Tourist turns to non tourist (renting apartments in Russia, learning Russian language - Russian Ukrainian Belarus Travel Music Woman Dating News

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Tourist turns to non tourist (renting apartments in Russia, learning Russian language
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Posted by: Michele

I am new to these boards and would like to be a frequent visitor.. I've read many of the messages and everyone seems very helpful.

I've been traveling to Russia for 3 years now and I plan to travel there every year. I'm ready to turn in my tourist title and become a non tourist.

My first goal is to begin renting apartments and NO more expensive hotels!

Next, I want to meet new people in Russia and begin to develop relationships with real people not hotel people!

With that said, does anyone know of a place where I can get information on rental apartments or know of anyone who privately rents apartments? I've tried the most commons ones already without much success.

I speak a little Russian but I study it weekly so I'm on my way to NO more translators!

Any tips, thoughts or discussion is welcome!
Michele

Posted by: bdoug71

This is a post from another board that I frequent. I thought it answered your question pretty well so I will share it here. It was not written by me but I think it is shareable.

"It is true that an apartment is cheaper to rent then a hotel.

I have done this several times in St. Petersburg.

You might want to do an internet serach of rental apartments in Moscow. Or check the Moscow Times on line. They may have a link to a property management company and you can directly rent the apartment from them.

Try... www.realtor.ru or www.updk.ru

these are two property management co. in Moscow."

just my two cents.

Bruce D

Posted by: Michele

Bruce,
Thanks for the information. I did bookmark both of them and they look pretty good so far. When I come back from this trip, I'll have to do more work on it. I'm leaving on the 9th and was hoping to see some apartments when I'm there but I'm running out of time.

Again, thanks Bruce for taking the time to respond.
Michele

Posted by: rtking

If I remember correctly, there was a guy named "Rick Moncher" (aka "Moscow Rick") that rented flats. Maybe he can either cut you a good deal or point you towards good but inexpensive flats to rent. You might want to "google" (www.google.com) for his name and I think you can find some contact info for him.

If you don't mind me asking, why have you decided to stay in Russia? I would love to do the same so I can fully absorb the culture, but regrettably I can't due to financial constraints.

Bob K.

Posted by: Michele

Bob K.
Yes, yes, I have heard of Moscow Rick. I believe I have his contact information as well. Perhaps, I'll revisit him. He uses some agency as well, I've seen his name a few times but to contact him directly is an excellent idea. Thank you. Have you used him before or know anyone who has?

I apologize if I have communicated the fact that I plan to stay in Russia full time. I, too, would really like to live there and absorb their culture, but I have constaints as well. I plan to travel their yearly as I have over the last 3 years. I'm learning the language now but it's very slow because there's really is no one to speak or practice with. Moreover, it's a dificult language due to the grammer and cases. I think one would excel dramatically, if the totally immersed themselves even for a few months!

For some reason, which I have not yet discovered, I find their culture fascinating and will contine to travel there. I'm rambling...

Thanks again for the tip and I'll see if I can find Rick.

Michele

Posted by: rtking

Hi Michele,

Unfortunaely I have not used Rick's services or his flats... but I've heard they are quite nice and have excellent furnishings. I even heard that one was converted to have US style outlets... but I wonder if they're still 220V or 110V?

I agree about the Russian language... I'm learning it also and I'm completely buried under all the conjugations! (Conjugate the verbs, of course, but also the adjectives and add in the exceptions, and the different cases and it all becomes this huge jumble!) If you're in Southern California, I am taking a class at the Foreign Language Society. Anya (the teacher) is Russian from Tajikistan and teaches a great class. And there's a group of AM/RW around LA and it's possible to keep in contact and practice that Russian language! (Russki yazik!)

If not... maybe if you post a message on this forum about where you're at, maybe you can get in touch with Russian people in your area?

Bob K.

Posted by: Emetsky

Michelle, be careful with my good friend Bob. He's a real lover boy ;-)

Posted by: Michele

Bob K.
I emailed Moscow Rick and he's in the US right now. We're planning on speaking someday this week. Sounds like he has 10 flats for rent and in different budget ranges. I'll keep you posted. I'll ask him about the electrical.

It's a good idea to post a message for some local Russian speaking folks. Perhaps, I'll conisder doing this when I return. I know there are several Russian communities in Boston but I don't know anyone, yet....

As of today, I do not have any plans to visit the west coast but I understand Dartmouth has a good russian program but it's full time days. So that's not an option for me.

I'm in the process of russify my pc and I'm researching some software. Last time I was in Russia, I received a russian key board as a gift. However, both sets of letters are worn off so know I have to buy some keyboard fonts.

I'm rambling again.....

By the way, did you happen to see what your GOOD FRIEND, Emsky, is writing?:-)

Posted by: Michele

Emtsky, (AKA/FKA lover boy?) (I'll let Bob K comment)
Thank you for looking out for me. Being new here, I'll have to learn the ropes. I'll be sure to report any thing out of the usual to a senior member:-) By the way, how does one become a senior member?
לטרוכ

Posted by: rtking

Hi Michele and Emetsky,

I laughed when I read Emetsky's post. He's a really nice and very funny guy!

Both Emetsky and I took Anya's Russian class in LA. But I think Emetsky has a bit more practice lately in his Russian than I have! But I'm working on it!

As for becoming a "Senior Member", just keep posting away any questions or observations! It's based on the number of posts.

BTW, I'd love to get your feedback about Minsk. I saw that you're leaving for Minsk in a week. I'll be going to Minsk between (Western) Christmas and New Years. (I am desperately searching for my electric underwear right now.

) If you happen to take any pics, please post those in the picture poster!

Have a great trip! And if you ever find yourself in the SoCal area, look us up! We'll drag you off to Uzbekistan for some Russian and Uzbek cuisine!

Bob K.

Posted by: Michele

Bob,
I did take some photo's in Minsk but the weather was very rainy when I get them developed and their worth sharing, I'll do so.

I was only there 3 days and saw only the centre city. I stayed in a flat about 10 minutes from the centre. I did the usual tourist thing (victory square, museums, theatre etc.) but that wasn't my primary goal. I wanted to speak with people and talk about politic's, working and living in Minsk and just life in general. I accomplished most of this and I learned quite a bit in the short time I was there. Naturally, I would like to go back and spend more time. The international airport was not very close and as I learned there are two airport, the second one is closer to the city. But I had no problems in the airport but keep in mind, I arrived late at night and left early in the morning.

Also, I meet with Moscow Rick and rented two of his flats. He was very accomodating and his prices were reasonable. The flats were good but one was more quiet than the other. They had everything I needed for the short time I was there. So thanks for the lead.

Posted by: Khashyar

Hello Michele...

Welcome to these Russian Meeting Place forums...

It sounds like an exciting adventure that you are on in living in Russia for a while...

To answer your question regarding how to become a Senior Member... This is based about how many posts that you have contributed to the forum... I believe that it is 100 or 150 posts (I don't remember which)...

If you feel inspired to, please share with us (in the Russia travel section) some of your experiences and observations about traveling in the former U.S.S.R...

That's great that you found apartments that you were looking for... Could you share with us what the room rates are?

Again, welcome...

Khashyar

Posted by: Michele

Khashyar,
Yes, it was another exciting trip to Russia. I will visit other places on your site and talk about any of my past trips if applicable.

You asked about flat rates via Moscow Rick. He was able to give me two, 2 rooms with full kitchen (very roomy apartments) for $70. However, it was off season and I plan to be a repeat customer. The rates really vary on the length of time you rent. For example, if you rent for only a few days, the rate would be $90, if you rent for over 7 days, the rate would be $80 etc.... This seems to be a standard practice in the rental market based on my research.

Have a good day, Khashyar

Michele

Posted by: barry

Michele,

As with any large city in the world, there is a large expat community in Moscow and they have a web site that was linked to themoscowtimes.com. There is a lot of information on this site along with contact information.

Good Luck

Barry

Posted by: anna

Quote:

Originally posted by Michele
Bob K.
For some reason, which I have not yet discovered, I find their culture fascinating and will contine to travel there.

Michele

Perhaps we are reincarnations.......I knew several anglo people who were so into asian culture and I find myself feeling Chinese, as well as russian.