ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKharkov
QUOTE (SqdnGuns @ Sep 3 2007, 06:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Russia: http://www.visajourn...?showuser=30594

Russia, yeah. And I always thought Bangkok was in China. Who cares - it's all the same blink.gif wacko.gif

Why was it moved to "Russia" forum??
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-05 16:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFOOD!!!
I've read the thread and the first thing that amazed me is that all the women here seem to be able to cook! :thumbs:
I admire that. I can't cook - never really learned to. My mother did that when I was a child, and when I was on my own, microwave and frozen dinners were my best friends :) It is still true to some extent, except for those occasions when my hubby cooks - he does a great job with that. He makes awesome meat loaf, tuna casserole, chicken&pineapple... just thinking about his cooking makes me hungry.

My husband's diet hasn't chnaged a tiny bit since we got together, but mine has. I eat a lot more fast food than I used to, I almost stopped eating veggies (never ate too many veggies though), and my favorites are tuna helper and frozen lasagna. I don't eat seafood unless we go out and get it at a restaurant, cause hubby's allergic to it.

I sometimes think that we should eat a healthier diet, but that would involve too much work on my part, and a possibility of me learning to cook, which at this point is unrealistic :D
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-10 17:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFlights to Russia
QUOTE (Satellite @ Aug 30 2007, 06:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What's your question here?

I think he was just sharing his experience with cheaper flights smile.gif

Thanks, John!
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-30 20:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspls help about my evidence
That looks amazing! I won't have that much when it's time for me to file!

Wishing you a speedy approval! good.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-05 17:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAlla accepts proposal for marriage
Congrats!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-05 17:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI got approved today for K1!Finally!
Congrats!!! :dance: :dance:
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-17 20:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical in Moscow - Blood test.....empty stomach?
I've never been to a night club in my life, so it all sounds pretty wild to me.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-02 22:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical in Moscow - Blood test.....empty stomach?
QUOTE (Turboguy @ Aug 30 2007, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 30 2007, 09:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Americans are already fat enough, I'm pretty sure importing any new genes will help, not hurt our gene pool.

Walk around any American city and look at the women and than walk around a Russian city and look at the women and you might think those genes are pretty desirable. Not a bad view either.

Although I don't look at women that much, I'd say there are enough fat women in Russia. Maybe not as many as here though - they say 30% of people in the state of Mississippi are overweight blink.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-30 20:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical in Moscow - Blood test.....empty stomach?
Is fasting a problem?

If they only draw blood to check for HIV or Syphillis, it doesn't matter. But if it's blood sugar, chemistry, and all this good stuff, I would fast.

I had my medical done in the U.S., and I think I had to fast, even though the medical in the U.S. is not half as detailed as when it's done abroad.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-27 18:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmoney transfer to Russia?
Bank wire transfers are cheaper than Western Union, but I don't have experience sending money to Russia - I only have experience receiving money from there. Wire transfer takes about three business days, but the fees are significantly lower than those of WU. I was a Vneshtorgbank customer when I lived there, and if I remember correctly, they either don't charge the recepient for an incoming transfer, or charge 1%. I tried to read the fine print on their site, but I'm not sure I understood everything. I would definitely recommend a wire transfer.

Satellite - my dad once told me that CityBank in Russia is somehow separate from the U.S. Citybank, but I'm not sure if he was right about it.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-09 16:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Sep 14 2007, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Recently my wife and I watched American History X and she realized that you can say anything you want but there can be consequences and responsibilities that come with free speech.

I believe that if someone goes around yelling racial or homophobic slurs, there should be consequences. Thankfully, in this country peple can really pay for it. In my old country racism and homophobia are the norm blink.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-15 11:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Aug 30 2007, 02:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Aug 29 2007, 07:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Aug 29 2007, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Soup", before I lived in Russia I think I tried soup two or three times, in Russia-it's a "main dish", almost every meal

I hate soup. Always have.

I'm really concerned that when someone says something like "It is this or that way in Russia", other people who have no idea will think that it's indeed true, and that it's true for every single person in my country. I know people share their experiences in this thread, and they have good intentions, but generalizations somewhat bother me.

Soup = dead.gif

smile.gif


MY apologies, I should have stated, "according to my experiences"; I agree it is an over generalization

No need to apologize smile.gif But I really hate soup biggrin.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-30 17:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Aug 29 2007, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Soup", before I lived in Russia I think I tried soup two or three times, in Russia-it's a "main dish", almost every meal

I hate soup. Always have.

I'm really concerned that when someone says something like "It is this or that way in Russia", other people who have no idea will think that it's indeed true, and that it's true for every single person in my country. I know people share their experiences in this thread, and they have good intentions, but generalizations somewhat bother me.

Soup = dead.gif

smile.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-29 18:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

I'm still surprised I have a Russian wife. When I was little, Red Dawn had just come out and of course, every time my friends and I played "army" in the back yard, we were fighting the Russkies. Even when I first joined the Air Force, our big practice missions were set up against a mock enemy that looked a lot like the Soviet Army and the Eastern Bloc forces or Warsaw Pact nations. Every time I encountered (simulated) enemy forces, they were armed with Kalashnikovs and RPGs - Russian weapons.

To this day, most "grown ups" are going to remember our arch-rivals as the Russians. The amazing thing to me is how similar we really are and how it really was a propaganda battle on both sides.

Maybe I am just younger, but I really don't remember anything like this. I was born 1983 and I started taking my English lessons when I was 5, which wasn't really the most stable period in the countries' relations, right? But I don't recall any hostility towards Americans neither from my parents (and my dad served in the Soviet Air Force as Senior Lieutenant) nor from grandparents. And when I was playing war with my cousins on my granny's farm our enemies were Germans. I really don't know why but that's how the Cold War and Propaganda worked (really didn't!) for my family.

I'm with you on that. I don't recall any hostility, nor do I recall any especially warm feelings towards Americans. Honestly, I think nobody really cared. There is certainly much more hostility and paranoia on this side of the globe than on the other one, imho.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-08-16 16:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

This proved to me that language learned is still inside the head somewhere, it just has to be accessed again, and if not used, will fade when "replaced" by another language.

You nailed it :) The first language is hard-coded into the brain, it can't be completely erased, even if you don't use it at all.

I never speak Russian, except on the phone with my relatives maybe once in two weeks, and I don't even think in Russian any more. Needless to say, I started to find it hard to express my thoughts and ideas in Russian. I used to be a good writer, and now when I try to write something in Russian, it looks like it was written by a ten year old. There are English words that I have no idea how to say in Russian. But it doesn't mean I forgot my language - if I ever move to Russia again, I will become fluent and start using fancy vocabulary in no time, because my native language hasn't gone anywhere. It's just taking a long break :)

Same rules don't apply to the second, third etc. languages - if you stop using them, you will eventually forget them completely. Unfortunately, it happened to my German :crying:
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-23 17:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

Or is it because there are smaller quantities and less leftovers (and no standard of "covering" food) in Russia that she's not used to doing this sort of thing? Or, is she just messing with me?


It's nothing cultural, it's just individual. It's the first time I hear about no standard of covering food :blink:
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-23 10:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

I am afraid you've jumped to conclusions based on what I mentioned - I didn't try to say it was good or bad to be such a woman I was just stating that anthropologically it's possible to subtract such categories of ladies.

I didn't jump to conclusions, and I see your point, and I agree with you, but I still can feel bad about the fact that ladies like that exist :)
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-20 17:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

Well... To begin with, every pretty woman is tempted at least once in her life to be paid to just hang on somebody's hand, look cute and be paid for it. There is no set price for it, it goes like this (at least for what I know): "Baby, come to daddy! Gimme a kiss! Wanna new necklace? Here! To pay for your cell-phone? Here! Need cash to pay for your apartment? Here!"

Maybe I should be happy that I'm short, overweight and have zits all over my face. After all I'm sure that no man has ever liked me because of my looks. I'm glad people could see through that and appreciate my personality above all else.

I think what you are saying is horrendous, but maybe it's just because I'm not used to stuff like that - I used to hang out with a different crowd. People who read books, discussed Fellini's movies and were concerned about global issues. A woman who openly admits to going out with old farts for money is a creature from another world to me.

I'm not saying it's wrong - I don't think I have the right to judge people. All I'm saying is that I don't get it, I don't want to get it, and I will try to stay away from people who think it's okay.

I understand that I may have offended someone, and I apologize - I didn't mean to. I was deeply shocked by what Slim and noone wrote, and I just couldn't help expressing how I felt about it.

Hope there's no harm done and peace (F)
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-19 21:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

One small warning as well, watch out for Russian ice cream!

You are just unlucky, are you sure it was the ice cream? I love Russian ice cream. I think it tastes a lot better than the American kind. And the basic cone (very soft) went for just 3 rubles in 2004. Can't beat that!

I'm so with you on that - I love Russian ice cream!! It's the best :)

I just got back from Ukraine where we put together a small family reunion for my wife's family. We are still adding up our costs but it looks to be over $11,000 for myself, my wife and her son. We did provide lodging for her father and brother and sister in law. There is of course the gifts to be considered but it was pretty pricey for a three week trip. Money does not grow on trees and all cultures understand this.

Yaieeks! Bites! We could afford it though, but I would never let such a some of money be spent on anything as insignificant as vacation under any circumstances! But that's just me...

I think my impression that most people on this board are fabulously rich was correct :D
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-18 17:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

Also most Russian/Ukrainian women won't drink water out of the tap (faucet) even if it is completly safe city water.

I don't know - maybe there's good water in Ohio, but if you pour yourself a glass of tap California water, you will see a lot of scary white residue in it, and no one in this world will ever convince me that it's safe to drink. My husband doesn't drink tap water either - we filter it before we drink.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-15 12:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

Where in Russia did you go that you didn't see mops? You come to conclusions based on some limited exposures to Russia that you had, probably in some dumpy places. If I


I was actually suprised to notice this at fairly high-end, expensive places in Moscow. Just my impression and opinion, I could be wrong. Also at stores here roughly similar to Target.

They do mop the floors at the stores, and they tend to do it throughout the day, especially in winter when it's dirty as hell. Otherwise evryone would be buried in the mud! :)

My wife is convinced all of our foods are somehow contaminated with hormones, toxins and other unhealthy bacteria.

That's weird. Maybe she means fast food and pre-made stuff from the frozen section? If so, then it IS unhealthy! (but I still love it!! :) ).
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-15 12:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences

Mops do not seem to exist in Russia either.

Where in Russia did you go that you didn't see mops? You come to conclusions based on some limited exposures to Russia that you had, probably in some dumpy places. If I judged America by the neighbourhood I live in, I'd tell you that it's all poor, dirty, people live on welfare and women don't work and have 5 kids at the age of 20. It would be true for my area, but not for the whole country.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-15 12:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences
We live in California, and there's no need for tapochki here, cause there's hardly ever any mud on the streets. We never change shoes in the apartment. But if we lived in, say, Maine, it would be stupid not to take off your shoes when you enter the apartment, especially if you have carpets. It's just common sense. I also come from a family where everyone was crazy about cleaning - kinda like Mr. Monk, obsessive-compulsive. My mom cleaned our condo and house every day, sometimes twice a day - and that included moving furniture and cleaning underneath with soap, and vacuuming. She also made me wash my hands before and after meals, and after I touched anything. She washed everybody's clothes every day, after we've worn them just once :wacko: And she made me where tapochki all the time too.

Obviously, this crazy stuff affected me pretty badly, and I ended up absolutely hating cleaning :lol: I don't clean at all, I can't stand doing it. When I lived alone, my place was a disaster, and my friend used to come by and help me clean. Thankfully, now I have my hubster who cleans and cooks, and makes it all a home :)

Okay, enough of that :) What else?

My husband has to have TV on all the freakin' time. It's an individual thing, not a cultural, but it's a huge difference between us, because I don't watch TV at all (except for movies).

There are some Russian foods my husband has never heard about - like buckwheat or tvorog. He's also not as crazy about salami as I am :) And he likes peanut butter - I find it utterly disgusting.

I don't know - I don't think there's that many differences between me and husband - I can tell you that I definitely don't care about black cats or mirrors at the door, neither does he :) Most of the differences we have are individual, just like with any other couple, and they have nothing to do with where we come from. I'm having a hard time thinking of anything cultural except for food :)
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-06-15 12:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGood Luck Turbo
I'm really late with my congrats, but I have a tendency of being late, so I'm sure you'll forgive me biggrin.gif

Congrats!!!!!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-12 20:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGood Luck Turbo
Best of luck to you!
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-10 16:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 19 2007, 01:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 18 2007, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree. You were probably making a similar argument in regards to my comments about lack of free speech in Russia. Of course an average citizen can say what he or she wants. It's only when the speech is made by an important person, a person people listen to, respect, is very wealthy, or his or her speech will actually promote change, that is when the folks are arrested and disappear.


Which supports the argument of the government being behind the arrests or disappearances. (Or simply turning a blind eye.) A voice of change isn't good for the current situation. Not for the mafia, certainly not for the government. Therfore the two coexist and perpetuate the status quo.

sad.gif Bad, bad government! protest6wz.gif


(don't we have a smiley of a fellow with two guns??)
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-19 19:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 18 2007, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 18 2007, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I never knew mafia was that involved in regular citizens' lives. Unless you're putting hundreds of thousands of dollars on this card, I don't think you should even be concerned.
I agree. You were probably making a similar argument in regards to my comments about lack of free speech in Russia. Of course an average citizen can say what he or she wants. It's only when the speech is made by an important person, a person people listen to, respect, is very wealthy, or his or her speech will actually promote change, that is when the folks are arrested and disappear.

yes.gif Could very well be the case. The same stuff was happening while Yeltsin was in power too, but when I came to the U.S. I was surprised that he is perceived here as some kind of a super duper democratic leader.

QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 18 2007, 07:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As for the question at hand, look into the bank wiring system. Try to find two banks that only charge a flat transaction fee say $25 on one side and $25 on the other. Because you are talking about the value of real estate, the bank wiring, although complicated, is worth the trouble rather than paying someone 1-3% commission of the total value.

Good suggestion, I would do the same thing. If it's something like $200K, Iwouldn't wanna lose 1% of it, let alone 3%.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-18 22:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (natarussia @ Sep 18 2007, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If the mafia found out, they'd want their cut. Bastards.

Dwayne

I never knew mafia was that involved in regular citizens' lives. Unless you're putting hundreds of thousands of dollars on this card, I don't think you should even be concerned.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-18 20:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ Sep 10 2007, 08:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have the same problem and my bank (Citibank in Moscow) does not allow money wires overseas without documents substantiating the transfer (agreement etc). WU is out of question - I have just wired 2K to my friend in Canada and paid $95 commission on it. Cash on board is limited to... 3K? 10K?

Any other options? Can I gift the money to my fiance and if so, how does that work?

I asked my mom about substantiating the transfer - she said that all she had to do is tell the bank that the money is for personal expenses and not for some business purposes. But I won't be surprised if different banks have different regulations.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-10 16:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Sep 9 2007, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It was also my understanding that the 'Western' bank system and the 'Russian' bank system do not do business with each other. I.E. no money transfers.

That's wrong - they do it.

My parents used to send me money all the time before I got married. You can try a wire transfer from Vneshtorgbank (they're not only in Moscow) or Promsvyazbank (I'm not sure if they exist outside of Moscow, I hope they do). Sberbank, i think, does it too, but we never used it. It is possible to wire money without opening a bank account in Russia, btw.

Vneshtorgbank charges $20 or 1%, whichever is greater, for an outgoing transfer. Time for the money to be credited - 3 business days. Promsvyazbank - I don't know how much they charge (probably about the same - $20 or 1%), but the money arrives into your U.S. account the next day.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-09 16:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 19 2007, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There's another interesting dynamic at work here, race. You don't "look" foreign at first glance. Mexicans, Chinese, and others "look" foreign. When Americans see a "foreigner" they almost look down upon them. In places like California, there are so many American "foreigners" that it's become the norm for them to speak English. "You're in our country, you better speak English." However, when they see someone that doesn't "look" foreign, and that person hits them with a little accent, then they get the chance to show off how knowledgeable they are about your country and your language. A big "Privet comrade." And all the sudden they've single-handedly bridged the Cold War gap.

You know, I think you nailed it. I don't look "foreign", and people don't expect me to be foreign. So when they learn that I am, it probably comes as a little bit of a surprise.

Well, I think I should just stop letting it bug me, cause it really isn't that big a deal. Well, I can live with it. smile.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-19 19:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Sep 18 2007, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're different because Americans are used to seeing and interacting with Hispanics and Asians, especially Hispanics and Asians who are one or more generations removed from their country and so speak English without any accent.

I didn't mean those who were born here - I meant those who actually came here form Asia or South America and have accents.

QUOTE (moxcamel @ Sep 18 2007, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But most Americans have never met someone from your part of the world, so you're a novelty. There's also a pretty interesting history and rivalry between the FSU and the US. Back when I was in the Navy your people were my enemy. I used to sit on Navy aircraft with stuff pointed at your sailors, and I'm sure they had stuff pointed right back at me. All of that history just adds to the perceived mystique. I'd enjoy it if I were you. smile.gif

I doubt you'd enjoy it laughing.gif

Funny how here you actually hated the Russian people, not just the government. In my country they didn't hate Americans - they felt bad for them, because they were oppressed by that horrible imperialist government biggrin.gif

You see, I'm too young to remember any of that cold war stuff anyways, so when people even mention it, it feels very weird. But I only hear it from people over 40 - not exactly the age group where I'd be looking for friends smile.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-18 22:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
Actually, I understand that there's only one thing I can do about it, and that is - to deal with it.

It's just funny, cause I've never seen anyone try to speak Spanish to Mexicans or Mandarin to Chinese people. If a person looks Hispanic or Asian, no one seems to give a damn where they're from and what language they speak. But with me it's different.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-18 20:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
QUOTE
"Although I appreciate the chance to converse in Russian, I'd really prefer to talk in English because I'm trying to build my skills in this new language for me. If you can give me any pointers or tips, that would be great."

Wow, do I write that bad that it makes you think I speak awful English too and need a lot of practice?

QUOTE
Speak nothing but Russian to them for a minute (or french, or german, whatever). They will take the hint and speak English.

Done that smile.gif They freak out smile.gif

QUOTE
Note your use of "my country" in reference to Russia. This mentality I think in part contradicts your statements below.

Well, Sat, and what should I be saying? It is my country. I'd love to say the U.S. is my country too, but I think it's too early.

QUOTE
Before they even get a chance to know you are Russian tell them you are from San Jose or whatever city you are from the Bay Area and stick to that answer. Or simply say I am an American and America is "my country".

Well, that's lying... I can't lie very well. But yep, I can say I'm American.

QUOTE
Unfortunately, what you will likely find more often is when someone hears your accent they will just about stop listening to you completely. Americans don't try very hard to understand the English spoken by foreigners..

I've been here long enough to see that people talk to me and listen to me just fine. One of these people even fell in love with me biggrin.gif

I don't really have much of an accent.

QUOTE
For the annoying "privet", "spasiba" people... there's a phrase that if they really know a bit of Russian will help them get the point, it begins with "idi na h......."

laughing.gif good.gif

Edited by Sid and Nancy, 18 September 2007 - 07:16 PM.

Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-18 19:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
Whenever people learn where I'm from, they try to speak as much Russian to me as they are capable of. They start saying things like "Privet" "Spasiba" etc. every time they see me.

I'm not an ambassador on a mission to promote my culture and language here - I live in America, I try my hardest to learn to feel at home here, and I do not wish people to speak Russian to me. I would be living in Russsia if I did.

Is there a polite way to let people know I don't care for their linguistic talents? Maybe some subtle hint that will let them know how annoying I find it?

Thanks smile.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-17 22:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 15 2007, 07:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since you've still got a little more time in Moscow, do me a favor...... go to the Pushkinskaya Metro terminal, head upstairs and out into the street, and across from the huge McDonald's, there's a little park. Sit there and drink a couple (or ten!) Baltikas for me. Thanks, buddy!

smile.gif I went to school in that area, and we used to do what you've described a lot - in this very park biggrin.gif

Ryan and Elina, best of luck with your interview!!!
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-15 11:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 18 2007, 11:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 15 2007, 01:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not a big supporter of the current Russian government, but I believe, you're exaggerating. People have criticized the government in Russia for as long as I've been around, and there's a lot of criticism in the media, so I'm not sure why the West is spreading the myth that we get punished for what we think and say in any way. The truth is, a lot of people truly support Putin - he's as popular as anyone can be, so there may be less criticism than support altogether. There are a lot of things that I'm not happy about, but "lack of free speech" is not among them, because I'm not convinced it's the case.


Sure it's not the case. Just ask Ivan Safranov or Anna Politkovskaya.... oh wait, they can no longer be reached for comment.

And you're so sure they were wacked by the government?

I'm not saying it's impossible, but I can't be sure of anything until I see some hard evidence.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-18 19:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
Also, I haven't formed an opinion about the Other Russia and their March od Dissent movement, because way too many people who belong to this movement are not just "against Putin", but they also have extreme nationalst views ("Russia for the Russians"), and Limonov is known to support them. And whenever I hear Limonov's name, I cringe and wonder why the guy isn't in jail yet. So, although opposition is always good, I don't understand why it has to be nationalist.

Berezovsky is not my favorite person either. My problem with all these people is that they want for the West to interfere with the Russian domestic affairs, whereas the current government is going everything to prevent that. And frankly, I don't want anyone to interfere with our politics, so I'm with the current government on that one.

There are too many complicated issues here, and I can't say that I've been following Russina politics that well, so I will abstain from having a serious discussion on the subject. I'll just say, I would love to see a democratic government in my country, but not necessarily a government that supports the U.S. in anything and everything. And man, would I love to see some strict anti-nationalist, anti-homophobic and anti-discrimination laws, as well as a more secular society.

I'll keep on dreaming laughing.gif
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-17 19:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 15 2007, 03:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 15 2007, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not sure why the West is spreading the myth that we get punished for what we think and say in any way. The truth is, a lot of people truly support Putin - he's as popular as anyone can be, so there may be less criticism than support altogether.
Remember, Kasporov being dragged into jail for voicing his opinion?
http://www.turkishpr...s.asp?id=171441
Of course Putin is popular. No argument there. But his popularity stems from the fact that oil costs so much and the government has money to pay for all the things Yeltsin could not.

I don't think that the people who run my country now are capable of completely changing their old Soviet ways. It can only happen when the new generation of people who don't remeber anything about the Soviet Union come into power.

Oil is expensive, but there are other industrial sectors that are doing well too. IT, for instance. The economy there is doing very well, and right now it's the employee's job market... unlike here sad.gif *sigh*

QUOTE
There are many misconceptions between the two countries and it will be awhile before people will learn to accept the truth that there is no perfect government, it cant exist because if you help the less fortunate then the well off will be upset, if you support the well off then the poor are upset the only ones who get screwed from both sides is the middle class(which will one day no longer exist anywhere if things keep going the way they are). If you hate your government or your officials vote them out of office if you cant find a candidate who will support your views run yourself. Too often in this country (the US) everyone wants things done for them but they dont want to put forth the effort to do them themselves.

good.gif I agree. Very well said.

Btw, I need to find out if I can vote at the Consulate next year. Probably not, cause I'm not registered with the Consulate.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-17 19:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 15 2007, 09:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 15 2007, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's why I prefer the Russian way.
I seriously doubt you do.
The Russian style includes: Rewriting the constitution several times in a decade. Then having an election, but all the top candidates are either disqualified, "disappear", murdered, or jailed. The political parties have no platform (except we support Putin) and change every election. Then once in control the government buys up all the media enterprises, thus if you say everything I just said in Russia you will also "disappear". And for you soldiers (compulsory service + serious hazing) and being sent to Chechnya is not much better than Iraq.

I'm not a big supporter of the current Russian government, but I believe, you're exaggerating. People have criticized the government in Russia for as long as I've been around, and there's a lot of criticism in the media, so I'm not sure why the West is spreading the myth that we get punished for what we think and say in any way. The truth is, a lot of people truly support Putin - he's as popular as anyone can be, so there may be less criticism than support altogether. There are a lot of things that I'm not happy about, but "lack of free speech" is not among them, because I'm not convinced it's the case.
Sid and NancyFemaleRussia2007-09-15 13:10:00