ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical exam in Moscow
Very risky to do the medical a day prior to interview. They might find some reason for additional tests, as it happened in my case, and that would extend the waiting time. However, you can still go to your scheduled interview and they may approve your visa pending your medical results. Try to work with that silly Dr. Luchaninova but schedule another medical at IOM, just in case.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-09-27 22:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview yesterday
Congrats KGSodie!

We also passed our AOS interview today. Barely found the damn building; it's the new Triangle office that's not yet on any maps or GPS. The interview itself was easy-breezy; the hardest thing was to try not to make fun of each other like we usually do. The immigration officer, luckily, turned out to have a sense of humor.

So we're good for 2 years. Hurray!

Edited by Blues Fairy, 30 September 2008 - 11:46 AM.

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-09-30 11:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusElection and Russia
I like Palin, but not because she's a "traditional woman" and I am a Russian woman and thus we have lots in common. In fact, not so much - to name a few differences, I am pro-choice and and an atheist, and I would never have a down syndrome child and I would never participate in a beauty pageant. smile.gif

But as far as I see, Palin stands for eveything opposite to the socialist, paternalistic, corrupt mentality that I've grown so SICK of in my homeland, and I do hope I will not experience the victory of the same mentality in my new country. Perhaps she's not ready for presidency but she sure is a promising politician and I hope to see more of young blood in GOP in the coming years.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-05 23:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHouse prices in Russia
QUOTE (eekee @ Oct 1 2008, 04:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Randy CA @ Sep 30 2008, 08:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just don't get it. They make so much less then us but the real estate is so expensive. In fact everything there is expensive; coffee for $5 - $6 per cup and the place is full of young people -- a nice photo book of old Russian photos for $200. I just don't get it.


6 dollar cups of coffee and 200 dollar books of old photos exist solely for those who want to pay those prices.


Some people make quite enough for an expensive lifestyle but not quite enough for even a small apartment. Thus, facing the impossibility of making safe long-term investments, they spend money on short-term luxury and travel. Kinda like investment, too, if you treat life as a collection of consumer experiences.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-01 19:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHouse prices in Russia
I would not invest in real estate in Russia in the current situation. It made sense 4-5 years ago, but not any more.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-09-30 20:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMcCain begs Russians for campaign contributions
How lovely.

And when Obama's campaign received illegal contributions from Hamas-controlled territories, this news barely excited anyone's imagination.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-21 10:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 14 2008, 03:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not arguing whether or not they should've been dancing in the streets I'm simply saying they had the right to and even though we may have disagreed with them

They had the right to revel in the deaths of thousands of innocent people? Do you really believe that?
Well, I guess for some it's an inalienable right and for others a slap in the face. To each his own.

QUOTE
Not true.
Do you know a lot of terrorists? And before you retort with, "well, do you?" I will answer that no I do not. Not personally. However, I have a pretty good education on terrorism/anti-terrorism, as I'm sure mox does as well, and I can tell you I've been to several of the "terrorist-supporting countries", as has mox, and have known many, many people from those countries and they've given me quite an insight into the "terrorists" there.

So much for your "education" - a few testimonies from "people from those countries". Did you even read anything on the subject? Start with this, for example, maybe it'll put a few cracks in the pretty pink bubble you're living in.
My husband spent years profiling suspect terrorists while on assignments for the dept. he used to work for. Believe me, you have no idea what's being done to prevent people like you from living in the state of constant fear (times worse than the fear you perceive as being inflicted on you by the politicians). You simply have no idea what you are talking about.

QUOTE
Do you honestly think anyone cheering in the streets of America that day was a terrorist? Do you honestly think they looked at the reactions of those around them and said, "OK, I think I'm going to give up my nice easy lifestyle here in the U.S. and start being a terrorist!"?
Or... do you think maybe, just maybe, they were tired of seeing America b!tch slap their home country and finally had the RIGHT to cheer when someone did something about it?

Wow. How exactly was America ######-slapping their countries before 9/11? Come on, if you are so sure of USA's great sins which warranted the right of those Muslims (guests of this country) to cheer at the death of thousands of innocent citizens, you might as well put forward some facts, don't be shy. Or was their nice and easy lifestyle here in the US so insulting to them as to provoke such a reaction?

Seriously, I am quite sick of this argument. It's like being told that a rabid dog has every right to gnaw my leg and all I can do is explain the values of vegetarianism to it.

Edited by Blues Fairy, 14 October 2008 - 10:41 PM.

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-14 22:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
QUOTE (mox @ Oct 13 2008, 01:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(addressing Blues here) since you're relatively new to the country and probably don't have a solid understanding of the foundations of our Constitution and Bill of Rights.


Rather arrogant of you to presume such things about me. Firstly, I've lived here before for an extended period of time; second, being a historian by education, believe me, I have a very good understanding of the concept of the Bill of Rights and the contexts where it can and cannot be used.

Your mistake (addressing Slim and yourself here) is that you try to apply the individual rights and freedoms guaranteed by Constitution to the specimens of indoctrinated collective mentality which overruns any individual values - irreversibly. That's usually the case with terrorists and their supporters. They are not cases of individual sociopathy (as in serial killers etc) which, sometimes, can be treated by therapy. It's a rational, organized collective warfare driven by hatred bred to the bone. Treating them as regular citizens entitled to the First Amendment is perilous and stupid; it's a losing position, considering their aim of instilling fear and undermining the morale of the nation. Here's a military analogy for you Slim: on the battlefield, if you see your enemy armed and ready to strike, would you, out of humanitarian considerations, wait for him to deal the first blow?

I would not, and I would rather beat up someone who cheers at the death of innocent civilians then wait for him to gather courage, seeing my wimpy reaction, and commit something more serious. I do not offer the other cheek.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-13 14:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
So what, in your opinion, subdues an enemy who is in the business of hijacking aircrafts and blowing up buildings? Gente talk?

Those students were first positioned as martyrs, sure, and the "mob of cretins" was summoned to court, but ultimately the judge heard the story and ruled in their favor. It's not all about the other side and their hurt feelings, Mox. Sometimes it has to be about OUR side and OUR hurt feelings.

Both your reasoning and morals are completely upside down, and I see no point in continuing this conversation.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-12 13:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
QUOTE (mox @ Oct 12 2008, 12:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
234 years ago a group of "terrorists" rose up against His Majesty and fomented rebellion against the Crown. Had those terrorists failed, they'd have all been shipped back to London where they would have no doubt endured weeks, months, or years of "enhanced interrogation techniques," and ultimately executed. But they won, and so history sees them as "freedom fighters" and "founding fathers."
Terrorism IS a relative notion.


Your notions are totally mixed up. Terrorism, by definition, includes ideological acts deliberately targeting civilians and intended to perpetrate FEAR among the nation, to achieve certain political goals. How on Earth you manage to stretch this notion to include the Founding Fathers with their warfare of military against military, I just cannot fathom. Rich imagination indeed.

QUOTE
What lessons were these students to learn from their beatings? Do you think this changed their minds, or do you think it just made a mob of unthinking cretins feel better about themselves for a few minutes?


Are you mad?! People were outraged at the tradegy and even more outraged at the unbelievable reaction the guests of this country were displaying, and you call them "a mob of unthinking cretins"?
And what lesson would those students learn if people just ignored their dancing and invited them to further elaborate on their views? That would only bring them to the conclusion that the "enemy" is weak and can be trampled upon any time, without any danger of retribution. Bonne route, Mox, embrace the terrorists, teach them the values of your civilized world. Like they would ever care.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-12 12:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
QUOTE (mox @ Oct 11 2008, 11:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How we treat our enemies says a lot about us as a civilization and as a people. We "extreme liberals" don't oppose the brutal torture of terrorists (especially "terrorists" who haven't even been charged) because we think it hurts their feelings, but because it hurts us as a society


Mox, I do not defend "brutal torture" of anyone, be it terrorists or child molesters, but the inane argument that terrorism is a relative notion just pisses me off. When some Muslim students in USA cheered and danced at the news of WTC bombing, was it a civilized thing to do to let them cheer because who knows, maybe they think USA is a terrorist country and we must "hear what they have to say"? Personally, I side with those who later caught these guys off-campus and beat the **** out of them.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-12 11:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 10 2008, 02:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And why shouldn't they? They're still sovereign nations. So what if one country thinks they support terrorists? Maybe they think the country saying they support terrorists actually supports terrorists themselves. Maybe they even think that country detains people in secret camps and tortures them in violation of international law. Who's to say who's right or wrong without a UN made up of member-states EQUALLY represented?

And what makes one country civilized and another not? Is it because their defense budget cannot support spending 20 million dollars to fly an unmanned aircraft and then drop a million dollar gps-guided bomb onto a car to kill someone they think is a terror suspect? Becuase, due to budget constraints, they're limited to doing it the old fashioned way and strapping a bomb onto a person? That's the measure of civilization?

Yeah, better to just keep pumping money and troops into Iraq and ignoring what the "Axis of Evil" has to say.


What a bunch of baloney.
One measure of civilization is when physical annihilation of the "enemy" is not proclaimed as a national ideology, and when those who do so are not being granted the same rights as the other countries/citizens. What terrorists think and say about their enemies and whether mistreating them actually hurts their feelings, IS NOT RELEVANT to any sensible person except extreme liberals like you.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-11 18:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
Corey, there was never any evidence of Russian genocide in S. Ossettia, no bodies were found. You think the Georgians would conceal the evidence of a genocide if they had any?

On the contrary, there is plenty of evidence of Russia amassing its troops along the Georgian border long before the start of the affair. And Saakashvili, being a hot-headed fool that he is, is still NOT Saddam Hussein.


Slim,
UN is a bunch of wusses that is largely useless nowadays as terrorist-supporting countries have as much representation there as the rest of the civilized world.
I am not voting for any politician yet, because I'm not citizen smile.gif, but Obama's intention to negotiate with Ahmadinejad is something surreal to me. And Russia, selling arms to Venezuela and Iran while pretending to be part of a civilized world, is equally surreal.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-09 12:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPresidential Debate
QUOTE (Corey-Mariya @ Oct 8 2008, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I remember George bush and John Mcain condeming Russia for driving tanks into a different country? What did we do in Iraq? Why does George W. Bush and the Usa think they are responsible for what happens everywhere esle in the world and trying to be like police?


Did the Georgian leader massively torture and kill his own people like Saddam did? How can you even compare what Russia's doing to what USA did in Iraq? That's another gross distortion that Obama's electorate is so easily succeptible to.
Plus, don't forget that Iraq war was approved by the Congress, whereas Putin is hardly accountable to anyone in his decisions.
Also, did you hear what Obama answered to the question about USA having moral responsibility to respond to "what happens everywhere esle in the world"? He says the same big words as McCain does, only McCain is actually capable of following through, while Obama will go and shake hands with every little Fuhrer who decides to wage a genocide against a neighbor country or his own people. Go, vote for him, sure, he's so big on keeping his promises.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-10-09 00:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich Candidate Is Better For Your Spouse's/Fiancee's Country?
QUOTE (eekee @ Nov 4 2008, 04:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
giving wealthy people more value is no different from giving white people more value.

Strange logic. Who talks of value? I only said I find it discomforting that those who do not pay taxes and live off welfare get to decide who will be in power equally with those who will pay to support this group. But I can see how this simple thought can be twisted in every imaginable way.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-11-04 16:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich Candidate Is Better For Your Spouse's/Fiancee's Country?
QUOTE (eekee @ Nov 4 2008, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
Of course I realize that it cannot be done; but somehow I find the reality where welfare folks get to vote rather upsetting, too. At some point, the share of welfare-supported population reaches a certain critical mass when socialists will ALWAYS win the elections.

This smacks of "a black person are 3/5 of a person" to me and very bizarre paranoia. I think you need to consider what a democracy is before you make statements about how it should be run if you're so concerned about socialism.


Where did I mention black people, or maintain that non-taxpayer is less of a person? smile.gif
All I said was, non-taxpayers will always vote for socialists who increase welfare, thus creating more non-taxpayers who will vote for socialists... et cetera.

For your information, in the original Athenian democracy franchise was quite limited (only male citizens could vote - women, slaves and non-citizens were excluded). Also those citizens who had dwelling close to the city walls were excluded from voting on issues of war, because they were considered to have personal interest in the decisions. smile.gif
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-11-04 15:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich Candidate Is Better For Your Spouse's/Fiancee's Country?
QUOTE (MargotDarko @ Nov 4 2008, 11:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ Nov 4 2008, 02:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It would also be nice to devise a way to weigh people's votes proportionately to the amount of taxes they pay.
Seriously? That idea is really upsetting to me.

Of course I realize that it cannot be done; but somehow I find the reality where welfare folks get to vote rather upsetting, too. At some point, the share of welfare-supported population reaches a certain critical mass when socialists will ALWAYS win the elections.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-11-04 13:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich Candidate Is Better For Your Spouse's/Fiancee's Country?
It would also be nice to devise a way to weigh people's votes proportionately to the amount of taxes they pay.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-11-04 09:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhich Candidate Is Better For Your Spouse's/Fiancee's Country?
Given the corrupt nature of the current government in Russia, I think in the long run, Russia would benefit more from a hard-liner that does NOT have the best interest of the current Russian political establishment at heart. Reagan with his "Evil Empire" doctrine did more good to Russia, objectively, than all the hand-shaking and eye-making guys who came after.

Edited by Blues Fairy, 03 November 2008 - 11:52 PM.

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-11-03 23:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAn ounce of prevention
Panic and storing food is a typical Russian reaction to impending "crisis". If I still had family in Russia, I would advise them to make sure they are indispensable at their jobs and have a couple of alternative earning opportunities lined up, just in case. I would also advise not to take any serious loans, even if they are already approved for such. Perhaps redistribute their savings equally between RUR, USD, and EUR accounts.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-11-24 11:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTreason Bill
QUOTE (Why_Me @ Jan 11 2009, 12:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
people who just recently voted Stalin #3 for "Greatest Russian of all Time".


Actually the poll question was to choose "the most influential figure in Russian history". If we consider Stalin's impact (not greatness as you quote above), he could well qualify for a place in the rating.

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-01-12 14:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTreason Bill
QUOTE (mox @ Dec 21 2008, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The term "stability" isn't a positive or negative. It is just "stability." That's not a moral judgment, it's just stating the facts.


QUOTE (slim @ Dec 19 2008, 11:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No matter how much we like or dislike Putin, he's here to stay. But, if we learned anything from Saddam Hussein, it was that even a totalitarian regime is better for the stability of a country than being invaded by a foreign power and "democratized."


Are you very sure the above was said in a neutral, non-judgemental way?

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-12-21 23:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTreason Bill
The term Stability is usually used in a positive context (economic prosperity, rule of law, reasonable social welfare, smooth functioning of govt. structures etc). I just don't see how anyone can apply that to a totalitarian regime like Saddam's or Kim's or whoever else's. Misapplying the concept of stability to a repressive regime implies that the said regime is/was in some ways more desirable for the country than what comes/came after. Which is an absolutely insane thing to say.

Edited by Blues Fairy, 21 December 2008 - 01:44 PM.

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-12-21 13:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTreason Bill
QUOTE (slim @ Dec 19 2008, 11:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But, if we learned anything from Saddam Hussein, it was that even a totalitarian regime is better for the stability of a country than being invaded by a foreign power and "democratized."


You must be completely nuts.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-12-19 23:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAmerican men meeting Russian women in ........America?????
Getting a tourist visa is actually not that difficult if a woman can show a valid reason to travel (e.g. invitation from friends or relatives, science or business conference, etc) and sufficient ties to Russia (good job with decent income, property, kids/parents etc).

I had an open tourist visa before we filed for K-1. Later I sent invitation to two of my unmarried girl friends and they both got visas no problem. Perhaps all of us being over 30 somewhat helped.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-12-25 17:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian (Political) Idol
QUOTE (mox @ Dec 31 2008, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Russians are much too proud to ask for bailout money.


Actually Russian oligarchs did get bailed out of their loans to western banks:
http://www.nytimes.c...31oligarch.html

The Russian oil sinecure takes care of itself just fine without your TARP money. smile.gif
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-12-31 15:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCalling all American women married to Russian men
It must be awfully hard for you to wear the pants in the family while making sure your partner is not aware of it. smile.gif He's obviously going through some tough growing pains (authoritative MIL being of little help). But I assure you, wanting him to be more of a man while you would prefer to be more of an old fashioned woman is NOT a "cultural difference", it's a perfectly normal desire. Sometimes making a man only requires LETTING him be a man - who knows, maybe if you stop holding the reins so tightly, he'll naturally pick them up. smile.gif
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2008-12-31 01:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLack of proof of childhood vaccinations
One way explained here.
Good luck
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-02-10 10:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShould I pay taxes in Russia?
If you are not a tax resident of Russia, i.e. do not reside in Russia for a total of at least 183 days out of a year, you are not required to pay income tax (according to paragraph 2 of article 11 of Russian Tax Code).
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-02-14 16:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian tourist visa for single female
K-1 approval takes anywhere from 6 to 12 months and lots of pain in the *** - and tourist visa takes 30 days. Why even suggest the K-1.
B-1/2 is very feasible if the girl supplies sufficient proof of ties to Russia (career or ongoing study is the best bet). When I was interviewing for my tourist visa I was also asked if I was married - I said not officially but I had a boyfriend (of course I "forgot" to mention that the boyfriend was American - but they did not ask, did they? smile.gif)
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-03-31 13:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOkay, dammit...
QUOTE (mox @ Apr 2 2009, 02:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
tell us where you are in the process, and make with the yakkity-yak!!


Hmm... where are we?

Done with USCIS for 2 years in September,
Celebrated 1st anniversary in January,
Daughter Fiona Elizabeth born on the 14th of January. smile.gif

Cigars all around! (...or pie, or guns, whichever you prefer biggrin.gif)

Edited by Blues Fairy, 03 April 2009 - 03:50 PM.

Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-04-03 15:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAdoption in Russia
There is a law that, before a kid is put up for international adoption, he/she has to be in the central orphans' database for at least 6 months so that Russian families could have precendence. This rule effectively eliminates all kids under 6 months and most healthy cute kids from the pool of prospective international adoptees. And yes, it's expensive ($30-40K on average including the trips).
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-04-27 12:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExplaining to your SO that you are poor
Are you sure you can afford her? Looks like unless she gets a job there'll be no pineapples. smile.gif
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2009-05-13 15:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisiting Russia

I had an appendectomy and everything was fine, but wow - if that had happened a few days earlier when I was in Russia it would have been a disaster! From what I've heard about hospitals in Russia I'd be nervous to go in for a routine checkup, let alone go under the knife for surgery. ....but I bet it's really not that bad, and if you bring enough cash with you for bribes you can certainly get top-notched care. ;)

Actually there are many good medical centers in Russia and most of them are covered by various insurance companies. No horrors whatsoever, very competent staff. What you've heard of probably pertains to the remaining state-sponsored institutions where the poorer Russians still go. Most of my friends and I, however, prefer paid medical care - and it's not that expensive.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-04-05 06:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease PM Me

Just curious; what were the other parameters?

IQ obviously! :D Actually I was just curious if I could find any really smart and educated guys out there, so I filtered out based on education level (MA/PhD) and saw a few chaps in eyeglasses. :) He was my very first intuitive click! But it did take 3 years of letters to finally decide to meet.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-04-14 10:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease PM Me
My fiance and I met on Emode.com (now Tickle.com I think) where we both originally went to get our IQ tests. :) On that site, you can filter out people based on their country of origin. But I used other parameters which I suspect are more important in the long run.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-04-13 07:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusYeltsin Dead

It was a common complaint made by the Russian women I spoke to. If you think it is all of them, that is your conclusion not mine.


It was sarcasm, in case you haven't noticed. I wouldn't generalize based on a limited number of opinions.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-04-24 09:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusYeltsin Dead

Not to mention, Russian men who are in the US are not drunkards and are actually quite successful, so chances are even slimmer.

And those outside the U.S. are all drunkards and losers? :)))
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-04-24 01:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

Well, so much for me keeping that short, but anyway this gives you an idea of the fun adventures to look forward to with a Russian (or Ukrainian, or "FSU") wife! :o

Yes, we are all exactly like that! I think we Russian wives should lobby to make it legal in the States to batter our US husbands! :P
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-05-21 03:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...
Galya sorry but what you tell is just too horrible to be 100% believable. Just too much drama for a smart woman like yourself! You are obviously stressed and in need of professional help, however skeptical you may be about it. Believe me, it helps, even those who "know the business from within", - provided of course that they WANT to deal with their victimous behavior. PM me if you like.
Blues FairyFemaleRussia2007-05-20 09:55:00