything, I hopped the metro to the train station. There were so many different windows there that I feel I lucked out going to the correct window on the first try. Adding to that, the very little English the woman at the window knew, she made up for with a desire to be helpful. I used my lines that Danchik suggested. All went well. By going to the train station to buy the ticket, I was made aware of other trains going to Moscow as well and also saved a few bucks on the price.  With my coupe ticket in hand, I got back on the metro towards the hotel. Had some dinner before near the hotel before going to collect my luggage and have a cab called.

Getting the cab to the train station turned out to be the one part of this day that almost went wrong. As the hotel was relatively close to the train station (about 30 minutes by foot), no one wanted to bother to actually come get me. I got to the hotel about 90 minutes before the train and ended up worrying I was going to miss it. Finally, a cab driver was found that was willing to come get me. But it snowed 4-5 inches overnight and once I was in the cab, we had difficulties getting out of the uncleared parking lane and back into traffic. In the end we managed that too, but the car I was in was in rough shape and I still wondered if we would actually make it!  To give you an idea, the car stalled at least once while coasting!  Luckily we arrived intact and on time and the chap was more than happy to help me get my bags to the station entrance after I made sure to give him a proper tip for coming to get me.

Once in the station, I got my provisions for the journey, changed the rest of my grivna for roubles, and boarded the waiting train.

I shared the compartment with one girl up until the border and then after that I had the cabin all to my lonesome. I have to say, the train was an older one and not as clean as I had expected. Nonetheless, I enjoyed some good sleep on either side of the Ukrainian exit and Russian entry activities. Honestly, the export and import controls were a bit of a joke - Ukrainians got me to lift the bench where my suitcases were and asked me if it was just clothes in there. Da da. Russians had me open one pocket of my backpack and looked inside my toiletries bag. :)

Russians were interested in me because of stamps in my passport - one from the embassy and one from the embassy in Kiev overcoming the other stamp. I had my documents checked twice, but everything was going my way. Soon I was in Russia with a valid work visa, all stresses deflated and I slept rather well....

Forgetting the one hour time change and my iPhone only remembering this at the last moment, we pulled into the Kievskaya Station, with me thinking there was an hour to go! :)  Well, I scrambled and made a hasty departure from the train and there was my Lingo Taxi driver waiting for me on the platform with a signboard, like clockwork.

I was conveyed to my Airbnb in a Stalinist block of flats spitting distance from Metro Universitet. The driver helped me up with my bags all the way to the door of the flat where I'd be staying a few days. He was a standup guy who came here ten years ago from Tajikistan.

The flat is nice, the room spacious, and the hosts hospitable. I thought I'd be staying with a young Muscovite who speaks good English, but it turns out I'm staying with his parents. It's a good experience and his mother makes me feel very welcome and is very patient as we communicate in Russian (with a little bit of English thrown in).

I met the girl today who is renting a room at Ulitsa 1905 Goda today and await news on whether she'll rent to me. It's a bit more than I want to spend at this point to be honest, but I don't really have a lot of options.

Got myself a SIM card and a Russian number today.

Last night I slept normal hours for the first time since leaving the heart of Canada.

I'm home!




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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 08, 2017, 07:00:19 AM
One thing I wanted to add is, having been in Istanbul during the east European cold snap last month, something I like about cold places is they know how to heat and keep indoors warm!

Another note, I'm finding my knowledge of Polish to be both a blessing and a curse!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170208/72ce45fd1e153252d44a033ae031c272.jpg)


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 08, 2017, 07:21:40 AM
Well this speech keeps coming to my mind :). The only place I can find it is in this song, which is where I heard it first anyways. Good song, but the speech starts at around 3:07:


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 09, 2017, 07:20:12 AM
One thing I wanted to add is, having been in Istanbul during the east European cold snap last month, something I like about cold places is they know how to heat and keep indoors warm!

Another note, I'm finding my knowledge of Polish to be both a blessing and a curse!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170208/72ce45fd1e153252d44a033ae031c272.jpg)


.

One wishes you the very best of luck and success in your new venture..   :thumbsup:

One also hopes that you will continue to write here about all of your upcoming trials and tribulations, inc female ones of course..  ;D

Such tales about real life encounters and experience will obviously demand that the reads question you, make fun of you, support you, and possibly learn something from you..  :bow:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 09, 2017, 07:34:13 AM
Damn, this city is cold!

On the recommendation of Gipsy, I contacted a visa agent in Moscow, who advised me to go to Kiev for my Russian work visa. I arrived there last Friday and got myself settled into my little hotel, which was great value for money. Nothing special, pretty simple, but a warm, private room with tv and private shower and toilet, and really friendly non-English speaking staff in a prime location for $35CAD/night.

I had the weekend to find some places to eat (I'm a big fan of Puzata Hata), tour the city a bit, and scout out everything for showtime on Monday. Spent awhile at the train station on Sunday to familiarize myself.

Monday arrived. I went to the office of the agent's agent. All I had to do was bring my passport. Everything else I was able to provide beforehand by email, including images of the previous application I had filled out. So I dropped off my passport a little after 10am with instructions to come back at 2pm. Went and got something to eat and went somewhere else for a pint of beer.

Arrived back at the agent at 2:30. Was handed my passport back with a Russian work visa!!!! Fair price and easy as pie in the end. Thank you to Gipsy for pointing me in the right direction. I would not hesitate to recommend Vadim to anyone who may need his services in the future.

Very pleased with everything, I hopped the metro to the train station. There were so many different windows there that I feel I lucked out going to the correct window on the first try. Adding to that, the very little English the woman at the window knew, she made up for with a desire to be helpful. I used my lines that Danchik suggested. All went well. By going to the train station to buy the ticket, I was made aware of other trains going to Moscow as well and also saved a few bucks on the price.  With my coupe ticket in hand, I got back on the metro towards the hotel. Had some dinner before near the hotel before going to collect my luggage and have a cab called.

Getting the cab to the train station turned out to be the one part of this day that almost went wrong. As the hotel was relatively close to the train station (about 30 minutes by foot), no one wanted to bother to actually come get me. I got to the hotel about 90 minutes before the train and ended up worrying I was going to miss it. Finally, a cab driver was found that was willing to come get me. But it snowed 4-5 inches overnight and once I was in the cab, we had difficulties getting out of the uncleared parking lane and back into traffic. In the end we managed that too, but the car I was in was in rough shape and I still wondered if we would actually make it!  To give you an idea, the car stalled at least once while coasting!  Luckily we arrived intact and on time and the chap was more than happy to help me get my bags to the station entrance after I made sure to give him a proper tip for coming to get me.

Once in the station, I got my provisions for the journey, changed the rest of my grivna for roubles, and boarded the waiting train.

I shared the compartment with one girl up until the border and then after that I had the cabin all to my lonesome. I have to say, the train was an older one and not as clean as I had expected. Nonetheless, I enjoyed some good sleep on either side of the Ukrainian exit and Russian entry activities. Honestly, the export and import controls were a bit of a joke - Ukrainians got me to lift the bench where my suitcases were and asked me if it was just clothes in there. Da da. Russians had me open one pocket of my backpack and looked inside my toiletries bag. :)

Russians were interested in me because of stamps in my passport - one from the embassy and one from the embassy in Kiev overcoming the other stamp. I had my documents checked twice, but everything was going my way. Soon I was in Russia with a valid work visa, all stresses deflated and I slept rather well....

Forgetting the one hour time change and my iPhone only remembering this at the last moment, we pulled into the Kievskaya Station, with me thinking there was an hour to go! :)  Well, I scrambled and made a hasty departure from the train and there was my Lingo Taxi driver waiting for me on the platform with a signboard, like clockwork.

I was conveyed to my Airbnb in a Stalinist block of flats spitting distance from Metro Universitet. The driver helped me up with my bags all the way to the door of the flat where I'd be staying a few days. He was a standup guy who came here ten years ago from Tajikistan.

The flat is nice, the room spacious, and the hosts hospitable. I thought I'd be staying with a young Muscovite who speaks good English, but it turns out I'm staying with his parents. It's a good experience and his mother makes me feel very welcome and is very patient as we communicate in Russian (with a little bit of English thrown in).

I met the girl today who is renting a room at Ulitsa 1905 Goda today and await news on whether she'll rent to me. It's a bit more than I want to spend at this point to be honest, but I don't really have a lot of options.

Got myself a SIM card and a Russian number today.

Last night I slept normal hours for the first time since leaving the heart of Canada.

I'm home!




.

Don't forget to register where you are/will be living, you have 7 working days to do this from the day after your arrival.
If you are staying in a hotel at this time, they should register you, however, if you get a room somewhere soon, you should register there, its also possible that the school in which you will be doing your training will also register you.
If you are to be fully legal, the school should help you register at a local tax office, and get you your tax number, also same at the pension office.
You will be required to pay 30% tax on all of your "Official" earnings for your first 6 months in Russia, thereafter, you will pay 13%, anytime after the first 6 months, you can claim the excess tax (Difference between 13 & 30% = 17%) back, though the school may not register you as a tax payer, if they don't, then be extremely careful and quiet about it..
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 11, 2017, 10:17:44 PM
One thing I wanted to add is, having been in Istanbul during the east European cold snap last month, something I like about cold places is they know how to heat and keep indoors warm!

Another note, I'm finding my knowledge of Polish to be both a blessing and a curse!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170208/72ce45fd1e153252d44a033ae031c272.jpg)


.

One wishes you the very best of luck and success in your new venture..   :thumbsup:

One also hopes that you will continue to write here about all of your upcoming trials and tribulations, inc female ones of course..  ;D

Such tales about real life encounters and experience will obviously demand that the reads question you, make fun of you, support you, and possibly learn something from you..  :bow:

Hi Gipsy - I'll be back to post more of my experiences. At the moment, I've been busy developing my sea legs as it were. My top priority at the moment is finding a place to live. Still looking and I am somewhat limited by my lack of Russian. Hopefully I'll find something soon.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 12, 2017, 08:18:15 AM
One thing I wanted to add is, having been in Istanbul during the east European cold snap last month, something I like about cold places is they know how to heat and keep indoors warm!

Another note, I'm finding my knowledge of Polish to be both a blessing and a curse!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170208/72ce45fd1e153252d44a033ae031c272.jpg)


.

One wishes you the very best of luck and success in your new venture..   :thumbsup:

One also hopes that you will continue to write here about all of your upcoming trials and tribulations, inc female ones of course..  ;D

Such tales about real life encounters and experience will obviously demand that the reads question you, make fun of you, support you, and possibly learn something from you..  :bow:

Hi Gipsy - I'll be back to post more of my experiences. At the moment, I've been busy developing my sea legs as it were. My top priority at the moment is finding a place to live. Still looking and I am somewhat limited by my lack of Russian. Hopefully I'll find something soon.


.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on February 12, 2017, 09:20:46 AM
Jerash,

Yes cold be good description of Kiev and Moscow at this time of the year.

Please keep us updated and when we have insights you will read them.

Av
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 13, 2017, 01:19:01 PM
I've fully adjusted to the time difference now and so that aspect of my life is normal. Of course, very little else is normal and I find myself waaaaay outside my comfort zone. This is exactly what I was seeking. Just getting started here in Moscow, everyday brings new challenges in floods, but it is starting to settle down now.

One thing anyone who tries this has going for them, is immediate access to the powers of the internet on their phone. This never existed before and relocating/travelling is now easier than at any other time in human history. Also, instant translation apps aren't perfect, but are incredibly helpful to the newcomer.

It's good that I know the Russian alphabet and I'd recommend that anyone coming here take the necessary 30 minutes to learn it. It will make your life immeasurably easier. I already feel as though I must appear like a local in the metro system, casually scanning the different signs to see where I need to go, whether it's transferring to another line, or finding the best exit from the metro.

I haven't been on every metro in the world, but I've been in a few and I'm certain the Moscow Metro is one of the world's best, never mind that many of the stations are works of art. It is phenomenally easy to use and navigate and I didn't yet wait two minutes for a train. At times, I do feel like I'm spending half my life on the metro here, but I guess that is down to it being a premium form of transport and so I never feel reluctant to travel ANYWHERE in this city. It's just so easy, fast, convenient, etc etc.

The certification course started today. It's been awhile since I spent 8 hours in the classroom, so it was pretty exhausting. I'm counting on it getting easier and I know I won't regret having done it at the end.

I'm in a group of 12 for the next two months. Me and 11 Russians, so it's a good place for me to make friends, contacts, gather new information as I try to acculturate myself. It will help down the road as well career-wise as I already start to get a sense of my value as a native speaker. I don't yet really know what the range of "going rates" are in my new chosen profession, but once I do, I'll have a good sense of how to price my own services. Plus are can already take into account other things - Moscow is not as cheap as I imagined it would be. I can see that now.  I need to be more careful with my money than I thought I would, especially since I can't really count on making any money over the next two months.

Life back home is sorting itself out - the financials are resolving themselves and I am expecting the divorce certificate in the mail anytime. Still working on the right way to disentangle myself with my employment in Canada, but it's coming along. I know that I need to be free from that and be the one in the driver's seat.

A couple of days after arriving in Moscow, I got bored of being alone so I fired up my dormant Tinder account. It's too easy :) so I had to stop for a bit as my schedule in the immediate future is filled up :)  I've been busy making connections to this city and learning about different perspectives on life here. I've met a number of great women for coffee and dessert already and some of them I'm keeping in contact with and will see again.

I think I'm doing everything right and so far so good. The school is getting me registered and I'll definitely look at the taxation issues more closely when I start bringing in some money, as I want everything to be above board and every right to be here.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on February 14, 2017, 05:08:49 AM
Not sure if its of any use to you but Facebook have a page for expats in Moscow

https://www.facebook.com/groups/moscowexpats/?fref=nf


There are always people needing English teachers even for a few hours here and there amongst other things. But I would stay away from any Russians or anyone offering "Expat services" :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 14, 2017, 08:56:28 AM
Steve, I hadn't seen this one. I just had a look and I think I'll find it very helpful! Thanks for sharing it!

They waste no time throwing us straight into the fire here!!! Tomorrow I have to give my first lesson
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 14, 2017, 10:00:49 AM
Steve, I hadn't seen this one. I just had a look and I think I'll find it very helpful! Thanks for sharing it!

They waste no time throwing us straight into the fire here!!! Tomorrow I have to give my first lesson


Good fortune! Don't let them see any trace of fear in you or they'll pounce and eat you alive! ;)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: d672 on February 14, 2017, 06:50:01 PM
Steve, I hadn't seen this one. I just had a look and I think I'll find it very helpful! Thanks for sharing it!

They waste no time throwing us straight into the fire here!!! Tomorrow I have to give my first lesson


Good fortune! Don't let them see any trace of fear in you or they'll pounce and eat you alive! ;)


 Good advice for when he starts dating there too!   :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 16, 2017, 04:16:08 PM
Thanks Andrew. I'm pretty sure I nailed it. It seems I was the only one who knew I was nervous. They applauded at the end as it turns out so I guess that puts the pressure on for a follow up. Two Russian teachers taught as well. Their challenges are different than mine and they weren't applauded, although they are highly knowledgeable.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 16, 2017, 05:05:23 PM
Glad to hear it.

Popped your cherry and the next one is easier.
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 20, 2017, 03:29:27 PM
I only had one real hesitation about moving to Russia. And that was all the facking ironing I would have to do! :)))

I'm happy to report I just got through my first round of ironing. It was only two pairs of jeans, but still, it's the first time I ever ironed pants/trousers. l:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Mr strange on February 20, 2017, 03:43:36 PM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/expatua/

Also Ukraine for you!
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 20, 2017, 03:55:37 PM
Today completes two weeks of living in Moscow. Tomorrow I move into my more permanent living arrangement.

I'm pretty happy about it as there were bookings coming up at the Airbnb I'm staying and so I couldn't stay here. I was not relishing the idea of moving yet again to a temporary Airbnb and keeping my bags largely unpacked.

Need to focus on school right now, something that is hard to do when you are unsure where you'll be staying in the next few days.

I tried various ways to find something, including expat.ru and a number of closed Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Moscow. Expat.ru and the other ones that have an expat dimension are generally overpriced.

I also had some local friends trying to help me out. I also hunkered down and started searching the local flat and room websites/apps and sending messages.

I've looked at a number of places. Lots of dodgy stuff to be had. Went to see some places with two different agents. First agent seemed to go AWOL after showing me two on Friday. I messaged another agent about something I'd seen on one of the local sites. A friend from the course graciously did the initial communication and explanation of what I'm looking for. This second agent advised that the place I was enquiring about was not for me (I appreciated her honesty) but she would work to find something fitting what I'd set out as my specs. Met her first on Saturday and we saw one place. A bit dodgy and the pics didn't quite match the reality. With my little bit of Russian and her little bit of English, we managed to get on quite well.

Next day she set up two viewings for me. We never made it to the second one, because the first worked for me. I have a six month contract so I'm not overly committed right at the start and there's many good things to recommend it, including the location.

The agent happens to be friendly and cute. We took a walk after and then went back to my place so I could get USD to exchange. After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent), she took me to a nice Georgian restaurant, where we had a great meal (enjoying all the same tastes, including onions, which I love) and shared a half litre of wine. I gave her my arm back to the metro, which she willingly took.

Good stuff. I love this city. I already have the keys and move in today.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 20, 2017, 09:02:59 PM
Today completes two weeks of living in Moscow. Tomorrow I move into my more permanent living arrangement.

I'm pretty happy about it as there were bookings coming up at the Airbnb I'm staying and so I couldn't stay here. I was not relishing the idea of moving yet again to a temporary Airbnb and keeping my bags largely unpacked.

Need to focus on school right now, something that is hard to do when you are unsure where you'll be staying in the next few days.

I tried various ways to find something, including expat.ru and a number of closed Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Moscow. Expat.ru and the other ones that have an expat dimension are generally overpriced.

I also had some local friends trying to help me out. I also hunkered down and started searching the local flat and room websites/apps and sending messages.

I've looked at a number of places. Lots of dodgy stuff to be had. Went to see some places with two different agents. First agent seemed to go AWOL after showing me two on Friday. I messaged another agent about something I'd seen on one of the local sites. A friend from the course graciously did the initial communication and explanation of what I'm looking for. This second agent advised that the place I was enquiring about was not for me (I appreciated her honesty) but she would work to find something fitting what I'd set out as my specs. Met her first on Saturday and we saw one place. A bit dodgy and the pics didn't quite match the reality. With my little bit of Russian and her little bit of English, we managed to get on quite well.

Next day she set up two viewings for me. We never made it to the second one, because the first worked for me. I have a six month contract so I'm not overly committed right at the start and there's many good things to recommend it, including the location.

The agent happens to be friendly and cute. We took a walk after and then went back to my place so I could get USD to exchange. After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent), she took me to a nice Georgian restaurant, where we had a great meal (enjoying all the same tastes, including onions, which I love) and shared a half litre of wine. I gave her my arm back to the metro, which she willingly took.

Good stuff. I love this city. I already have the keys and move in today.


.

Like a good wine, maybe she is moooorrrriiiissshhhhhh??  ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 21, 2017, 12:24:23 AM
Glad to read that you are starting to get the hang of looking after yourself.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Maxx on February 21, 2017, 02:13:50 AM
After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent),

That was what happened to me. I laid down 2 months rent on the table, $600. And the agent the landlady employed reached down and took $150.

Good luck on your journey! Living there in your own apartment verses staying at a hotel is quite a difference. Next thing is making up a list of all the things you'll need to make your life comfortable and stocking the refrigerator of course.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 21, 2017, 02:16:43 AM
After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent),

That was what happened to me. I laid down 2 months rent on the table, $600. And the agent the landlady employed reached down and took $150.

Good luck on your journey! Living there in your own apartment verses staying at a hotel is quite a difference. Next thing is making up a list of all the things you'll need to make your life comfortable and stocking the refrigerator of course.

Thanks Maxx. I'm very much looking forward to finally settling in. Wish I had a place as ritzy as yours, though))


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Maxx on February 21, 2017, 04:00:14 AM
After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent),

That was what happened to me. I laid down 2 months rent on the table, $600. And the agent the landlady employed reached down and took $150.

Good luck on your journey! Living there in your own apartment verses staying at a hotel is quite a difference. Next thing is making up a list of all the things you'll need to make your life comfortable and stocking the refrigerator of course.

Thanks Maxx. I'm very much looking forward to finally settling in. Wish I had a place as ritzy as yours, though))


.

Not so ritzy. What lies (or is it "lays"?) outside my door.

(http://i66.tinypic.com/11uxndj.jpg)

And what laid outside my door on the other place I had rented.

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hz509d.jpg)

After a while you get used to this, like the locals.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 21, 2017, 04:01:26 AM
After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent),

That was what happened to me. I laid down 2 months rent on the table, $600. And the agent the landlady employed reached down and took $150.

Good luck on your journey! Living there in your own apartment verses staying at a hotel is quite a difference. Next thing is making up a list of all the things you'll need to make your life comfortable and stocking the refrigerator of course.

Thanks Maxx. I'm very much looking forward to finally settling in. Wish I had a place as ritzy as yours, though))


.

Not so ritzy. What lies (or is it "lays"?) outside my door.

(http://i66.tinypic.com/11uxndj.jpg)

Looks about as glamorous as what lies outside of my door!



.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Maxx on February 21, 2017, 04:11:07 AM
After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent),

That was what happened to me. I laid down 2 months rent on the table, $600. And the agent the landlady employed reached down and took $150.

Good luck on your journey! Living there in your own apartment verses staying at a hotel is quite a difference. Next thing is making up a list of all the things you'll need to make your life comfortable and stocking the refrigerator of course.

Thanks Maxx. I'm very much looking forward to finally settling in. Wish I had a place as ritzy as yours, though))


.

Not so ritzy. What lies (or is it "lays"?) outside my door.

(http://i66.tinypic.com/11uxndj.jpg)

Looks about as glamorous as what lies outside of my door!



.

Check out my additional photo. I added it in there while you were responding to my post.

I have a theory that the lack of outside decor is a combination of a much lower income and a leftover of the Soviet system where standing out above your neighbors was not a wise thing to do.

(http://i64.tinypic.com/2hz509d.jpg)

Note the elevators are mixed in with the stairwells and they stop between the floors.

(http://i65.tinypic.com/6zugco.jpg)


(http://i67.tinypic.com/35lvre0.jpg)

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on February 21, 2017, 04:32:01 AM
 My place in Copenhagen..(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170221/bf1836061667aed8a088d0c00a086dd9.jpg)

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Maxx on February 21, 2017, 04:41:03 AM

How much per month Ste?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on February 21, 2017, 05:32:51 AM

How much per month Ste?

Not cheap! 8874DKK a month, about $1200, Harbour view tho!

Worth it, common passageways are spotless, lifts work, all lightbulbs present. In Russia don't think I ever visited a block of flats with any working lightbulbs in the hallways and stairs, or all the post boxes broken....
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Maxx on February 21, 2017, 06:00:48 AM
Thanks Ste. One month's rent cost 4 of my own. I'll remember that next time I step out my door. I think Jerash also might use that to put things into perspective.

A couple of weekends ago my lift was out from Friday morning until Monday afternoon. The motor burnt out I was told.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on February 21, 2017, 06:41:00 AM

How much per month Ste?

Not cheap! 8874DKK a month, about $1200, Harbour view tho!

Worth it, common passageways are spotless, lifts work, all lightbulbs present. In Russia don't think I ever visited a block of flats with any working lightbulbs in the hallways and stairs, or all the post boxes broken....

We pay about $1000 a month and every thing works! All the lights all the lifts and its all spotlessly clean, the estate has plenty of groundsmen, the flowers are all nice outside no broken anything..some guy fell off the roof a few months ago and died when he hit the flower bed other than that no other drama's :)

I would post some pics here but some error happens when when I try to upload some pics((



Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: rosco on February 21, 2017, 10:42:25 AM
Today completes two weeks of living in Moscow. Tomorrow I move into my more permanent living arrangement.

I'm pretty happy about it as there were bookings coming up at the Airbnb I'm staying and so I couldn't stay here. I was not relishing the idea of moving yet again to a temporary Airbnb and keeping my bags largely unpacked.

Need to focus on school right now, something that is hard to do when you are unsure where you'll be staying in the next few days.

I tried various ways to find something, including expat.ru and a number of closed Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Moscow. Expat.ru and the other ones that have an expat dimension are generally overpriced.

I also had some local friends trying to help me out. I also hunkered down and started searching the local flat and room websites/apps and sending messages.

I've looked at a number of places. Lots of dodgy stuff to be had. Went to see some places with two different agents. First agent seemed to go AWOL after showing me two on Friday. I messaged another agent about something I'd seen on one of the local sites. A friend from the course graciously did the initial communication and explanation of what I'm looking for. This second agent advised that the place I was enquiring about was not for me (I appreciated her honesty) but she would work to find something fitting what I'd set out as my specs. Met her first on Saturday and we saw one place. A bit dodgy and the pics didn't quite match the reality. With my little bit of Russian and her little bit of English, we managed to get on quite well.

Next day she set up two viewings for me. We never made it to the second one, because the first worked for me. I have a six month contract so I'm not overly committed right at the start and there's many good things to recommend it, including the location.

The agent happens to be friendly and cute. We took a walk after and then went back to my place so I could get USD to exchange. After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent), she took me to a nice Georgian restaurant, where we had a great meal (enjoying all the same tastes, including onions, which I love) and shared a half litre of wine. I gave her my arm back to the metro, which she willingly took.

Good stuff. I love this city. I already have the keys and move in today.


.

Negotiate a better price with the flat owner cutting out Airbnb. The owners take a better cut and you get a deal - it's quite common.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 21, 2017, 10:59:22 AM
Today completes two weeks of living in Moscow. Tomorrow I move into my more permanent living arrangement.

I'm pretty happy about it as there were bookings coming up at the Airbnb I'm staying and so I couldn't stay here. I was not relishing the idea of moving yet again to a temporary Airbnb and keeping my bags largely unpacked.

Need to focus on school right now, something that is hard to do when you are unsure where you'll be staying in the next few days.

I tried various ways to find something, including expat.ru and a number of closed Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Moscow. Expat.ru and the other ones that have an expat dimension are generally overpriced.

I also had some local friends trying to help me out. I also hunkered down and started searching the local flat and room websites/apps and sending messages.

I've looked at a number of places. Lots of dodgy stuff to be had. Went to see some places with two different agents. First agent seemed to go AWOL after showing me two on Friday. I messaged another agent about something I'd seen on one of the local sites. A friend from the course graciously did the initial communication and explanation of what I'm looking for. This second agent advised that the place I was enquiring about was not for me (I appreciated her honesty) but she would work to find something fitting what I'd set out as my specs. Met her first on Saturday and we saw one place. A bit dodgy and the pics didn't quite match the reality. With my little bit of Russian and her little bit of English, we managed to get on quite well.

Next day she set up two viewings for me. We never made it to the second one, because the first worked for me. I have a six month contract so I'm not overly committed right at the start and there's many good things to recommend it, including the location.

The agent happens to be friendly and cute. We took a walk after and then went back to my place so I could get USD to exchange. After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent), she took me to a nice Georgian restaurant, where we had a great meal (enjoying all the same tastes, including onions, which I love) and shared a half litre of wine. I gave her my arm back to the metro, which she willingly took.

Good stuff. I love this city. I already have the keys and move in today.


.

Negotiate a better price with the flat owner cutting out Airbnb. The owners take a better cut and you get a deal - it's quite common.

I tried, and I paid for part of my time there in straight cash. But she's doing really well and is an incredible host. She's committed to her upcoming bookings.

Anyway, all good now, I'm in my new place and purring like a cat with happiness :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 21, 2017, 11:02:13 AM
Today completes two weeks of living in Moscow. Tomorrow I move into my more permanent living arrangement.

I'm pretty happy about it as there were bookings coming up at the Airbnb I'm staying and so I couldn't stay here. I was not relishing the idea of moving yet again to a temporary Airbnb and keeping my bags largely unpacked.

Need to focus on school right now, something that is hard to do when you are unsure where you'll be staying in the next few days.

I tried various ways to find something, including expat.ru and a number of closed Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Moscow. Expat.ru and the other ones that have an expat dimension are generally overpriced.

I also had some local friends trying to help me out. I also hunkered down and started searching the local flat and room websites/apps and sending messages.

I've looked at a number of places. Lots of dodgy stuff to be had. Went to see some places with two different agents. First agent seemed to go AWOL after showing me two on Friday. I messaged another agent about something I'd seen on one of the local sites. A friend from the course graciously did the initial communication and explanation of what I'm looking for. This second agent advised that the place I was enquiring about was not for me (I appreciated her honesty) but she would work to find something fitting what I'd set out as my specs. Met her first on Saturday and we saw one place. A bit dodgy and the pics didn't quite match the reality. With my little bit of Russian and her little bit of English, we managed to get on quite well.

Next day she set up two viewings for me. We never made it to the second one, because the first worked for me. I have a six month contract so I'm not overly committed right at the start and there's many good things to recommend it, including the location.

The agent happens to be friendly and cute. We took a walk after and then went back to my place so I could get USD to exchange. After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent), she took me to a nice Georgian restaurant, where we had a great meal (enjoying all the same tastes, including onions, which I love) and shared a half litre of wine. I gave her my arm back to the metro, which she willingly took.

Good stuff. I love this city. I already have the keys and move in today.


.

Negotiate a better price with the flat owner cutting out Airbnb. The owners take a better cut and you get a deal - it's quite common.

Have you tried using the mobile app? Uploads are super easy then.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: rosco on February 21, 2017, 11:07:53 AM
Today completes two weeks of living in Moscow. Tomorrow I move into my more permanent living arrangement.

I'm pretty happy about it as there were bookings coming up at the Airbnb I'm staying and so I couldn't stay here. I was not relishing the idea of moving yet again to a temporary Airbnb and keeping my bags largely unpacked.

Need to focus on school right now, something that is hard to do when you are unsure where you'll be staying in the next few days.

I tried various ways to find something, including expat.ru and a number of closed Facebook groups dedicated to housing in Moscow. Expat.ru and the other ones that have an expat dimension are generally overpriced.

I also had some local friends trying to help me out. I also hunkered down and started searching the local flat and room websites/apps and sending messages.

I've looked at a number of places. Lots of dodgy stuff to be had. Went to see some places with two different agents. First agent seemed to go AWOL after showing me two on Friday. I messaged another agent about something I'd seen on one of the local sites. A friend from the course graciously did the initial communication and explanation of what I'm looking for. This second agent advised that the place I was enquiring about was not for me (I appreciated her honesty) but she would work to find something fitting what I'd set out as my specs. Met her first on Saturday and we saw one place. A bit dodgy and the pics didn't quite match the reality. With my little bit of Russian and her little bit of English, we managed to get on quite well.

Next day she set up two viewings for me. We never made it to the second one, because the first worked for me. I have a six month contract so I'm not overly committed right at the start and there's many good things to recommend it, including the location.

The agent happens to be friendly and cute. We took a walk after and then went back to my place so I could get USD to exchange. After exchanging it so I could pay her her commission (50% of the first months rent) and the bit she had spotted me because I didn't have full cash on hand for first month rent and deposit (equal to one month rent), she took me to a nice Georgian restaurant, where we had a great meal (enjoying all the same tastes, including onions, which I love) and shared a half litre of wine. I gave her my arm back to the metro, which she willingly took.

Good stuff. I love this city. I already have the keys and move in today.


.

Negotiate a better price with the flat owner cutting out Airbnb. The owners take a better cut and you get a deal - it's quite common.

Have you tried using the mobile app? Uploads are super easy then.


.

I have and its a great asset. Some will get worked up over the morality of it all but there are times when you need to do deals. We were in South Africa not long back and I initially booked accommodation through Airbnb. Once I was there though, I had the contact and done a better deal for a new rental cutting out the website.

Just for thought.
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 21, 2017, 11:41:02 AM
Oops! I had meant to quote Steveboy's post about uploading problems.

As to Airbnb, I guess it just depends on what you need. If you can cut them out and get a better deal, makes perfect sense. In my case the host wasn't really willing to do that at first, but in the end we did part of it that way.

Overall, Airbnb is a good scheme and I am happy to patronize them. It's good for short stays and it's nice how they act as middle-man when you want to be sure you aren't going to be scammed.

I have had to make two Airbnb cancellations in the past, including most recently when I had planned to come up to Moscow in January, but then had visa problems (second time around I didn't book anything until I had visa in hand). In both cases, they were more than fair, resolving things far beyond my expectations and the written policies. All around, a good way to find accommodation, which varies from ultra-budget to super posh. But like you, I wouldn't necessarily have an issue cutting Airbnb out of it where it makes sense to do so.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 09:30:32 AM
In case anyone is interested in practicalities related to living in Moscow, here's something really practical - turns out I've got a mini-Auchan (mega-supermarket) about 100-200 metres from where I live. Here's what I got for 1,576ru, or about $27 (MacBook not included ;) )
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170224/dd29b93981a6765316e9684673e763ff.jpg)


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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 09:46:32 AM
There's a few things I don't compromise on - the little green bottle is extra virgin olive oil from Spain. I could have gotten a bigger bag of pelmeni for less money, but decided to spend a bit more on that. I took the same strategy on the bag of pasta. The pre-prepped salad is a ripoff, but they are anywhere. You trade savings for convenience. Normally, I wouldn't spend what I did on a one litre water, but I was buying it more for the shape, size, and construction of the bottle as I would like to refill it from the 5 litre bottles to keep some cold in the fridge. Bag of sugar and salt, as well as empty containers and a frying pan wouldn't be a part of future purchases.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 24, 2017, 09:48:40 AM
There's a few things I don't compromise on - the little green bottle is extra virgin olive oil from Spain. I could have gotten a bigger bag of pelmeni for less money, but decided to spend a bit more on that. I took the same strategy on the bag of pasta. The pre-prepped side is a ripoff, but they are anywhere. You trade savings for convenience. Normally, I wouldn't spend what I did on a one litre water, but I was buying it more for the shape and size as I would like to refill it from the 5 litre bottles to keep some cold in the fridge. Bag of sugar and salt, as well as empty containers and a frying pan wouldn't be a part of future purchases.

What about onions? You like your onions, don't you!  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 09:49:59 AM
Love 'em man!! :)


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 24, 2017, 09:51:26 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 24, 2017, 10:02:01 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

Maybe I missed it but I didn't see a large bag of Potatoes to go with those onions? I rarely buy more than one onion at a time.  :chuckle:
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:06:42 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

I've always loved onions and have found my love for them only grows. They are extremely versatile (if you love onions that is). I hesitated on the frying pan, but I needed one, so decided to give it a go. It's only about $5.50 CAD, so no loss if it doesn't stand the test of time. Should be good for a few meals at least!

I was pretty happy with the grocery bill actually. The longer I'm here, the better I'll understand the costs. I have three grocery stores within 3-4 min walk of me and I've visited all now and am able to start evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each.

I don't plan on making money til about May, so part of my strategy is to try to spend prudently, and not to overpay for things. If I make money before then, it's bonus. On this strategy, I'll be ok.

I have become aware that I must look like a fool, looking at everything in each shop intensely. I am like a small child, soaking up piles of information all for the first time. I want to know what's available and what it costs.

I've done two lessons now in the training. The students like me. For lesson two, I spent the whole day before moving and buying things like sheets and pillows (so I can sleep) and towels (so I can shower). So I felt underprepared and I wasn't particularly happy with the result, but the evaluation was good and the evaluator pointed out a number of things I did well, which I hadn't noticed because I wasn't in the right frame of mind.

Now that I'm settling in, I'll be able to focus more on the course work and feel less harried by it.

The piece of paper at the end will be nice, but the real benefit for me is to methodically learn about the teaching approach and build my confidence.


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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:08:39 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

Maybe I missed it but I didn't see a large bag of Potatoes to go with those onions? I rarely buy more than one onion at a time.  :chuckle:

I'll happily put a half onion into an omelette ;)
They keep well so for me it is wasting time to just buy one.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:11:18 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

Maybe I missed it but I didn't see a large bag of Potatoes to go with those onions? I rarely buy more than one onion at a time.  :chuckle:

I'll be getting the potatoes next time. I had a meat and potatoes upbringing and I love them!!!


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 24, 2017, 10:22:36 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

I have become aware that I must look like a fool, looking at everything in each shop intensely. I am like a small child, soaking up piles of information all for the first time. I want to know what's available and what it costs.

I still do this but I'm back home in America and I speak the language! Go figure.  :laugh:

Congratulations on settling in just fine. I also go from market to market as some have better deals on one thing than the other. That omelet sounds good; thanks for the good idea.  :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 24, 2017, 10:24:11 AM
I think you are taking the right attitude to your training.

Most things can be done by following a template and these guys seem to be keen on getting you into a pattern, that's a good thing. Get the template down and implement it religiously and then, later, you might start to make it your own. Once you know how the template works you can make your own. You don't have to tbe the best teacher in the world, just the one who turns up, on time, every time, and doesn't get the worst evaluations. The important bit, once you are papered up, is the business, the marketing. That's what Dan seems to have mastered to a greater degree than almost any of his peers.
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:32:01 AM
Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

I have become aware that I must look like a fool, looking at everything in each shop intensely. I am like a small child, soaking up piles of information all for the first time. I want to know what's available and what it costs.

I still do this but I'm back home in America and I speak the language! Go figure.  :laugh:

Congratulations on settling in just fine. I also go from market to market as some have better deals on one thing than the other. That omelet sounds good; thanks for the good idea.  :)

Oh, I think that you can probably say that a new frying pan will be on the list of future purchases. :)

But yer money doesn't go very far does it?

(the pan looks like one of those ones made from aluminium foil, great for blokes who like to have the centre of the pan higher than the edges. :) )

How is it going with the lessons?

Confederate, onions are the foundation of the pauper's diet! Nutritious, cheap, keep for ages, and they add flavour to otherwise bland food. Onion pasta, anyone?

I have become aware that I must look like a fool, looking at everything in each shop intensely. I am like a small child, soaking up piles of information all for the first time. I want to know what's available and what it costs.

I still do this but I'm back home in America and I speak the language! Go figure.  :laugh:

Congratulations on settling in just fine. I also go from market to market as some have better deals on one thing than the other. That omelet sounds good; thanks for the good idea.  :)

Ideally, you want to get more into the omelette than just onion. I demurred on the peppers as they were about $5CAD/kg. Next time I may grab some. For the omelette (oh, I don't have eggs at the moment, but they're cheap) I have some sausage to chop into it as well as some cheese, and tomatoes. Found some zucchini, which would be nice to throw in, but at 10CAD/kg, I thought better of it. I did see that at least one of the shops has Iranian avocados available at a good price, so I'm looking forward to doing up some guacamole.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:43:59 AM
I think you are taking the right attitude to your training.

Most things can be done by following a template and these guys seem to be keen on getting you into a pattern, that's a good thing. Get the template down and implement it religiously and then, later, you might start to make it your own. Once you know how the template works you can make your own. You don't have to tbe the best teacher in the world, just the one who turns up, on time, every time, and doesn't get the worst evaluations. The important bit, once you are papered up, is the business, the marketing. That's what Dan seems to have mastered to a greater degree than almost any of his peers.

Get the template down, and start replicating it at all levels, at all stages, so you don't have to waste half your life doing lesson prep. Do everything else right (including some of the things you mentioned), and then you are ready to start following the money and take it where it goes.

There's a reason I did what I did. I've traded away 80K CAD a year with good benefits and ongoing pension (I already have a nice chunk available to me) to take on the challenge of making that all back, while being happier and more confident. It's weird I'm afraid of public speaking, but I thrive in front of a crowd. It brings out the best in me and makes me a better person.

I think my biggest enemy is sloth.


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 24, 2017, 10:44:49 AM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Fold it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:47:25 AM
Andrew, I was thinking about getting one of those water filtering jugs for coffee. Is it necessary?  I had coffee today with straight boiled tap water and it seemed fine. I brush my teeth with the tap water and no ill effects (probably a good way to slowly build up immunity too).


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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 10:56:10 AM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast. In Canada you can get some healthy cereals (where you add milk), but here....

Two things have changed, everywhere:
1) The big food companies have all targeted kids with sugar. It's getting out of hand as they now raise a generation on sugar where even processed dinners start to taste like dessert. (This looks like a rerun of the marketing strategies deployed by cigarette companies)
2) Cold milk-added cereal breakfast is not a traditionally Russian thing and has really only been introduced since Russia opened up. All of it is sugar-loaded garbage aimed squarely at kids.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 24, 2017, 11:57:43 AM
I honestly don't know about Moscow water, but, on the whole I think people are tricked into buying bottled water and filters. If your water tastes OK and comes out of the tap clear, not brown, then I'd say go for it.

This article sums up the case: https://www.moscowconcierge.com/can-drink-moscow-tap-water/

Remember, millions of muscovites are drinking it daily without ill effect.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: yankee on February 24, 2017, 12:18:05 PM
I honestly don't know about Moscow water, but, on the whole I think people are tricked into buying bottled water and filters. If your water tastes OK and comes out of the tap clear, not brown, then I'd say go for it.

This article sums up the case: https://www.moscowconcierge.com/can-drink-moscow-tap-water/

Remember, millions of muscovites are drinking it daily without ill effect.

Everyone I know in Moscow boils the water first.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Dogsoldier on February 24, 2017, 12:25:58 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast. In Canada you can get some healthy cereals (where you add milk), but here....

Two things have changed, everywhere:
1) The big food companies have all targeted kids with sugar. It's getting out of hand as they now raise a generation on sugar where even processed dinners start to taste like dessert. (This looks like a rerun of the marketing strategies deployed by cigarette companies)
2) Cold milk-added cereal breakfast is not a traditionally Russian thing and has really only been introduced since Russia opened up. All of it is sugar-loaded garbage aimed squarely at kids.
Get yourself some porridge. That's what I have most days,unsweetened. I add some nuts ( walnuts, almonds) some seasonal fruit eg strawberries, or banana and prunes. My 2 yr old loves it and shares my breakfast most days. Gets me set for the day.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Dogsoldier on February 24, 2017, 12:27:05 PM
I honestly don't know about Moscow water, but, on the whole I think people are tricked into buying bottled water and filters. If your water tastes OK and comes out of the tap clear, not brown, then I'd say go for it.

This article sums up the case: https://www.moscowconcierge.com/can-drink-moscow-tap-water/

Remember, millions of muscovites are drinking it daily without ill effect.

Everyone I know in Moscow boils the water first.
A sensible precaution.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 12:57:22 PM
I honestly don't know about Moscow water, but, on the whole I think people are tricked into buying bottled water and filters. If your water tastes OK and comes out of the tap clear, not brown, then I'd say go for it.

This article sums up the case: https://www.moscowconcierge.com/can-drink-moscow-tap-water/

Remember, millions of muscovites are drinking it daily without ill effect.

The water may be clear, but if I'm producing liquid brown in a few hours that's a bad thing that can take awhile to recover from. I'd rather not go there.

When I was here in 1999, I was suffering a stomach ailment for most of my time here and quite miserable as a result. Don't want that again. I was in Russia for 10 weeks.


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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 01:01:31 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast. In Canada you can get some healthy cereals (where you add milk), but here....

Two things have changed, everywhere:
1) The big food companies have all targeted kids with sugar. It's getting out of hand as they now raise a generation on sugar where even processed dinners start to taste like dessert. (This looks like a rerun of the marketing strategies deployed by cigarette companies)
2) Cold milk-added cereal breakfast is not a traditionally Russian thing and has really only been introduced since Russia opened up. All of it is sugar-loaded garbage aimed squarely at kids.
Get yourself some porridge. That's what I have most days,unsweetened. I add some nuts ( walnuts, almonds) some seasonal fruit eg strawberries, or banana and prunes. My 2 yr old loves it and shares my breakfast most days. Gets me set for the day.

I think that's a good idea. I was eating porridge in the morning before I came here.  If I could find something like All-Bran to go with it, I'll be set.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 24, 2017, 02:02:05 PM
I honestly don't know about Moscow water, but, on the whole I think people are tricked into buying bottled water and filters. If your water tastes OK and comes out of the tap clear, not brown, then I'd say go for it.

This article sums up the case: https://www.moscowconcierge.com/can-drink-moscow-tap-water/

Remember, millions of muscovites are drinking it daily without ill effect.

Everyone I know in Moscow boils the water first.

I wouldn't be brave enough to risk it (without boiling or filtering). I have a Brita jug with filter and I use it here to keep down the cost of bottled water. In other words bottled water is a luxury I only get for part of the month and the other part is filtered water.
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 24, 2017, 02:18:52 PM
Bottled water has always been out of the equation, except when being in places further than Western Europe.

Which I am now.  So i need to be careful as this can ruin best laid plans quickly by a waterborne illness.

I drink bottled water.

I boil other water in cooking for example. I am wondering about the benefits of filtering before boiling, that's what I don't know.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on February 24, 2017, 02:25:09 PM
It is strongly recommended throughout Russia, that one uses only bottled water for drinking.
The water for most of Moscow comes from open reservoirs and is only filtered, not treated, so there is a strong possibility of catching something which may not be very nice.
I would suggest that the majority of Muscovites buy their water, either from local supply stations, or supermarkets, or have it delivered in 19l bottles.
Should you decide upon having delivered, once you have paid for the bottle, about 4oor, exchanging it for a refilled bottle is easy, and it is delivered directly to your flat..
Most expats will probably tell you not to trust the water..
HTH..
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 24, 2017, 02:43:48 PM
Gentlemen, here's a learning point from a bloke who used to sell water filters:

A Brita type filter, or 'normal' inline water filter will NOT remove bacteria from water will remove bacteria from the water but retain it in the filter unit which become a breeding ground for bacteria. It will not remove fluoride. Such filters ONLY remove chlorine and particulate matter (rust, sand etc.) and some heavy metals.

Moscow water is treated such that it is bacteria and parasite free at the treatment plant. Extra 'stuff' can get into the water en-route to your home. This is why, in some places, extra chlorine is added to the water, to maintain its potability, it should kill both bacteria and parasites such as giardia (giardia is not fully controlled with chlorine but chlorine is not the only treatment applied to drinking water in Russia or elsewhere in the developed world. Of course nothing can be done to remove 'bits' except new pipes and, unless the pipes are new in the building in which you live, everything done between the treatment plant and your building is for nothing.

SOME inline filters can be relatively effective at dealing with bacteria, the company with whom I used to work used carbon (charcoal) filters (just like Brita and everyone else) but also incorporated an activated silver layer. Silver is great for killing bacteria. The carbon layer should remove any bits of animal life that had been in the water.

Brita and similar filters that remove chlorine from the water introduce another problem though: Chlorine is the water to keep it potable (chlorine kills the bacteria that we don't want) Once the chlorine is removed then bacteria are free to grow in the water when stored in your fridge.

Chlorine evaporates from water when stored anyway so if you don't like chlorine taste just keep the water in your fridge for a few hours. That's why cats and dogs will often not drink water immediately, they wait until the chlorine has gassed off.

Upthread I noted that people were tricked into buying filters - now you know why, and how!

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on February 25, 2017, 05:43:46 AM
Addendum to the above post.

The reason it is a bad idea to use an online filter without a silver component is that as bacteria are filtered and build up in the charcoal layer they can, eventually, flow through to the water outflow. The chances are that Brita, and similar, filters, have a time limit on their use is not because the charcoal is clogged up by crap but because that's the safe limit for bacteria buildup. How often have you drunk from a pitcher filter that is of unknown provenance in somebody's house? EUGGGHHH!

Coincidentally I am going to take back home an inline water filter that was a remnant of demo stock I had left over from some 25 years ago. (It'll be serving the coffee machine I got while I was over here - thanks Manny!) This has a metallic silver component and no expiry date. Its lifetime in use is solely down to the amount of particulate matter in the water. Eventually the flow will reduce, typically after a few years, and the filter is simply replaced.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 27, 2017, 11:36:37 AM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Dogsoldier on February 27, 2017, 12:12:30 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:
Looks like we need a new topic on haute cuisine........ :laugh:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 27, 2017, 12:18:02 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:
Looks like we need a new topic on haute cuisine........ :laugh:

my skills are pretty basic however if there's an attractive lass in my bed in a teddy I'm fairly certain she would show some gratitude for the hot breakfast in bed.  :laugh:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Dogsoldier on February 27, 2017, 12:20:56 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:
Looks like we need a new topic on haute cuisine........ :laugh:

my skills are pretty basic however if there's an attractive lass in my bed in a teddy bear I'm fairly certain she would show some gratitude for the hot breakfast in bed.  :laugh:
I guess you can't beat a sausage sarnie for breakfast.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 27, 2017, 12:29:15 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:
Looks like we need a new topic on haute cuisine........ :laugh:

my skills are pretty basic however if there's an attractive lass in my bed in a teddy bear I'm fairly certain she would show some gratitude for the hot breakfast in bed.  :laugh:
I guess you can't beat a sausage sarnie for breakfast.

Even though I'm sure you intended a double entendre
I had to google that one.  :chuckle:

https://www.gousto.co.uk/blog/discover-with/sausage-sandwich-recipe
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Dogsoldier on February 27, 2017, 12:35:33 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:
Looks like we need a new topic on haute cuisine........ :laugh:

my skills are pretty basic however if there's an attractive lass in my bed in a teddy bear I'm fairly certain she would show some gratitude for the hot breakfast in bed.  :laugh:
I guess you can't beat a sausage sarnie for breakfast.

Even though I'm sure you intended a double entendre
I had to google that one.  :chuckle:

https://www.gousto.co.uk/blog/discover-with/sausage-sandwich-recipe
The best of a British Bang'er.  :chuckle:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 27, 2017, 03:04:05 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:

My omelette is asking where's the meat? Some sausage or bacon cut in perhaps. Cheese is a great idea, but I'd go with Bothwell Mild Cheddar, probably not available in your area (or mine sadly). For myself, I'd look for another cheese but not sharp! And two slices of onion?? If you enjoyed it you can do more :) Anyway, I'm happy I inspired you. Omelettes are easy and you can definitely impress a girl this way.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on February 27, 2017, 03:20:19 PM
Try a cheese sandwich...

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170227/8e817d9ca654da1211b2f882fecddc3a.jpg)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 27, 2017, 03:26:46 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:

My omelette is asking where's the meat? Some sausage or bacon cut in perhaps. Cheese is a great idea, but I'd go with Bothwell Mild Cheddar, probably not available in your area (or mine sadly). For myself, I'd look for another cheese but not sharp! And two slices of onion?? If you enjoyed it you can do more :) Anyway, I'm happy I inspired you. Omelettes are easy and you can definitely impress a girl this way.


I'm not going to impress a girl if my mouth is on fire from too much onion!

If you want meat then some diced ham works. Make it similar to a Denver omelet.  :)

Here's a pretty good recipe for you, Jerash. You will impress your new lady for sure.

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/05/denver-omelet-recipe.html
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 27, 2017, 03:31:41 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:

My omelette is asking where's the meat? Some sausage or bacon cut in perhaps. Cheese is a great idea, but I'd go with Bothwell Mild Cheddar, probably not available in your area (or mine sadly). For myself, I'd look for another cheese but not sharp! And two slices of onion?? If you enjoyed it you can do more :) Anyway, I'm happy I inspired you. Omelettes are easy and you can definitely impress a girl this way.


I'm not going to impress a girl if my mouth is on fire from too much onion!

If you want meat then some diced ham works. Make it similar to a Denver omelet.  :)

Ham works.  But no need to be shy about the kind of meats you use, in my opinion.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 27, 2017, 03:34:08 PM
I only make an omelet about once a month. For me the perfect omelet is as follows: 3 eggs whipped with a fork and then poured out nice and flat. Grated cheese, mushrooms, green pepper and onions. Not nearly as much as Jerash uses, but sufficient to give it a nice flavor. Roll it in half and serve hot. Never worry about the cost of the fixins', just eat it and smile. ;D

Yep, that's a good omelette. You reminded me about mushrooms, I saw those as well at a fine price.  Decided not to get them since I don't have eggs right now. Figure I'll get them when I'm in the mood for an omelette. I'll probably be having an omelette more than once a month. Right now I'm doing yoghurt and fruit for breakfast.

Great minds think alike.  ;D

My standard breakfast is coffee, fruit, yogurt and toast.

However due to your inspirational idea I went to Safeway and purchased some cheese (2.69), a small onion (.79 a lb so less than that), some pre sliced mushrooms (2.29 for the pkg) and a green pepper. I already had eggs. Sauteed two slices of onions chopped up and a bit of the green pepper chopped up as well as some mushrooms. 3 eggs laid out nice, cut some big slices of the sharp cheddar cheese and laid them on top, then the rest of the fixins. Once the cheese started to melt I folded it in half and ate it piping hot. Need to work on getting the green peppers into the frying pan same time as onions and 'shrooms. Pro cooks are amazing but my work will do in a pinch. Delicious! Thanks Jerash!  :king:

My omelette is asking where's the meat? Some sausage or bacon cut in perhaps. Cheese is a great idea, but I'd go with Bothwell Mild Cheddar, probably not available in your area (or mine sadly). For myself, I'd look for another cheese but not sharp! And two slices of onion?? If you enjoyed it you can do more :) Anyway, I'm happy I inspired you. Omelettes are easy and you can definitely impress a girl this way.


I'm not going to impress a girl if my mouth is on fire from too much onion!

If you want meat then some diced ham works. Make it similar to a Denver omelet.  :)

Ham works.  But no need to be shy about the kind of meats you use, in my opinion.


edit to add: a recipe for you.

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/05/denver-omelet-recipe.html
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 27, 2017, 03:39:15 PM
Just had a very strange chat with a girl. Strange because she was totally "honest" about how she only wants men for money, lacks confidence, and is afraid of being lonely. Hence, why she cheats around on her partner. As to why, I don't know - I shouldn't ask about others, I'm told. She wants to be friends with me; not sure what that means. She explicitly told me that she told me these things because "I am honest with you becouse i am not interested in you as in my future husband", "I like you just like a friend".  What do you think? Take this at face value? Bizarre.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on February 27, 2017, 03:44:47 PM
Just had a very strange chat with a girl. Strange because she was totally "honest" about how she only wants men for money, lacks confidence, and is afraid of being lonely. Hence, why she cheats around on her partner. As to why, I don't know - I shouldn't ask about others, I'm told. She wants to be friends with me; not sure what that means. She explicitly told me that she told me these things because "I am honest with you becouse i am not interested in you as in my future husband", "I like you just like a friend".  What do you think? Take this at face value? Bizarre.


I think she sees you as a "wealthy" foreigner and potential new client. I would not keep contact with her.
I'm sure there are better friends to hang out with. Yes, bizarre.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 27, 2017, 03:50:16 PM
Just had a very strange chat with a girl. Strange because she was totally "honest" about how she only wants men for money, lacks confidence, and is afraid of being lonely. Hence, why she cheats around on her partner. As to why, I don't know - I shouldn't ask about others, I'm told. She wants to be friends with me; not sure what that means. She explicitly told me that she told me these things because "I am honest with you becouse i am not interested in you as in my future husband", "I like you just like a friend".  What do you think? Take this at face value? Bizarre.


I think she sees you as a "wealthy" foreigner and potential new client. I would not keep contact with her.
I'm sure there are better friends to hang out with. Yes, bizarre.

She assures me that most Russian girls are even worse :). I don't buy into that. She played up the whole paying for a meal/coffee thing saying I should use this as a test and if i propose to pay my own bill and let the girl pay hers, 99.99% will hate me for that. I told her I would never ask that and it's pretty common sense to me that the girl wouldn't be pleased. But she proposes this as a test of how rotten or something Russian women are.... Still bizarre.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on February 27, 2017, 05:06:37 PM
That sounds a little like the FWB relationship.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/me-we/201502/what-it-really-means-be-friends-benefits

She seems to be implying that the bad women there are just looking for a free meal and gifts.  Having her foot half of the bill and getting upset about it does not necessarily mean that she is just looking to use you nor does it mean that she is sincere.
Just because you are relatively better than most of the other women does not mean you are acceptable.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 28, 2017, 03:56:36 PM
That sounds a little like the FWB relationship.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/me-we/201502/what-it-really-means-be-friends-benefits

She seems to be implying that the bad women there are just looking for a free meal and gifts.  Having her foot half of the bill and getting upset about it does not necessarily mean that she is just looking to use you nor does it mean that she is sincere.
Just because you are relatively better than most of the other women does not mean you are acceptable.

It crossed my mind that it could be FWB offer.  She also mentioned that she has a stutter. Again weird IMO. 

Obviously she is not marriage material (which I told her and she appreciated). Maybe I'll find out more about what she's all about. I'm not judgemental (and I told her so), and I'm happy to meet anyone for coffee.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on March 01, 2017, 10:22:23 AM
Does she offer you benefits that you seek?
If not then don't waste your time, except in so far as you need to build networks. Use her to expand yours. You can cull it later.

In a new environment network building is job one.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 01, 2017, 01:53:42 PM
Does she offer you benefits that you seek?
If not then don't waste your time, except in so far as you need to build networks. Use her to expand yours. You can cull it later.

In a new environment network building is job one.

I very much agree with you on that.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 04, 2017, 03:35:40 PM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)

P.S. My Tapatalk is not working properly. I thought the forum had gone dead, but I now see on my laptop that it's quite alive and well. I use Tapatalk from my phone for RUA about 99% of the time.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on March 04, 2017, 04:10:32 PM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)

P.S. My Tapatalk is not working properly. I thought the forum had gone dead, but I now see on my laptop that it's quite alive and well. I use Tapatalk from my phone for RUA about 99% of the time.


Looks delicious and thanks for sharing! It looked much better after you added the dill and parsley.  ;D  tiphat
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 04, 2017, 06:37:24 PM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)

P.S. My Tapatalk is not working properly. I thought the forum had gone dead, but I now see on my laptop that it's quite alive and well. I use Tapatalk from my phone for RUA about 99% of the time.


Looks delicious and thanks for sharing! It looked much better after you added the dill and parsley.  ;D  tiphat

I note how you left out the "green onions" when commenting on delicious!  :laugh: :chuckle: tiphat
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 13, 2017, 05:14:54 PM
Don't forget to declare what you take in.  I can't remember the limit but it isn't that high. There's also an absolute limit. Neither applies when using tokens - plastic.

The internet seems to be a little all over the place on this question, but there does seem to be a consensus that $3,000USD is what you can bring in without declaring it. Anything over needs to be declared and it seems that there is $10,000USD limit on what you can export with you when you leave (that shouldn't be an issue though as there will be other ways to access or take my money back when I leave).

A few sources also mentioned an absolute limit of $10,000USD for import, but that doesn't make any sense to me. Why would Russia want to limit the amount of money you bring into the country to plop down into the local economy?


.

In the end, for import and export of currency, this is the website I found to be the most reliable and regularly updated (for any country).  The International Air Transport Association: http://www.iatatravelcentre.com/RU-Russian-Federation-customs-currency-airport-tax-regulations-details.htm
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on March 25, 2017, 08:05:30 AM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)


Julia's pelemi looks 100 times better. Perhaps because I am allowed to grind the meat. We serve with fresh grated cheese and ground pepper.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Ste on March 25, 2017, 08:12:56 AM
I've got a taste for Polish Perogi, sort of big pelmenis..
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 25, 2017, 09:16:29 AM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)


Julia's pelemi looks 100 times better. Perhaps because I am allowed to grind the meat. We serve with fresh grated cheese and ground pepper.

It looks much better because mine came frozen in a bag from the shop :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on March 25, 2017, 10:26:15 AM
I've got a taste for Polish Perogi, sort of big pelmenis..

Yes, that's a bit confusing - to the Poles they can be like the Russian 'pie' or Pelmenii-like.

Theirs a great little stand that does shows in the midlands and South-west...and Husband and Wife team that do Polish Perogi and I have converted plenty of stall holders from Hot Dogs to their produce ..YUMMY ..with dollop of Smetana, of course !

They do some gorgeous fillings, mixtures ....   OMG ..just thinking about them makes my mouth water and I have to wait another 2.5 hours until eating :(

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on March 26, 2017, 06:59:47 AM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)


Julia's pelemi looks 100 times better. Perhaps because I am allowed to grind the meat. We serve with fresh grated cheese and ground pepper.

It looks much better because mine came frozen in a bag from the shop :)


.

slacker
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 26, 2017, 07:57:20 AM
Confederate, this is for you. I put a half sautéed onion on my bowl of pelmeni yesterday:
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/8cbe968ee620159aa9e2c15a31fb3374.jpg)

Before garnishing it with dill, parsley, and green onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170304/bcbace9cc1e633403ec6c3cfb4388d04.jpg)


Julia's pelemi looks 100 times better. Perhaps because I am allowed to grind the meat. We serve with fresh grated cheese and ground pepper.

It looks much better because mine came frozen in a bag from the shop :)


.

slacker

Not really, but yup. :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 26, 2017, 10:51:14 AM

It looks much better because mine came frozen in a bag from the shop :)


They can be delicious, those from the package. You can find hand made too, and the  ones that are halal/ kosher style, no pork.
I am thought that everything home made is better, of course ( ;D), but i was munching on the pre-packed ones for all the years that i was in Moscow and used to be quite happy!   :saint:

p.s. J., go easy on the smetana (sour cream), the regular one is the caloric death  ;D



Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 26, 2017, 10:52:55 AM

Julia's pelemi looks 100 times better. Perhaps because I am allowed to grind the meat. We serve with fresh grated cheese and ground pepper.

Heresy!!!  >:( Italification!!!  :GRRRR:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 26, 2017, 12:03:34 PM
I actually read the whole thread!  :innocent: J., best of luck in Moscow! I love that city and envy you a bit (i lived there 2010-2015).
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on March 27, 2017, 12:22:52 AM
Did you get a close up view of the protests in Moscow calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister?   :-X
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on March 27, 2017, 12:54:25 AM
Did you get a close up view of the protests in Moscow calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister?   :-X

I think that one would have had to have been pretty close to even find 'em. Only about 8k showed up. About the same as the queue for Mickey D's on  a Sunday afternoon.

Here's a first hand account from one who was there: http://www.unz.com/akarlin/moscow-protests-tverskaya/
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on March 27, 2017, 02:21:16 AM



I think that one would have had to have been pretty close to even find 'em. Only about 8k showed up. About the same as the queue for Mickey D's on  a Sunday afternoon.

Here's a first hand account from one who was there: http://www.unz.com/akarlin/moscow-protests-tverskaya/

So going by Andrewfi and independent - figures 930 of the '8,000' were arrested ..greater than one in 10 :)))

See what happens when a serial spin merchant gets out of control ?



Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 28, 2017, 05:32:06 AM
Did you get a close up view of the protests in Moscow calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister?   :-X

Nope. The first I heard about the protests was from RTs website. The protest was a deliberate provocation as the organizers had not been able to get the Tverskaya location sanctioned and rejected two other locations that had been proposed by them. There are now claims that the organizers misled participants by telling them the demo was in fact sanctioned.

Anyway - pretty easy to miss 8,000 malcontents in a city of 20 million....


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on March 28, 2017, 06:32:21 AM
Moby, why do you lie?

About 500 people were detained, not arrested, a few arrests were made. Both the organisers and police estimated that about 8000 people were present.

The people detained were taken in so that they can pay an administrative fine for having taken part in an unlicensed demonstration.

Moby, try the truth, just occasionally. You might find some benefit from doing so and learn a new, less anti social, way of interacting.

More generally, this is a tiny number. I was involved in demos of such size years ago. That's enough people to fill a narrow street about 300m long. In that Moscow location it was half a block of not very dense people blocking traffic.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on March 28, 2017, 10:27:31 AM
Did you get a close up view of the protests in Moscow calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister?   :-X

Nope. The first I heard about the protests was from RTs website. The protest was a deliberate provocation as the organizers had not been able to get the Tverskaya location sanctioned and rejected two other locations that had been proposed by them. There are now claims that the organizers misled participants by telling them the demo was in fact sanctioned.

Anyway - pretty easy to miss 8,000 malcontents in a city of 20 million....


.

Hi there stranger, how's it all going???

Time for a news update, and don't leave out the "Gory" bits... ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 28, 2017, 12:11:31 PM
Did you get a close up view of the protests in Moscow calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister?   :-X

Nope. The first I heard about the protests was from RTs website. The protest was a deliberate provocation as the organizers had not been able to get the Tverskaya location sanctioned and rejected two other locations that had been proposed by them. There are now claims that the organizers misled participants by telling them the demo was in fact sanctioned.

Anyway - pretty easy to miss 8,000 malcontents in a city of 20 million....


.

Hi there stranger, how's it all going???

Time for a news update, and don't leave out the "Gory" bits... ;D

I'll try when I get a chance! It's been quite busy here, but things are going exceedingly well. Not sure if I'll share the juicy bits though, with the likes of Chickenbrah hanging about :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 30, 2017, 03:53:30 PM

It looks much better because mine came frozen in a bag from the shop :)


They can be delicious, those from the package. You can find hand made too, and the  ones that are halal/ kosher style, no pork.
I am thought that everything home made is better, of course ( ;D), but i was munching on the pre-packed ones for all the years that i was in Moscow and used to be quite happy!   :saint:

p.s. J., go easy on the smetana (sour cream), the regular one is the caloric death  ;D

Thanks for the advice of the smetana! I didn't get the full-strength variety, but it is a tasty sauce too tempting to pass up :). Luckily, I only have it with some dishes (such as pelmeni), which I don't have every day. Lately I've been on a pasta kick.

Everything homemade IS better Volshe, there's no debate there. I'm holding out hope for some more homecooking in the future with a nice Russian girl ;). Admittedly my current kitchen facilities leave something to be desired, but I made some of our cultural dishes under my mother's guidance before leaving Canada and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to replicate those. One is called Kjieke (pronounced Tiltchye) and the other is Hollupshies (you might be able to guess what it is).


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 30, 2017, 04:31:09 PM
I actually read the whole thread!  :innocent: J., best of luck in Moscow! I love that city and envy you a bit (i lived there 2010-2015).

Volshe, thank you for your kind wishes! I guess I've been here over 6 weeks now. How time flies! Not long before I break my record, which was 10 weeks spent in Russia back in 1999. Back then tho, I was only a tourist. Now I'm settling in for the long haul. I'm really happy here and feel very welcomed by Russians. As I've tried to find my way, I've had no shortage of kind people wanting to lend me a hand. I have more than one person that I can seek help from if needed, pretty much around the clock. Danchik has also been really supportive.

I'm still in the Cambridge course and it's going well. The students always like me and the trainers say I have a natural ability with this. We over half way now and I can't wait til it's done so I can get on with the business of making a living. The course is very busy. I have an assignment due on Monday and I haven't even started. I'll be teaching again on Wednesday. Every course day is jampacked and especially frantic on teaching days. The trainer can tear apart your lesson plan in the morning, which means you are spending your lunch break revising everything and then frantically making photocopies minutes before the "big show", as I like to think of it, in the evening. We finish by 22:00-22:15 and then I'm home by 11:00. The last couple of weeks I do a Skype lesson as soon as I get home for 60-90 minutes, preparing a clever Russian teen for his auditions to get into drama school in the U.K. 

Although my focus is the course, I've been picking up work, which basically has just come knocking on my door. While I'm not yet focussing on work, my steady income is already 30,000ru/mth. Good to be making rubles as my USD are declining in value daily.

Not that there's many of them left. Getting up and running has been a bit more costly than I expected, but I think it's just details, as my start up fund has served its purpose of getting me started.  I don't have a lot left tho and I need to fence off some of it for another visa run to Kiev. I'm likely going to be changing employers which is why I have to do it, but I think the change will be worth it and cover off that expense almost immediately. And like I said, I have rubles coming in now, so I think it's going to be alright.

I've officially resigned my position in Canada. My resignation was accepted a few weeks ago. It was a big relief and puts an exclamation point on the change I have made and the permanency of it. In a year or two from now, I'll get my pension if I decide to have it paid out.

I really like life here, Russians, and Moscow. I haven't not even one niggling doubt about my decision. But the challenges ahead of me are large. I always knew that and I wanted the challenge, so here I am.

I got my gym membership today. A nice club that I can walk to from where I live. The way they structure their prices, it didn't make much sense at all to go for anything less than a year membership. I was reluctant because of my rapidly disappearing start up fund, but this was part of starting up. I guess I'll be spending a lot of my time at the gym now, since it's free :) :). On the way there, I walk by Russia Today (the management at the gym thought I was an RT employee and offered me a corporate rate. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until I'd exposed myself :) so I had to pay the going rate for regular plebes).  There's a great coffee shop across the street from RT as well - excellent coffee in a 600ml size for 150ru! Pretty pleased to have found this place.

To top it all off, I met a very nice girl recently.  I think she might be the perfect match for me that I didn't think I would ever find. I'm pleased as punch! Actually, over the moon! :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on March 30, 2017, 06:24:10 PM
Quote
To top it all off, I met a very nice girl recently.  I think she might be the perfect match for me that I didn't think I would ever find.


I hope it isn't the girl who I have corresponded with recently.   ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 30, 2017, 06:31:00 PM
Quote
To top it all off, I met a very nice girl recently.  I think she might be the perfect match for me that I didn't think I would ever find.


I hope it isn't the girl who I have corresponded with recently.   ;D

Ha! Me too!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 30, 2017, 09:28:43 PM
I'm holding out hope for some more homecooking in the future with a nice Russian girl ;).

I also thought that's the most probable development of the events i the nearest future! ;) Fingers crossed!


 
Quote
Admittedly my current kitchen facilities leave something to be desired, but I made some of our cultural dishes under my mother's guidance before leaving Canada and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to replicate those. One is called Kjieke (pronounced Tiltchye) and the other is Hollupshies (you might be able to guess what it is).

Hollupshies are i guess голубцы, minced meat and rice wrapped in the cabbage leaves, yes? I love those!

What's Kijeke? Sounds yummy too!
[/quote]
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 30, 2017, 09:38:33 PM
I actually read the whole thread!  :innocent: J., best of luck in Moscow! I love that city and envy you a bit (i lived there 2010-2015).

Volshe, thank you for your kind wishes! I guess I've been here over 6 weeks now. How time flies! Not long before I break my record, which was 10 weeks spent in Russia back in 1999. Back then tho, I was only a tourist. Now I'm settling in for the long haul. I'm really happy here and feel very welcomed by Russians. As I've tried to find my way, I've had no shortage of kind people wanting to lend me a hand. I have more than one person that I can seek help from if needed, pretty much around the clock. Danchik has also been really supportive.

I'm still in the Cambridge course and it's going well. The students always like me and the trainers say I have a natural ability with this. We over half way now and I can't wait til it's done so I can get on with the business of making a living. The course is very busy. I have an assignment due on Monday and I haven't even started. I'll be teaching again on Wednesday. Every course day is jampacked and especially frantic on teaching days. The trainer can tear apart your lesson plan in the morning, which means you are spending your lunch break revising everything and then frantically making photocopies minutes before the "big show", as I like to think of it, in the evening. We finish by 22:00-22:15 and then I'm home by 11:00. The last couple of weeks I do a Skype lesson as soon as I get home for 60-90 minutes, preparing a clever Russian teen for his auditions to get into drama school in the U.K. 

Although my focus is the course, I've been picking up work, which basically has just come knocking on my door. While I'm not yet focussing on work, my steady income is already 30,000ru/mth. Good to be making rubles as my USD are declining in value daily.

Not that there's many of them left. Getting up and running has been a bit more costly than I expected, but I think it's just details, as my start up fund has served its purpose of getting me started.  I don't have a lot left tho and I need to fence off some of it for another visa run to Kiev. I'm likely going to be changing employers which is why I have to do it, but I think the change will be worth it and cover off that expense almost immediately. And like I said, I have rubles coming in now, so I think it's going to be alright.

I've officially resigned my position in Canada. My resignation was accepted a few weeks ago. It was a big relief and puts an exclamation point on the change I have made and the permanency of it. In a year or two from now, I'll get my pension if I decide to have it paid out.

I really like life here, Russians, and Moscow. I haven't not even one niggling doubt about my decision. But the challenges ahead of me are large. I always knew that and I wanted the challenge, so here I am.

I got my gym membership today. A nice club that I can walk to from where I live. The way they structure their prices, it didn't make much sense at all to go for anything less than a year membership. I was reluctant because of my rapidly disappearing start up fund, but this was part of starting up. I guess I'll be spending a lot of my time at the gym now, since it's free :) :). On the way there, I walk by Russia Today (the management at the gym thought I was an RT employee and offered me a corporate rate. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until I'd exposed myself :) so I had to pay the going rate for regular plebes).  There's a great coffee shop across the street from RT as well - excellent coffee in a 600ml size for 150ru! Pretty pleased to have found this place.

To top it all off, I met a very nice girl recently.  I think she might be the perfect match for me that I didn't think I would ever find. I'm pleased as punch! Actually, over the moon! :)


.

I am so glad to read this, Jerash! I am glad you are doing well and that you like the city! I have this theory: Moscow loves people who love it ... They are the ones who make it at the end. I am not sure it's valid only for Moscow, but there i've seen it the most: people who vent all the time in fact get unlucky, whereas those with positive and proactive attitude like yours, they thrive!
Long ago, while i still lived there,, we discussed gyms with Danchik. Yes, indeed, the payment is yearly and quite high. I was told it's because the owners invest a lot and want their money back asap (and the market is such), so they make this insanely high 12 months memberships  :biggrin: I am glad you've found one to your liking!
Best of luck in all you do! I'll be happy to follow your posts here!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on March 30, 2017, 11:20:09 PM
Quote
Thanks for the advice of the smetana!

Smetana?  Isn't that a Czech composer?  I recall that name from my 9th grade music class.  :reading:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on March 30, 2017, 11:22:59 PM
I actually read the whole thread!  :innocent: J., best of luck in Moscow! I love that city and envy you a bit (i lived there 2010-2015).

Volshe, thank you for your kind wishes! I guess I've been here over 6 weeks now. How time flies! Not long before I break my record, which was 10 weeks spent in Russia back in 1999. Back then tho, I was only a tourist. Now I'm settling in for the long haul. I'm really happy here and feel very welcomed by Russians. As I've tried to find my way, I've had no shortage of kind people wanting to lend me a hand. I have more than one person that I can seek help from if needed, pretty much around the clock. Danchik has also been really supportive.

I'm still in the Cambridge course and it's going well. The students always like me and the trainers say I have a natural ability with this. We over half way now and I can't wait til it's done so I can get on with the business of making a living. The course is very busy. I have an assignment due on Monday and I haven't even started. I'll be teaching again on Wednesday. Every course day is jampacked and especially frantic on teaching days. The trainer can tear apart your lesson plan in the morning, which means you are spending your lunch break revising everything and then frantically making photocopies minutes before the "big show", as I like to think of it, in the evening. We finish by 22:00-22:15 and then I'm home by 11:00. The last couple of weeks I do a Skype lesson as soon as I get home for 60-90 minutes, preparing a clever Russian teen for his auditions to get into drama school in the U.K. 

Although my focus is the course, I've been picking up work, which basically has just come knocking on my door. While I'm not yet focussing on work, my steady income is already 30,000ru/mth. Good to be making rubles as my USD are declining in value daily.

Not that there's many of them left. Getting up and running has been a bit more costly than I expected, but I think it's just details, as my start up fund has served its purpose of getting me started.  I don't have a lot left tho and I need to fence off some of it for another visa run to Kiev. I'm likely going to be changing employers which is why I have to do it, but I think the change will be worth it and cover off that expense almost immediately. And like I said, I have rubles coming in now, so I think it's going to be alright.

I've officially resigned my position in Canada. My resignation was accepted a few weeks ago. It was a big relief and puts an exclamation point on the change I have made and the permanency of it. In a year or two from now, I'll get my pension if I decide to have it paid out.

I really like life here, Russians, and Moscow. I haven't not even one niggling doubt about my decision. But the challenges ahead of me are large. I always knew that and I wanted the challenge, so here I am.

I got my gym membership today. A nice club that I can walk to from where I live. The way they structure their prices, it didn't make much sense at all to go for anything less than a year membership. I was reluctant because of my rapidly disappearing start up fund, but this was part of starting up. I guess I'll be spending a lot of my time at the gym now, since it's free :) :). On the way there, I walk by Russia Today (the management at the gym thought I was an RT employee and offered me a corporate rate. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that until I'd exposed myself :) so I had to pay the going rate for regular plebes).  There's a great coffee shop across the street from RT as well - excellent coffee in a 600ml size for 150ru! Pretty pleased to have found this place.

To top it all off, I met a very nice girl recently.  I think she might be the perfect match for me that I didn't think I would ever find. I'm pleased as punch! Actually, over the moon! :)


.

Keep it up man and you will be somewhere there in the not too distant future, of that I am certain...

Good luck...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on March 30, 2017, 11:23:53 PM
Quote
Thanks for the advice of the smetana!

Smetana?  Isn't that a Czech composer?  I recall that name from my 9th grade music class.  :reading:

Nah, Spanish/Mexican I think, or was that Santana ??? ...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on March 30, 2017, 11:43:40 PM
Quote
Thanks for the advice of the smetana!

Smetana?  Isn't that a Czech composer?  I recall that name from my 9th grade music class.  :reading:

Nah, Spanish/Mexican I think, or was that Santana ??? ...

Santana?  I do not think so.   :laugh:
Smetana wrote a musical piece called the Moldau, which I think is a name of a river in Europe.  I recall that from my 9th grade music history class, which was eons ago.   :snivel:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 31, 2017, 12:00:21 AM
Quote
Thanks for the advice of the smetana!

Smetana?  Isn't that a Czech composer?  I recall that name from my 9th grade music class.  :reading:

Nah, Spanish/Mexican I think, or was that Santana ??? ...

Santana?  I do not think so.   :laugh:
Smetana wrote a musical piece called the Moldau, which I think is a name of a river in Europe. I recall that from my 9th grade music history class, which was eons ago.   :snivel:

Well, at least we can be almost sure that you don't suffer from dementia... yet  ;D

(I reckoned from your recent posts that you like medically-inclined catostrophizing posts  :HOSPITAL: )
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on March 31, 2017, 01:02:57 AM
Bedřich Smetana was the Czech composer who is consider the father of his countries music, he taught and worked with composers such as L. Janaček & A. Dvorák.

The musician C. Santana, played Woodstock and still amazes, well at least me, but than again that is not difficult to do.

Smetana as a food product is quite typical in Slavic cooking and is similiar to sour cream or créme fraîche.

Jerash it is good to read of your adventure.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Gipsy on March 31, 2017, 03:33:50 AM
Bedřich Smetana was the Czech composer who is consider the father of his countries music, he taught and worked with composers such as L. Janaček & A. Dvorák.

The musician C. Santana, played Woodstock and still amazes, well at least me, but than again that is not difficult to do.

Smetana as a food product is quite typical in Slavic cooking and is similiar to sour cream or créme fraîche.

Jerash it is good to read of your adventure.

Now whudafunk that......  :coffeeread:
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 31, 2017, 07:28:38 AM
I'm holding out hope for some more homecooking in the future with a nice Russian girl ;).

I also thought that's the most probable development of the events i the nearest future! ;) Fingers crossed!


 
Quote
Admittedly my current kitchen facilities leave something to be desired, but I made some of our cultural dishes under my mother's guidance before leaving Canada and I'm looking forward to the opportunity to replicate those. One is called Kjieke (pronounced Tiltchye) and the other is Hollupshies (you might be able to guess what it is).

Hollupshies are i guess голубцы, minced meat and rice wrapped in the cabbage leaves, yes? I love those!

What's Kijeke? Sounds yummy too!
[/quote]
You guessed right about the hollupshies. We do ours "lazy" style, meaning all the ingredients of cabbage rolls and simply thrown all together into a casserole.

Kiejke is a thick noodle made from scratch with flour, water, milk and, eggs. I think salt is put in as well.  You top the noodles with sautéed onions and schmaunt fat (http://dailybonnet.com/climate-scientists-predict-global-shortage-of-schmaunt-fat/) and then ideally serve with a side of farmer sausage. ;). It's one of my favourite dishes.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 31, 2017, 07:56:24 AM

You guessed right about the hollupshies. We do ours "lazy" style, meaning all the ingredients of cabbage rolls and simply thrown all together into a casserole. 
That's how i make them as well  :thumbsup:

Quote
Kiejke is a thick noodle made from scratch with flour, water, milk and, eggs. I think salt is put in as well.  You too the noodles with sautéed onions and schmaunt fat (http://dailybonnet.com/climate-scientists-predict-global-shortage-of-schmaunt-fat/) and then ideally serve with a side of farmer sausage. ;). It's one of my favourite dishes.
Comfort food  :loving: Anything that involves flour, water, making from scratch, with onions and schmaltz sounds like home!  ;D

I think Kiejke could be similar to "grenadiermarsch" that we make: it's all that, with added mashed potatoes (http://zsuzsaisinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/potato-pasta-krumplis-teszta.html )

Delicious and fattening!  ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Fashionista on March 31, 2017, 08:52:07 AM


Hollupshies are i guess голубцы, minced meat and rice wrapped in the cabbage leaves, yes? I love those!



wow, I would never have guessed ;)

I alternate, the lazy version with the "real" version. I like the lazy version more, and my husband likes the "real" version more. So, we have a pact :)

If you are into pelmeni (and I know everything there is to know about them, being from Siberia), try pozy, much less known, but easier to make and tastier. When in Canada I use horse meat (not easily available in the US) as part of the filling.

in Russian, but could be found in English as Mongolian Buuz's.

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 31, 2017, 09:14:34 AM

You guessed right about the hollupshies. We do ours "lazy" style, meaning all the ingredients of cabbage rolls and simply thrown all together into a casserole. 
That's how i make them as well  :thumbsup:

Quote
Kiejke is a thick noodle made from scratch with flour, water, milk and, eggs. I think salt is put in as well.  You too the noodles with sautéed onions and schmaunt fat (http://dailybonnet.com/climate-scientists-predict-global-shortage-of-schmaunt-fat/) and then ideally serve with a side of farmer sausage. ;). It's one of my favourite dishes.
Comfort food  :loving: Anything that involves flour, water, making from scratch, with onions and schmaltz sounds like home!  ;D

I think Kiejke could be similar to "grenadiermarsch" that we make: it's all that, with added mashed potatoes (http://zsuzsaisinthekitchen.blogspot.com/2010/04/potato-pasta-krumplis-teszta.html )

Delicious and fattening!  ;D

I think the noodles might be similar, but judging from the picture, that's where the similarity ends.

Kielke with schmaunt fat and onions:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170331/11690cfe2faa34f98b93b89f002cca98.jpg)

http://mylifemyfoodmycity.blogspot.ru/2012/01/kielke-homemade-noodles.html?m=1


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 31, 2017, 09:35:39 AM


Hollupshies are i guess голубцы, minced meat and rice wrapped in the cabbage leaves, yes? I love those!



wow, I would never have guessed ;)


Right!  ;D ;D ;D Btw in my language it's "sarma", nothing to do with Russian/ Ukrainian/Polish/ Canadian variations of the name ;)

Glad to see you, Fashionista!

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 31, 2017, 09:40:23 AM

I think the noodles might be similar, but judging from the picture, that's where the similarity ends.

Yes indeed, except the noodles it is different. Another thing though that the two dishes seem to have in common is that it's better not to eat them too often  ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on March 31, 2017, 09:49:24 AM

If you are into pelmeni (and I know everything there is to know about them, being from Siberia), try pozy, much less known, but easier to make and tastier. When in Canada I use horse meat (not easily available in the US) as part of the filling.

in Russian, but could be found in English as Mongolian Buuz's.


p.s. I think some time ago you had in fact inspired me to make my own pelmeni FIRST TIME EVER!!!  :loving: I remember you kindly shared the recipe and some tricks (i had only substituted one kind of meat with another, can't remember exactly now.) Aww, those were the times!  :loving: ;D I am trying to eat low cal lately, so no delicacies of the kind for me, at least for the time-being ;)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on March 31, 2017, 12:15:47 PM

I think the noodles might be similar, but judging from the picture, that's where the similarity ends.

Yes indeed, except the noodles it is different. Another thing though that the two dishes seem to have in common is that it's better not to eat them too often  ;D

Easier said than done! :)


.
Title: Re: demos over Navalny's video about Medvedev
Post by: msmoby on April 04, 2017, 07:12:13 AM
Moby, why do you lie?

Your question - more correctly phrased - is why do you doubt the Kremlin controlled news outlets over the well respected and independent RU based figures?  THEY suggested considerably more arrested and considerably greater numbers.......

About 500 people were detained, not arrested, a few arrests were made. Both the organisers and police estimated that about 8000 people were present.

:)

andrewfi is busted  ... 

1/ Tell us how you can be detained without being arrested  ?

2/ Where on EARTH did you 'source' that the organisers estimates for turnout match that of the govt.? ! 


The people detained were taken in so that they can pay an administrative fine for having taken part in an unlicensed demonstration.

..and if they don't pay - they are arrested - the fine can be 20K roubles

Moby, try the truth, just occasionally. You might find some benefit from doing so and learn a new, less anti social, way of interacting.

 :ROFL:  Irony red alert

More generally, this is a tiny number. I was involved in demos of such size years ago. That's enough people to fill a narrow street about 300m long. In that Moscow location it was half a block of not very dense people blocking traffic.

You seem pretty desperate to play down the numbers ... even suggesting 'fibbing' if questioned ... I'm wondering what skin have you in this game ?

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on April 04, 2017, 07:55:56 AM
The first I heard about the protests was from RTs website.

Yes, the EXTERNAL one... you'd have blinked and missed the Russian version's coverage on the day :)

The protest was a deliberate provocation as the organizers had not been able to get the Tverskaya location sanctioned and rejected two other locations that had been proposed by them. There are now claims that the organizers misled participants by telling them the demo was in fact sanctioned.

Jerash - you DO know what the protest was about and why the state would hardly 'sanction' it ? ......

Anyway - pretty easy to miss 8,000 malcontents in a city of 20 million....

It was probably considerably more ....  We already have another poster underplaying the numbers detained by nearly 50  percent over Russian based independent reports.

Not everything is a western conspiracy, Jerash ;)
Title: Re: demos over Navalny's video about Medvedev
Post by: Markje on April 04, 2017, 08:52:43 AM
Moby, why do you lie?

Your question - more correctly phrased - is why do you doubt the Kremlin controlled news outlets over the well respected and independent RU based figures?  THEY suggested considerably more arrested and considerably greater numbers.......

About 500 people were detained, not arrested, a few arrests were made. Both the organisers and police estimated that about 8000 people were present.

:)

andrewfi is busted  ... 

1/ Tell us how you can be detained without being arrested  ?
1/ Detained for questioning? You aren't arrested, but not allowed to leave until you give your statement. Quite normal in most countries police procedures (including dutch, which allows 48 hours for such an event)

Quote
The people detained were taken in so that they can pay an administrative fine for having taken part in an unlicensed demonstration.

..and if they don't pay - they are arrested - the fine can be 20K roubles
But they weren't until they decide not to pay. And if you don't pay, thats a felony for which you can get arrested (same in dutch law)

Quote
Moby, try the truth, just occasionally. You might find some benefit from doing so and learn a new, less anti social, way of interacting.

 :ROFL:  Irony red alert

More generally, this is a tiny number. I was involved in demos of such size years ago. That's enough people to fill a narrow street about 300m long. In that Moscow location it was half a block of not very dense people blocking traffic.

You seem pretty desperate to play down the numbers ... even suggesting 'fibbing' if questioned ... I'm wondering what skin have you in this game ?
No, andrew is following the law and its interpretations. That your understanding of it is a bit limited is not his fault.
Title: Re: demos over Navalny's video about Medvedev
Post by: Contrarian on April 04, 2017, 10:06:24 AM
Moby, why do you lie?

Your question - more correctly phrased - is why do you doubt the Kremlin controlled news outlets over the well respected and independent RU based figures?  THEY suggested considerably more arrested and considerably greater numbers.......

About 500 people were detained, not arrested, a few arrests were made. Both the organisers and police estimated that about 8000 people were present.

:)

andrewfi is busted  ... 

1/ Tell us how you can be detained without being arrested  ?

2/ Where on EARTH did you 'source' that the organisers estimates for turnout match that of the govt.? ! 


The people detained were taken in so that they can pay an administrative fine for having taken part in an unlicensed demonstration.

..and if they don't pay - they are arrested - the fine can be 20K roubles

Moby, try the truth, just occasionally. You might find some benefit from doing so and learn a new, less anti social, way of interacting.

 :ROFL:  Irony red alert

More generally, this is a tiny number. I was involved in demos of such size years ago. That's enough people to fill a narrow street about 300m long. In that Moscow location it was half a block of not very dense people blocking traffic.

You seem pretty desperate to play down the numbers ... even suggesting 'fibbing' if questioned ... I'm wondering what skin have you in this game ?

Don't be a moron Moby. I was once detained but not arrested. It's common practice with Police all over the World.

 :'(
Title: Re: demos over Navalny's video about Medvedev
Post by: msmoby on April 05, 2017, 01:50:50 AM
Detained for questioning? You aren't arrested, but not allowed to leave until you give your statement. Quite normal in most countries police procedures (including dutch, which allows 48 hours for such an event)

I beg to differ ... EXAMPLE : You could be detained at your home / in a police car - if being searched with probable cause - but you'd have to be released - swiftly - if nothing found.... You'd have to be arrested - if the Police want to take you down to the station to be interviewed.

No, andrew is following the law and its interpretations. That your understanding of it is a bit limited is not his fault.

andrewfi is incorrect and needs to check RF criminal codes - it certainly IS his fault
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 06, 2017, 03:51:57 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door. I'm still in this CELTA course which is, thankfully, ending in less than 3 weeks. When it ends, I will focus on livelihood. However, my actual income right now is 12,000ru/week. And with a few other things in the pipeline, I think it is going to be almost 19,000/week before this course finishes. Once the course ends, I think my income will very quickly shoot up to 115,000/mth at which point I'll be setting my new objective of 200,000/mth, which I think I can achieve by the end of 2017.

There is money to be had here for someone with the qualities of ability, initiative, and flexibility.

Did I mention that I LOVE this city?


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on April 06, 2017, 04:05:43 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door.

Of course it does. You are proactive, nice and friendly. (I just read your reply to the guy from California, you are an  :saint:) What goes around comes around  :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 06, 2017, 04:42:45 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door.

Of course it does. You are proactive, nice and friendly. (I just read your reply to the guy from California, you are an  :saint:) What goes around comes around  :)

You are very kind Volshe). And kind words always fuels a person's motivation and resolve. Спасибо!)))


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Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on April 06, 2017, 06:58:01 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door. I'm still in this CELTA course which is, thankfully, ending in less than 3 weeks. When it ends, I will focus on livelihood. However, my actual income right now is 12,000ru/week. And with a few other things in the pipeline, I think it is going to be almost 19,000/week before this course finishes. Once the course ends, I think my income will very quickly shoot up to 115,000/mth at which point I'll be setting my new objective of 200,000/mth, which I think I can achieve by the end of 2017.

There is money to be had here for someone with the qualities of ability, initiative, and flexibility.

Did I mention that I LOVE this city?


Congratulations bud! Now how's your love life?  :king:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 06, 2017, 07:08:34 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door. I'm still in this CELTA course which is, thankfully, ending in less than 3 weeks. When it ends, I will focus on livelihood. However, my actual income right now is 12,000ru/week. And with a few other things in the pipeline, I think it is going to be almost 19,000/week before this course finishes. Once the course ends, I think my income will very quickly shoot up to 115,000/mth at which point I'll be setting my new objective of 200,000/mth, which I think I can achieve by the end of 2017.

There is money to be had here for someone with the qualities of ability, initiative, and flexibility.

Did I mention that I LOVE this city?


Congratulations bud! Now how's your love life?  :king:

Mm. Just as I was about to give up tinder for lack of meeting interesting girls....

I found a very lovely one. We're seeing each other a lot and she's wonderful!


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on April 06, 2017, 07:40:35 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door. I'm still in this CELTA course which is, thankfully, ending in less than 3 weeks. When it ends, I will focus on livelihood. However, my actual income right now is 12,000ru/week. And with a few other things in the pipeline, I think it is going to be almost 19,000/week before this course finishes. Once the course ends, I think my income will very quickly shoot up to 115,000/mth at which point I'll be setting my new objective of 200,000/mth, which I think I can achieve by the end of 2017.

There is money to be had here for someone with the qualities of ability, initiative, and flexibility.

Did I mention that I LOVE this city?


Congratulations bud! Now how's your love life?  :king:

Mm. Just as I was about to give up tinder for lack of meeting interesting girls....

I found a very lovely one. We're seeing each other a lot and she's wonderful!


I'll bet you really feel vindicated with this decision to move to Moscow.

She's the icing on the cake, or maybe she'll be named on the wedding cake.  :)

Either way this move has been a good one for you and fortune favored the bold.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 13, 2017, 04:43:32 PM
Not sure if its of any use to you but Facebook have a page for expats in Moscow

https://www.facebook.com/groups/moscowexpats/?fref=nf


There are always people needing English teachers even for a few hours here and there amongst other things. But I would stay away from any Russians or anyone offering "Expat services" :)

It's been extremely useful Steve. I got a good gig off this that continues to give. :)


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Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 13, 2017, 04:45:02 PM
Steve, I hadn't seen this one. I just had a look and I think I'll find it very helpful! Thanks for sharing it!

They waste no time throwing us straight into the fire here!!! Tomorrow I have to give my first lesson


Good fortune! Don't let them see any trace of fear in you or they'll pounce and eat you alive! ;)

I eat them up like buttercups. :)
Title: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 13, 2017, 05:08:06 PM
So back on topic now :) , work just knocks on my door. I'm still in this CELTA course which is, thankfully, ending in less than 3 weeks. When it ends, I will focus on livelihood. However, my actual income right now is 12,000ru/week. And with a few other things in the pipeline, I think it is going to be almost 19,000/week before this course finishes. Once the course ends, I think my income will very quickly shoot up to 115,000/mth at which point I'll be setting my new objective of 200,000/mth, which I think I can achieve by the end of 2017.

There is money to be had here for someone with the qualities of ability, initiative, and flexibility.

Did I mention that I LOVE this city?


Congratulations bud! Now how's your love life?  :king:

Mm. Just as I was about to give up tinder for lack of meeting interesting girls....

I found a very lovely one. We're seeing each other a lot and she's wonderful!


I'll bet you really feel vindicated with this decision to move to Moscow.

She's the icing on the cake, or maybe she'll be named on the wedding cake.  :)

Either way this move has been a good one for you and fortune favored the bold.

Vindication is an interesting word. If anything I feel vindicated against my old self, as I got into a bad spot in life and, in my mind, I stayed there too long. If you would have told me 5 years ago that I would be in Moscow now, living this life I have, I would have called you retarded. I didn't believe in myself and to me the future looked like a wash.

There is a speech that I adore and it is not easily found on Google. It occurs in this song, by Ween, starting at 3:04. The only reason I know about it is that some Ween albums were shipped to Canada before the copyright was enforced.

And it's been a regular game of whack-a-mole ever since. I posted this earlier in my thread, but it's already been taken down.

So here it is again. Get it while it lasts. This is a great tune IN FULL, with the speech I mentioned starting at 3:04. The more I listen to this, the more relevant it seems to all the shit I've put up with and endured to get to where I am right now.

You have to click on the "watch on YouTube" link.

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on April 14, 2017, 03:26:44 AM
Sometimes, in life, a huge change, a new throw of the dice, is just what is needed. 19 years ago I too threw those dice and came up with a couple of sixes.

Of course one might also throw a mess of low numbers and right now I know of very few whose adventures turned out as well as they hoped. It seems that you are off to a good start.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on April 14, 2017, 07:08:15 AM
To put it another way; sometimes a self induced swift kick to the posterior is a good thing.

Go for the glittering prize!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Volshe on April 14, 2017, 09:29:15 AM
To put it another way; sometimes a self induced swift kick to the posterior is a good thing.

Go for the glittering prize!

пресловутый пинок под  зад  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on April 14, 2017, 10:04:43 AM
It just comes down to everything in life.."A positive mental attitude" In the face of adversity !

Failure is NOT an option. I remember walking in the poring rain for 4 miles to work with my ear phones on listening to
 :party0011:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 14, 2017, 11:09:47 AM
It just comes down to everything in life.."A positive mental attitude" In the face of adversity !

Failure is NOT an option. I remember walking in the poring rain for 4 miles to work with my ear phones on listening to
 :party0011:

Great tune Steve!


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on April 14, 2017, 11:24:23 AM
By the way I spelt "Pouring " wrong  :hidechair:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 08, 2017, 06:58:49 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong if this video isn't about FSU girls thinking about emigrating after the fall and collapse....
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on May 08, 2017, 11:53:22 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong if this video isn't about FSU girls thinking about emigrating after the fall and collapse....

I don't know- but why the images of Native 'Red Indians' in the vid ?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 09, 2017, 04:52:59 AM
Correct me if I'm wrong if this video isn't about FSU girls thinking about emigrating after the fall and collapse....

I don't know- but why the images of Native 'Red Indians' in the vid ?

 Stereotyped images of 'the West'


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on May 09, 2017, 06:16:52 AM
The video is by Beck from 1996 and, if it is as you suggest, then he was several years ahead of the curve of the MOB business. At that time there was almost no MOB activity from the FSU and what existed at that time was pretty much paper catalogs of burly middle aged shot putter types not beautiful young girlies. :)

It was not until a couple of years later that the Natasha Trade was identified; coming as it did with the confluence of the 1998 economic crash in Russia and the move to mainstream of online commerce.

So, I rather doubt that the video is what you think it is.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 11, 2017, 02:56:12 PM
The video is by Beck from 1996 and, if it is as you suggest, then he was several years ahead of the curve of the MOB business. At that time there was almost no MOB activity from the FSU and what existed at that time was pretty much paper catalogs of burly middle aged shot putter types not beautiful young girlies. :)

It was not until a couple of years later that the Natasha Trade was identified; coming as it did with the confluence of the 1998 economic crash in Russia and the move to mainstream of online commerce.

So, I rather doubt that the video is what you think it is.

I think you're right and I probably projected the meaning onto it, but I do think the video lends itself quite well to such an interpretation. :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 11, 2017, 03:26:08 PM
Spring has passed Moscow by this year.  May 11, today, and I walked home while the snow fell.  It probably lends itself to the general gloom.  I knew from the beginning that the 3-6 month mark would be difficult.  It is when the honeymoon period of general fascination and excitement wears off and also when you are still not fully established.

So it came earlier for me than later and I'm not surprised.  I changed employers and collected a new visa in Kiev last week, which marks 3 months.  Now I'm back in this wintry gloom.

I finished the CELTA course and I have to go pick up my provisional certificate (the original will come from Cambridge).  I'm hoping I'll get a Pass B (In ascending order, the grades are Fail, Pass, Pass B, and Pass A).  Now it's all work and I have been filling my schedule for the past month.  I hope to be near 100,000ru for the Month of May.  I like most of my gigs and students.

I met a really nice girl and I really liked her and I thought the feeling was mutual.  But I guess not.  I have always been relationship-oriented, and probably I moved things too quickly for her and now it's done.  At least I have time on my side, it's not like I'm going anywhere.

It crossed my mind that, in a city of 20 million, even if there were only 1000 attractive, available girls, it would take me 3 years to date each of them once.  So, to paraphrase the mother of my first girlfriend, there's plenty of fish in the sea.

I'm bummed out that it hasn't worked with the girl I met, as it seemed we had every material for a good and lasting relationship.  But maybe there will be an opportunity to get back with her in the future.  As it stands now, I'm 70/30 on it.

Moscow is more expensive than I'd thought, especially with all the extras (new visa, travel to Kiev, etc) and I burned my start up fund.  Now it's between me and the rubles I can earn.  May is tight, but I'll get paid for May in June, and it will be alright then.

The girl I met, one of the things she said to me is that this is an adventure for me, and I can leave at anytime once I'm not having fun anymore.  I resent that statement, probably because it is true.  I don't know what to respond, other than that this isn't easy and I didn't come just to evacuate when the going gets tough.  I'm here for a long haul and open to all possibilities.  I am earning rubles now, and I have to earn more of them to establish some stability.

Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on May 11, 2017, 05:13:18 PM
J Man, I want to commend your courage and fortitude.

I suspect there are opportunites you just need to be able to be at the right place at the right time to land it.

For what it is worth dating 1,000 girls in 3 years could be the title subject of a new thread.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on May 11, 2017, 05:25:56 PM
Don't give up Jerash. If you only date a hundred women in the next 3 years you'll still have plenty of fun.

Although I cannot imagine snow in May. Hope it warms up real soon for you and the other Muscovites.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on May 11, 2017, 06:00:49 PM
Quote
I resent that statement, probably because it is true

I don't think the statement was meant to be taken as an insult.  For many people, they have no "escape route" from their daily life.  They have very little options, other than to "grin and bear it".   :snivel:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on May 11, 2017, 10:18:25 PM
Jerash, it made the main RU news that it was snowing in Moscow in May - so it is not usual :)

Keep SMILING - even if they think you're mad or stupid - and all will be good. 

Women like confident, happy guys
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 15, 2017, 12:58:24 PM
J Man, I want to commend your courage and fortitude.

I suspect there are opportunites you just need to be able to be at the right place at the right time to land it.

For what it is worth dating 1,000 girls in 3 years could be the title subject of a new thread.

1,000 girls in 3 years - that would be an epic thread! But I don't think I'm the man for that job :))

Timing counts for a lot. So does recognizing and taking advantage of luck when it's presented itself to you.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 15, 2017, 01:01:39 PM
Don't give up Jerash. If you only date a hundred women in the next 3 years you'll still have plenty of fun.

Although I cannot imagine snow in May. Hope it warms up real soon for you and the other Muscovites.

16C and sunny today. That's two warm sunny days in a row. Looks like temps are up in general this week, but I think there's more rain in the forecast. At least I traded shitty weather in a boring city for shitty weather in a thrilling city ;)

A 100 women in 3 years sounds more fun than 1,000))) Probably more sex in that scenario ;)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on May 15, 2017, 01:06:57 PM
Quote
I resent that statement, probably because it is true

I don't think the statement was meant to be taken as an insult.  For many people, they have no "escape route" from their daily life.  They have very little options, other than to "grin and bear it".   :snivel:

You're spot on dcguy. I know it wasn't meant as an insult, but I realized over time that I resented the truth in it.

And while I COULD give up and go home, I'm all in here. I gave up everything back "home" to be where I am now. "Giving up" isn't even a thought I have and doing so would be psychologically devastating, I'm guessing.

When I put it into perspective, I think I've accomplished a lot in 3 months. It only gets better, I'm sure.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on May 15, 2017, 02:38:20 PM
Quote
I resent that statement, probably because it is true

I don't think the statement was meant to be taken as an insult.  For many people, they have no "escape route" from their daily life.  They have very little options, other than to "grin and bear it".   :snivel:

You're spot on dcguy. I know it wasn't meant as an insult, but I realized over time that I resented the truth in it.

And while I COULD give up and go home, I'm all in here. I gave up everything back "home" to be where I am now. "Giving up" isn't even a thought I have and doing so would be psychologically devastating, I'm guessing.

When I put it into perspective, I think I've accomplished a lot in 3 months. It only gets better, I'm sure.

Curious are you connected to the local population? When I am in Kiev I tend to avoid the ex-pats and have more contact 'natives'.

At times I have contemplated attempting to learn Russian, but this is a mega effort.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Tom Cat on June 28, 2017, 05:53:37 PM
This has been an interesting thread, would be great to get an update  :nod:

Article related to working in Russia.

7 questions for a foreigner seeking a job in Russia

https://www.rbth.com/politics_and_society/society/2017/06/28/7-questions-for-a-foreigner-seeking-a-job-in-russia_791405
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on June 30, 2017, 06:57:03 AM
This has been an interesting thread, would be great to get an update  :nod:

May be he's sheltering from Tropical Storm 'anvil' - approaching Moscow...
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on July 30, 2017, 04:27:54 PM
I'm sweating in Moscow during the few days of summer we've had so far.  I'm almost at six months here now.  I only started working in May.  So with no reference points, I entered summer working, while everyone else is going on holiday and making plans for the coming school year.  June killed me - cancellations left and right, it was discouraging.  July, pleased as punch, busy as hell, and my best month by a country mile for earnings.  So far August looks light, but July has made me confident that it will work out.  From September, I expect I'll be plenty busy.  My goal is still to earn 200,000/mth by the end of the year.  I'm well on the way.

I've been here almost six months and I'm currently looking for a new place to live. When I first came here I had no income and thought it would be prudent to take a room and so i did just that.  I've been living in a Kommunalka of 4 rooms and only 3 other room mates.  A communal flat is one where you have your private quarters but share living areas.  This is to be taken seriously, it's not like getting roommates.  Everything is separate and independent, down to the toiletpaper.  It can also raise certain issues - in my case the neighbour has a table and chairs in the kitchen.  It's not mine and I can't use it.  While I could propose the absurdity of introducing additional kitchen tables into this small space, it's not worth it.  I'm moving on.

I'm looking for a one or two room of my own.  So far I haven't found anything, but I still have a bit of time.  A good two room has certain attractions, most particularly the room to grow.  But the closer to the centre you get, the more expensive it is and the quality drops as well.  And to get the same quality here as in the west, prices shoot way up.  Unfortunately, I can't afford the same quality as I was used to before I moved, not in centre, not anywhere.

While *someone* has crudely suggested I have trouble "getting my dick wet", it isn't so and I sometimes wish it was the opposite.  I am finding myself growing more and more attached to a very nice girl, but she is moving out of the city to save money while her flat is being built (she just bought it).  She has a daughter who has been with her grandparents for the summer so I haven't met her yet.  I don't know if this will go anywhere and I can see there are a lot of obstacles.  But it's on my mind when I think about getting a two room flat.

The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on July 31, 2017, 02:14:47 AM
I'm sweating in Moscow during the few days of summer we've had so far.  I'm almost at six months here now.  I only started working in May.  So with no reference points, I entered summer working, while everyone else is going on holiday and making plans for the coming school year.  June killed me - cancellations left and right, it was discouraging.  July, pleased as punch, busy as hell, and my best month by a country mile for earnings.  So far August looks light, but July has made me confident that it will work out.  From September, I expect I'll be plenty busy.  My goal is still to earn 200,000/mth by the end of the year.  I'm well on the way.

I've been here almost six months and I'm currently looking for a new place to live. When I first came here I had no income and thought it would be prudent to take a room and so i did just that.  I've been living in a Kommunalka of 4 rooms and only 3 other room mates.  A communal flat is one where you have your private quarters but share living areas.  This is to be taken seriously, it's not like getting roommates.  Everything is separate and independent, down to the toiletpaper.  It can also raise certain issues - in my case the neighbour has a table and chairs in the kitchen.  It's not mine and I can't use it.  While I could propose the absurdity of introducing additional kitchen tables into this small space, it's not worth it.  I'm moving on.

I'm looking for a one or two room of my own.  So far I haven't found anything, but I still have a bit of time.  A good two room has certain attractions, most particularly the room to grow.  But the closer to the centre you get, the more expensive it is and the quality drops as well.  And to get the same quality here as in the west, prices shoot way up.  Unfortunately, I can't afford the same quality as I was used to before I moved, not in centre, not anywhere.

While *someone* has crudely suggested I have trouble "getting my dick wet", it isn't so and I sometimes wish it was the opposite.  I am finding myself growing more and more attached to a very nice girl, but she is moving out of the city to save money while her flat is being built (she just bought it).  She has a daughter who has been with her grandparents for the summer so I haven't met her yet.  I don't know if this will go anywhere and I can see there are a lot of obstacles.  But it's on my mind when I think about getting a two room flat.

The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.

 :thumbsup:  Well done!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on July 31, 2017, 07:00:06 AM


The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.

How's the Russian coming on ?

You're lucky it's not been as hot a summer as it could be...What's it like on the metro when hot ?
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on August 04, 2017, 01:41:40 PM


The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.

How's the Russian coming on ?

You're lucky it's not been as hot a summer as it could be...What's it like on the metro when hot ?

Лучше и лучше. Сейчас могу говорить немного. Каждый день изучаю новые слова.

On my line there are rarely the newer trains with air conditioning. I've just come to accept that everyday I will be having a fully-clothed sauna experience. And I find the season doesn't matter. In summer it's hot, while in winter you are wearing heavy clothes and jacket. The end result is the same)

While the metro can be and often is busy and crowded, I recently watched some video of the subway experience in Beijing and Tokyo. It's given me a whole new perspective and I have nothing to complain about the metro here, which works fantastically for getting about the city.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on August 04, 2017, 05:19:01 PM


The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.

How's the Russian coming on ?

You're lucky it's not been as hot a summer as it could be...What's it like on the metro when hot ?


While the metro can be and often is busy and crowded, I recently watched some video of the subway experience in Beijing and Tokyo.


If you wondered what it would feel like being packed in a can of sardines, those mass transit systems have workers specially trained to get as many people inside a car and to get the doors closed.  ;D
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on August 04, 2017, 06:01:26 PM


The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.

How's the Russian coming on ?

You're lucky it's not been as hot a summer as it could be...What's it like on the metro when hot ?


While the metro can be and often is busy and crowded, I recently watched some video of the subway experience in Beijing and Tokyo.


If you wondered what it would feel like being packed in a can of sardines, those mass transit systems have workers specially trained to get as many people inside a car and to get the doors closed.  ;D

Yes, I saw this in the videos. I can't imagine and would not want to live in such a place. So you already know my answer - I'm not wondering what it would feel like to be packed in a can of sardines :)


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on August 04, 2017, 06:09:04 PM


The honeymoon is over and I'm now looking to the next phase, which includes getting my own place and maybe deepening relations with a nice gal here.

How's the Russian coming on ?

You're lucky it's not been as hot a summer as it could be...What's it like on the metro when hot ?


While the metro can be and often is busy and crowded, I recently watched some video of the subway experience in Beijing and Tokyo.


If you wondered what it would feel like being packed in a can of sardines, those mass transit systems have workers specially trained to get as many people inside a car and to get the doors closed.  ;D

Yes, I saw this in the videos. I can't imagine and would not want to live in such a place. So you already know my answer - I'm not wondering what it would feel like to be packed in a can of sardines :)


.

I've been on an Asian (local) train, bus, and boat trip.  You had to almost fight to get a spot to sit down as the passengers all ran roughshod to get on board.  Old people and those with disabilities were left in the dust.   :hidechair:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on August 09, 2017, 04:10:06 PM
I've now passed the six month mark.  I have been looking for a place of my own for the past few weeks and it has been a gruelling experience.  I'm really lucky, because a friend I met has taken this on as her own personal responsibility, without my even asking.  For almost the past two weeks, she has been calling and trying to set up appointments to arrange viewings (that sounds funereal, but I don't know a better expression), accompanying me to the appointments whenever she can, and two times sending her best friend to meet me when she couldn't (!!!!).  Don't ever tell me that people in the West will make the same efforts for a fish out of water.  It is like the hand of God, the way these Russians look after and help me.  By now I should be in a sewer somewhere  :ROFL:

Coincidentally, this good friend who has saved my hide, is going to Canada in less than two weeks for a long stay.  Funny the way the world works.

With luck, as I'm learning in Russia, I'll sign the contract tomorrow on a place that I like and is suitable. Moscow is a very big city, with many different neighbourhoods, different flats, and different circumstances.  For a foreigner trying to make the best decision, it's easy to look like an indecisive twat))

In this most recent endeavour, I've had all kinds of ups and downs, Russian style, whether they be fake ads or being told by an English-Russian interpreter living in England that they have decided they will only rent the flat to a Russian speaker.  Seems like you never know what will happen here.

I've been seeing a Russian girl here in Moscow and learning a lot about the Russian mentality.  She is twice bitten and fatalistic and has told me clearly that she is reserving her feelings.  More like, she won't let herself feel too much for me.   Tomorrow she has to move and I will go over there after I finish work at 9pm to help with everything that is left to do.  Today, trying to get some hint from her, I said "I hope I have some use for you".  Her kind Russian response was "I also hope for this"))))  Lots of background to that comment, actually, but these Russian girls are difficult to crack!  Everything left is now packed in the car, so tomorrow I will just go with her to the new flat and move it all in.  Then, stay the night and commute into Moscow on Friday.

My Russian is coming along.  For the flat I hope to be able to sign the contract for tomorrow, my friend set up the appointment, but I went there alone.  Met the agent and the owner, who both spoke just about zero English, and I was able to get all my questions answered and they were able to communicate everything they needed to.  I only used the translator to find the word "owner" and "I will decide".  I'm quite proud of how I managed with it today.  I think my Russian is better than I thought it was.)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on August 09, 2017, 04:30:39 PM
I have now spent many weeks asking students about their upcoming holidays, how their holidays were and on and on.  The timing of my move has meant I am working through the summer as to get better established.  It's a tough slog on some days, as I just want to be on the dock, kicking up my feet, without a care.  That being said, my cares are much less than what they used to be when I first joined this forum and I am happy with my life, despite the fact that it is less clear what the future holds.  To paraphrase an old song I like, You're in Russia now.  tiphat

I'll have some time off starting in December.  Because of the big New Year's holiday in Russia, I'll be able to spend a solid three weeks with family in Canada.  I'm looking forward to it, but I'm happy with it all here as well.

I'm enjoying being in this culture and trying to figure out how to translate it back to the culture I'm familiar with.  I am very familiar with many cultures in this rather small and big world, and I would say that Russian culture is familiar for a Westerner on the surface level.  Once you dig beyond, there is something very unique and special, and specifically unlike anywhere else. 
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on August 09, 2017, 05:58:19 PM
Glad to hear that adjusting to life there has not been too difficult for you.  As for Good Samaritans helping you out, it can be very beneficial to both persons.  Just be wary that there are also "pretend" Good Samaritans who have some hidden agenda.  If the acquaintance will be going to Canada soon, then that makes it almost providential that you both met.   :saint:

As for fatalistic attitude, having been to third world regions, that type of mentality is prevalent with people there.  When an "outsider" comes to their area, it may bring some extra activity and interest to the area, but they also know that life will return back to the same routine afterward. :snivel:

Good that the translator helped you out with people who spoke no English.  When you live in a foreign location after a while, you get the hang of the place.  The one big difference with some foreign country holidays is that it can last for one week or more.  In the USA, there are only one day holidays.  Not unless the Government shuts down like in 1995-6.   :laugh:

People all over are about the same.  It is the living standards and culture that varies.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on August 10, 2017, 02:22:03 AM
Jerash,

Glad you are keeping 'busy' during the most frustrating enforced holiday of the sporting calendar ;)

I am exploring the Dacha culture - getting to know neighbours and insisting I can't drink Vodka, Cha Cha and various other intoxicating liquors

Good luck with the new place
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 03, 2018, 11:16:27 AM
2018 has arrived and I have decided to post an update.  This thread is not dead, nor is the original dream.

With the arrival of the new year, I reflect with gratitude on the following, in no particular order:

1) That I live in such a great city as Moscow
2) That I have lots of work and continuing potential for more and better paying work
3) That I met my end-2017 goals of earning 200,000ru/mth.
4) That I am debt free.
5) That I was able to go on holiday in November, travel to Canada for Christmas, buy my flight back to Moscow, have my January rent put aside, and still have roubles.
6) That friends have gone out of their way to visit me here in Moscow
7) That I have my own, warm, modern flat, 6 minutes walk to the metro station, which is 15 minutes to Red Square (moved in a few days before Confederate made a clever post about my pathetic communal life  :chuckle:)
8) That I have so many intelligent and extremely interesting and accomplished students
9) That the future looks bright and I feel good here in Russia
10) That the girls are so incredibly beautiful
11) That I have been able to spend some quality time with some of these girls
12) That I have a wonderful Russian girl in my life now
13) That I was able to see my family in Canada over the holidays
14) That I now have with me 1.5kg of the highest quality Canadian Cheddar Cheese
15) And lots of Maple Syrup for myself and for presents

Moscow is a great city and I've learned so much since I arrived here in February 2017!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Contrarian on January 03, 2018, 01:30:52 PM
2018 has arrived and I have decided to post an update.  This thread is not dead, nor is the original dream.

With the arrival of the new year, I reflect with gratitude on the following, in no particular order:

1) That I live in such a great city as Moscow
2) That I have lots of work and continuing potential for more and better paying work
3) That I met my end-2017 goals of earning 200,000ru/mth.
4) That I am debt free.
5) That I was able to go on holiday in November, travel to Canada for Christmas, buy my flight back to Moscow, have my January rent put aside, and still have roubles.
6) That friends have gone out of their way to visit me here in Moscow
7) That I have my own, warm, modern flat, 6 minutes walk to the metro station, which is 15 minutes to Red Square (moved in a few days before Confederate made a clever post about my pathetic communal life  :chuckle:)
8) That I have so many intelligent and extremely interesting and accomplished students
9) That the future looks bright and I feel good here in Russia
10) That the girls are so incredibly beautiful
11) That I have been able to spend some quality time with some of these girls
12) That I have a wonderful Russian girl in my life now
13) That I was able to see my family in Canada over the holidays
14) That I now have with me 1.5kg of the highest quality Canadian Cheddar Cheese
15) And lots of Maple Syrup for myself and for presents

Moscow is a great city and I've learned so much since I arrived here in February 2017!

But what about pancake mix? You can’t have any maple syrup without pancakes!  :laugh:

BTW congratulations! Well done.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on January 03, 2018, 01:43:46 PM
2018 has arrived and I have decided to post an update.  This thread is not dead, nor is the original dream.

With the arrival of the new year, I reflect with gratitude on the following, in no particular order:

1) That I live in such a great city as Moscow
2) That I have lots of work and continuing potential for more and better paying work
3) That I met my end-2017 goals of earning 200,000ru/mth.
4) That I am debt free.
5) That I was able to go on holiday in November, travel to Canada for Christmas, buy my flight back to Moscow, have my January rent put aside, and still have roubles.
6) That friends have gone out of their way to visit me here in Moscow
7) That I have my own, warm, modern flat, 6 minutes walk to the metro station, which is 15 minutes to Red Square (moved in a few days before Confederate made a clever post about my pathetic communal life  :chuckle:)
8) That I have so many intelligent and extremely interesting and accomplished students
9) That the future looks bright and I feel good here in Russia
10) That the girls are so incredibly beautiful
11) That I have been able to spend some quality time with some of these girls
12) That I have a wonderful Russian girl in my life now
13) That I was able to see my family in Canada over the holidays
14) That I now have with me 1.5kg of the highest quality Canadian Cheddar Cheese
15) And lots of Maple Syrup for myself and for presents

Moscow is a great city and I've learned so much since I arrived here in February 2017!

But what about pancake mix? You can’t have any maple syrup without pancakes!  :laugh:

BTW congratulations! Well done.

Flour+water+milk+oil=bliny!) Thanks for well wishes!
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 06, 2018, 02:03:48 PM
On 7 February, 2017, I stepped off the train at Kievskaya rail station into the -20C air with a fresh-off-the-presses single-entry Russian visa.  I was excited and, well, trepidatious.  I can't believe a year has passed already!

Today's weather was similar, only a few degrees less cold, but also after a mega-dump of snow.  The city is still getting back to normal.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Lord of the Dance on February 06, 2018, 02:55:38 PM
On 7 February, 2017, I stepped off the train at Kievskaya rail station into the -20C air with a fresh-off-the-presses single-entry Russian visa.  I was excited and, well, trepidatious.  I can't believe a year has passed already!

Today's weather was similar, only a few degrees less cold, but also after a mega-dump of snow.  The city is still getting back to normal.

Congratulations to your first year.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Tripleg on February 06, 2018, 10:27:23 PM
@Jerash, what's the end-goal of your journey? Is it to gain Russian Citizenship and start a busines? Surely you don't plan on being an English teacher your whole life....
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: AvHdB on February 07, 2018, 08:46:14 AM
On 7 February, 2017, I stepped off the train at Kievskaya rail station into the -20C air with a fresh-off-the-presses single-entry Russian visa.  I was excited and, well, trepidatious.  I can't believe a year has passed already!

Today's weather was similar, only a few degrees less cold, but also after a mega-dump of snow.  The city is still getting back to normal.

It is a sign of the times or perhaps the lack of news worthy articles but the Moscow snow of the last couple days has received almost as much coverage as the first Tesla being delivered to an outer orbit. Mind you no doom and gloom about Moscow as opposed to Boston a few years back just a bucket full of snow landed on the Kremlin and surrounding regions.

As for your anniversary, well done!  tiphat
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on February 07, 2018, 01:25:23 PM
@Jerash, what's the end-goal of your journey? Is it to gain Russian Citizenship and start a busines? Surely you don't plan on being an English teacher your whole life....

No, I definitely don't plan to spend my whole life as an English teacher.  I've already spent half of it doing other things.  :laugh:

But more seriously, it's a fair enough question.  Possibly by "English teacher" you imagine that I am bound to a school where I go every day and spend all day there and that I do this for peanuts.  Definitely that is an option in Moscow, and boy are they suckers, the ones who do it.  I follow several boards connected with language teaching in Moscow and I'm positively scandalized by the offers that come from those schools.

As for me, I'm basically a freelancer.  My clients come through 4 or 5 different schools/agencies, and I have some of my own students independently as well. At this point in time, my lessons are all one-on-one and are typically held in offices and to a lesser amount, private homes and cafes.  I count a number of well-known brand companies among my clientele, and also some private clients in extremely lucrative positions.  I'm earning well and continue to see potential for increasing my income going forward.  My money is sourced from people who know that I am a serious professional and not a hipster using ESL teaching to travel the world, etc.

Year one was spent on credential training and then establishing myself, while also learning about where I had landed.  Year two is about consolidation, applying what I've learned, and diversifying.

That's only in the professional sphere.  Part of the reason I came here was to meet a lovely girl to settle down with and have a family.  I've been dating locally for a year now and I'm really hoping that I may now have hooked into something truly serious and that that area of my life is going to bear fruit.

The future is always open-ended.  I should have been locked down into a good lifetime job in Canada, but after a decade doing it, I was unfulfilled and decided it wasn't worth trading my happiness in for a good salary and a great promise down the road.  My attitude hasn't changed and I guess it never will.  I have to be versatile and adaptable and try to plan ahead so that I can be ready for any number of options.  Return to Canada with family?  Sooner or later?  Staying in Russia longer term? Permanently?  Relocation with family to a third country altogether?  These are all possibilities, and I think my strength is that I'm open to all of those possibilities.  Some of you may disagree.

So I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.  Keep learning and trying to be better than the last month.  Opening a business is definitely something I'm considering, but it is early early days for that.  I'll need to learn more about the Russian requirements and continue building my contacts.  But it's only one of the options.

I'm happy with the direction things are going.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: msmoby on February 08, 2018, 02:36:10 AM
Dear Jerash,

please forgive the lateness of my congratulations.

Personally, I couldn't live in a big city  - but your experiences have softened my attitude to Moscow ;)

Hope the next year will be as interesting
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Steveboy on February 08, 2018, 10:59:39 AM
@Jerash, what's the end-goal of your journey? Is it to gain Russian Citizenship and start a busines? Surely you don't plan on being an English teacher your whole life....

No, I definitely don't plan to spend my whole life as an English teacher.  I've already spent half of it doing other things.  :laugh:

But more seriously, it's a fair enough question.  Possibly by "English teacher" you imagine that I am bound to a school where I go every day and spend all day there and that I do this for peanuts.  Definitely that is an option in Moscow, and boy are they suckers, the ones who do it.  I follow several boards connected with language teaching in Moscow and I'm positively scandalized by the offers that come from those schools.

As for me, I'm basically a freelancer.  My clients come through 4 or 5 different schools/agencies, and I have some of my own students independently as well. At this point in time, my lessons are all one-on-one and are typically held in offices and to a lesser amount, private homes and cafes.  I count a number of well-known brand companies among my clientele, and also some private clients in extremely lucrative positions.  I'm earning well and continue to see potential for increasing my income going forward.  My money is sourced from people who know that I am a serious professional and not a hipster using ESL teaching to travel the world, etc.

Year one was spent on credential training and then establishing myself, while also learning about where I had landed.  Year two is about consolidation, applying what I've learned, and diversifying.

That's only in the professional sphere.  Part of the reason I came here was to meet a lovely girl to settle down with and have a family.  I've been dating locally for a year now and I'm really hoping that I may now have hooked into something truly serious and that that area of my life is going to bear fruit.

The future is always open-ended.  I should have been locked down into a good lifetime job in Canada, but after a decade doing it, I was unfulfilled and decided it wasn't worth trading my happiness in for a good salary and a great promise down the road.  My attitude hasn't changed and I guess it never will.  I have to be versatile and adaptable and try to plan ahead so that I can be ready for any number of options.  Return to Canada with family?  Sooner or later?  Staying in Russia longer term? Permanently?  Relocation with family to a third country altogether?  These are all possibilities, and I think my strength is that I'm open to all of those possibilities.  Some of you may disagree.

So I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing.  Keep learning and trying to be better than the last month.  Opening a business is definitely something I'm considering, but it is early early days for that.  I'll need to learn more about the Russian requirements and continue building my contacts.  But it's only one of the options.

I'm happy with the direction things are going.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Jerash on April 05, 2018, 03:03:13 PM
My feet hurt. 14,000+ steps today and yesterday, 16,000+ the day before. I can’t wait til June when things slow down. I want a holiday.


.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on April 05, 2018, 04:36:10 PM
Orthodox Easter is this Sunday, so a holiday is very close.  :)
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: d672 on July 19, 2019, 03:47:58 PM
 Here's another guy we haven't heard from for a long time, a Canadian who moved to Moscow. It looks like he hasn't logged in since last Sept. Anyone hear anything about him? Hope he's not in the Gulag!  :laugh:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: Guile on July 19, 2019, 04:09:27 PM
He's probably too busy with the 10 rotating girlfriends he has now  :laugh: :laugh:.... it really is that easy if you are a decent, well mannered native English speaker in Moscow.  I know.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: dcguyusa on July 19, 2019, 05:07:48 PM
Quote
The future is always open-ended.

I guess your life can go any direction without concern.  But there will come to a point when a full stop ends it all.   :snivel:
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on July 20, 2019, 05:15:01 AM
Here's another guy we haven't heard from for a long time, a Canadian who moved to Moscow. It looks like he hasn't logged in since last Sept. Anyone hear anything about him? Hope he's not in the Gulag!  :laugh:

Don't worry, unless he has a time machine capable of going back more than 40 years there is no chance of Jerash being in a gulag.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on July 20, 2019, 05:15:33 AM
Quote
The future is always open-ended.

I guess your life can go any direction without concern.  But there will come to a point when a full stop ends it all.   :snivel:

We only have a period available to us.
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: d672 on July 20, 2019, 01:01:20 PM
Here's another guy we haven't heard from for a long time, a Canadian who moved to Moscow. It looks like he hasn't logged in since last Sept. Anyone hear anything about him? Hope he's not in the Gulag!  :laugh:

Don't worry, unless he has a time machine capable of going back more than 40 years there is no chance of Jerash being in a gulag.

 Well he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth after things sounded like they were going so good for him... maybe he does! lol
Title: Re: Trepidatiously Moscow Bound....
Post by: andrewfi on July 20, 2019, 01:05:27 PM
Here's another guy we haven't heard from for a long time, a Canadian who moved to Moscow. It looks like he hasn't logged in since last Sept. Anyone hear anything about him? Hope he's not in the Gulag!  :laugh:

Don't worry, unless he has a time machine capable of going back more than 40 years there is no chance of Jerash being in a gulag.

 Well he seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth after things sounded like they were going so good for him... maybe he does! lol

You might be able to find him in old soviet videos on Youtube. He'll be the bloke who looks out of place, waving an iPhone.