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Posted by: TheRooster

Hello folks!

I have been lurking these forums for a month or so now, and have made a post or two, but never really introduced myself. So here goes... WARNING-Can be Long-winded!

I live in Southern California (South OC) and am a 32 year old Computer Consultant. My work keeps me extremely busy, which is a good and bad thing. I have had a strange fascination with Russia / Soviet Union since childhood... which began after watching a movie called "2010" in a local theatre. Seeing the Russian language written on the computer screens and walls of the "space craft" awed me. It was at that time I wanted to know more of this fascinating place and people.

I taught myself the Cyrillic alphabet and picked up saved my allowance for a Russian grammar book at a used book store. Well, the College Grammar book (circa 1950) proved to be a bit overwhelming at 12 years old, and I put the language on hold for the next 2 decades determined to pick it up again in the future.

I have finally started to realize my goal of learning the language. I purchased the Rosetta Stone program and have engaged a Russian Tutor 3 hours a week and am loving it! It is quite challenging and exciting, and to my surprise, I never forgot the Cyrillic alphabet.

Now, for what has brought me here to these forums, and to what I have determined to be a very high-quality community: In speaking with my Russian Tutor, it was mentioned that she met her husband from an internet agency advertisement (She is from Moscow), and that many of her friends were fortunate in finding their spouses by the same method! She described what the typical Russian woman is like, her values and approach to life…etc, all of which I have not found in the relationships I have had with local women. Being divorced and having had too many relationships that were ended because of greed or dishonesty, her story was of a special interest to me. I came to the conclusion a year or so ago that I would not find a woman who shared my values in Southern California, and that I would need to relocate if I were to ever have a chance to find my match and have a family. After meeting this couple, seeing the type of relationship I have sought but never realized, I began to think of the FSU as another possible hiding place for the woman I have sought all of my life. The next step will be to actually start contacting some of these lovely ladies once I lose 30 or so pounds of excess weight

So, now that my language classes have begun, I have been giving serious thoughts of "retiring" to the FSU. I understand that the US$ goes a bit farther in Russia, and that I might be able to purchase a home for prices unheard of in the US. Also, if what I have read of the average Russian income ($300-$600 per month), I should be able to rent my current property with at least that much profit and allow for a reasonable lifestyle in the FSU. The thought of doing so is very appealing, even though I have never visited this land of Fascination.

Anyway, that is the short version of "me". I am certain I'll share more if there is an interest, in the mean time, I am glad to have found this community

~TheRooster

Posted by: rtking

Welcome Rooster!

You and I have a lot in common. I too am an IT Consultant (I have my own firm) and I live in Huntington Beach (North Orange County.) We should get together and chat... or at the very least, practice Russian! I am also studying Russian... but it's been much slower for me lately because I've been engaged in a couple of projects that leaves me virtually no time.

As for retiring in the FSU... it's entirely possible. There are many expatriates in the FSU and several of those own agencies or other businesses. (I once read a story of an American-born Russian moved back to Russia to buy-up and manage many smaller farms (to form one larger farm) and is currently one of the largest suppliers of vegetables in Russia.)

I think you can buy a flat (anywhere but Moscow and Saint Petersburg because they're much more expensive cities) for around $20,000 - 25,000. Living expenses can be fairly low if you don't dine-out all the time, etc. I have seriously thought of living in the FSU part time when I retire. I have many years yet before I retire (I'll be 37 in a few weeks) but it's always a thought.

I may get flamed for saying this [Flame Suit ON] but my interactions with women from South OC have been mostly on the unfavorable side. I found that many of them are shallow ("Do you drive a BMW?") and I find many not to be an intellectual equal to me. (Intellectual equal, not academic equal.) There are many women I've met who are nice, but I found their views to be very narrowly focused and very conservative. [Flame Suit OFF] I often wonder if I would have been looking in the FSU if I lived in the MidWest? I understand that people from the MidWest are often much more "down to eath", easygoing and less pretentious.

I have had some experiences in the FSU and there are a variety of women there as well. Cultural views are certainly different, but personalities vary everywhere (just as they do here in America.) But I agree with you Rooster... love is where you find it. If it's in Chicago, Florida or the FSU... it shouldn't matter. Just as long as you both share similar values, personalities and have a good rapport with each other.

Good luck!

Bob

P.S. The stress of consulting will easily cause you to gain weight! I gained a substantial amount of weight while consulting for a consulting firm. I like working for myself... I can control (somewhat) the level of stress and monitor my weight a bit better. Also, the endless travel and eating of hotel and restaurant food will do nothing to help improve your waistline!

Posted by: TheRooster

Absolutely! I'll PM you my info.

Thanks for the welcome by the way!

Posted by: Khashyar

Welcome Rooster...

I'm glad that you have intropduced yourself and have begun sharing your thoughts and experiences here...

(Long-windedness is o.k.

)

Khashyar

Posted by: andrei

Quote:

Originally posted by TheRooster
Hello folks!

So, now that my language classes have begun, I have been giving serious thoughts of "retiring" to the FSU. I understand that the US$ goes a bit farther in Russia, and that I might be able to purchase a home for prices unheard of in the US. Also, if what I have read of the average Russian income ($300-$600 per month), I should be able to rent my current property with at least that much profit and allow for a reasonable lifestyle in the FSU. The thought of doing so is very appealing, even though I have never visited this land of Fascination.

~TheRooster

Hi dude

Well first of all, low income doesnt mean low expenses. Moscow is one of the most expensive places to live.

Russian language is a b--tch too. Only everyday practice with native speakers may keep you from watching people laugh when you talk to them in Russian.

And then don't forget that the land of Fascination is also the land of alcoholics, thieves, terrorists from Caucasus and moneyhungry girls. Never lose your head.

Posted by: Pin Boy

andrei,

good to play devil's advocate and tell it straight...the grass isn't always greener...i liked visiting ukraine very much, but would not want to live there...not for just the reasons you mentioned, but in my opinion, getting things done in the usa is just soooo much easier if you live in the right place and have reliable friends, contacts, buddies...a little bit of money helps too

pin boy

Posted by: Khashyar

I appreciate someone who is plain-talking and says it like it is, Andrei

I know that many people appreciate reading your perspective.

Khashyar

Posted by: Pin Boy

and let's not forget about the most important people - your family

Posted by: Juggler

Quote:

And then don't forget that the land of Fascination is also the land of alcoholics, thieves, terrorists from Caucasus and moneyhungry girls. Never lose your head.

Every country has its share of alcholics theives etc but people adapt to their environment.
I was robbed on my first night in Moscow but I dont condemn the whole nation just because I was unadapted and unprepared for it.
My girlfriend ( now my wife) was in tears because she is proud to be Russian despite the downside of corruption and squalor and she wanted to show me the nicer side to her country.
Take everything on its merits..........there are a lot of good things and people in Russia.........but like everywhere.........you have to search in the right places and have a little luck too.
I was lucky because I was not searching but Yulia has made me sooooooooooo happy.

Posted by: Juggler

Quote:

And then don't forget that the land of Fascination is also the land of alcoholics, thieves, terrorists from Caucasus and moneyhungry girls. Never lose your head.

Posted by: LMB

Quote:

Originally posted by andrei
Hi dude

Well first of all, low income doesnt mean low expenses. Moscow is one of the most expensive places to live.

And then don't forget that the land of Fascination is also the land of alcoholics, thieves, terrorists from Caucasus and moneyhungry girls. Never lose your head.

Every City has it's pitfalls, Moscow is expensive for certain things: Accomodation (although London beats it hands down)
Imported Cars: daylight robbery
Russian Cars: for $5000 in the UK i could get a pretty decent 2nd hand motor.
Imported Clothes: they spend so much making the shop look like a palace i suppose they have to charge $500 for a sweater.

But the cost of everyday living here in Moscow if you put your mind to it can be cheap, i know a few expats who survive on $200-$300 a month and still go out for the occasional meal and beer, you couldn't do that in the UK no way Jose.
There are hundreds of decent restaurants snook away from the main streets and boulevards, you just have to accidentally come across them... then be a bit daring and go in. If you stick to the advertised restaurants and bars you can easily spend $2000 or more a month, that's the difference.

Finland has many more alcoholics per capita than Russia and yet this country isn't stereotyped

Thieves are in every country Brazil would put Moscow to shame on this front, i feel safer in Moscow than i do in London, again so do many of my expat friends.
I can't disagree with the gold-diggers they still exist although nowhere near the same magnitude as 10 years ago.

Posted by: Jill

It scares me, but I agree with Andrei here. The average income in Ukraine is about $70, yet my monthly expenses run around $1000 (for two people and a dog--and without a lot of extras such as eating out, lots of clothes, entertainment, etc). Moscow and St. Petersburg will be more. Granted this is still much less than one would likely spend in a large US city.

And if you are planning on working in Russia, I'll warn you that it is no longer so easy for Americans to get jobs here. It certainly used to be in the mid to late 90's, but not so anymore. Although, IT is probably one of the best fields you could be in...

Also, although there are indeed many wonderful women in Russia, I would advise you to take off the rose colored glasses...You could be setting yourself up for trouble.

In short, this is something you REALLY need to think through. At the same time, I will say that Russia/FSU can be a great place to live--I lived in Russia myself for about four years and have lived in Ukraine for an additional three. But definitely do your homework first.

Posted by: Vyesna

I also want to say that not every Russian laughs when Westerners try to speak Russian, unlike Andrei-- with a little patience, insistence and time, any Westener can speak Russian and not everyone (and in fact the majority of Russians will not) laugh at you.

Posted by: TheRooster

Thanks for all the feedback folks.

I appreciate it greatly!