ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Language Self-Study
russ,
You mention all these study aids, are you still using them now? I must be crazy, but wouldn't your wife be the best source to learn Russian from? You guys could try speaking Russian in the home. Or she can tutor you for an hour a day.
I can't really vouch for any particular method because Russian was my first language, granted I left the USSR when I was 6. But as a current student I would vouch for the junior college classes. There is something about a classroom setting that forces you to learn.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-03-19 20:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving back to Russia ???

(Although..... Satellite keeps telling us...... get your girl to send you the homestay invitation and do it yourself! I think he's got me convinced to go this route next time. That, and I won't be going to Moscow.)

It only works if you can plan your trips in advance. I had my Russia trips planned a good 6 months in advance and started getting my visa 5 months in advance and never purchased tickets until after visa issuance. Granted my visas took less than 2 months to pull off from start (in Russia) to finish (Russian Consulate), I was in no hurry and certainly strapped for cash, as I still am.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-25 19:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving back to Russia ???

Was you ever pulled over and checked by the Milita ? That seems to be quite common in Russia..
Also what about Insurance ??? Is it required ??? :unsure:

In my two months of driving I was pulled over 4 times for random document checking. I never had to pay fine, because all my documents were in order. Yes, insurance is now required. Insuring my fiancee's family car cost me 1800 rubles for 6 months, which of course is a bargain compared to US rates.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-24 10:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving back to Russia ???

So what about obtaining a drivers license in Russia ???
Is that going to be a big hassle for me ??? :wacko:

When I was there, I translated my California driver's license into Russian and had it notarized by a Russian notary and it was sufficient to drive. However, obtaining a real Russian driver's license will be quite difficult. Mainly because you have to pass the written part in Russian. And you have to pass the driving part using their old manual transmission vehicle. From what I heard it is a much more critical and longer exam that our 5 minute and out test. But I think you can also drive in Russia using those international driver's licenses.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-23 09:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving back to Russia ???

If you've been resident in Russia for 6+ months, you can file w/USCIS Field Office there and go straight thru to the Immigrant Visa application.

I wonder how the Embassy in Moscow defines resident? If resident means establishing official Russian residency then that means you have to go through the complicated processes of using a private visa invite and applying for permanent residency in Russia, getting approved 6 months later and re-entering Russia again. I have inquired about this processes as a way to circumvent the expensive business visa invitation, but the processes is so complicated it is not worth doing unless you have no choice. But if 6 months means having a business visa for 6 months then that might be the fastest way to a green card.
Also does your wife have to be a resident of Moscow as well?
Again, it is very hard to get a "propiska" for a Russian in Moscow. Most Russians in Moscow are not registered or official residents of Moscow!
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-21 19:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving back to Russia ???

I move to Russia next year and after we are married.

What will your legal status be in Russia? Business visas each year? To get temporary or permanent residency in Russia is a rather complicated processes but can be done if you need to stay for years at a time. You even get a work permit and chance at citizenship :P
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-21 14:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusfiancee and child coming to US together

Kind of makes you wonder just how serious this lady is about establishing her new life in the US. Sounds like she is coming over for a look see first.

You guys make me laugh. When the guy writes that he is doing a K1 just to see if the girl will be okay for him then it is acceptable. When the lady is suspected of doing the exact same thing, it becomes a major suspicion.
Honestly, since most people only had a short time to meet their future spouse, how in the world will they know they will be compatible in America and under non-vacation setting? Because Russian ladies are pretty much barred from getting a tourist visa, the K visa remains the only way to gain entry to do the "test" to see if it will really work out.
I applaud this lady for not being the typical "mail order bride".
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-16 21:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBreaking the Language Barrier

Well the only thing I can say in regard to this, you are going to have a heck of a hard time getting a K1 if you don't share at least one language. That is one of their big red flags.

I agree with this presumption, but it can be rebutted if you communicate through sex.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-27 21:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitors Visa from Russia - It can be done

My point was simply that this is a common practice, to buy, bribe, pay for whatever "official" things you need... and I could give more than a few examples of this from my personal experiences in Russia as well.

Like you said, unfortunately this is the mindset of a majority of Russians. Bribery, theft, corruption, and alcohol are institionalized in Russia on every level of life.
Unfortunately for your ex-wife she forgot that she married an honest law abiding American. The typical specimen you'll find on the street here.
But there is a Russian proverb which goes something like this:
"Some you can buy for a chocolate bar, others for the chocolate factory" - implying everyone could be bought. That proverb I hope falls apart in America, at least I ignorantly hope it does.
So whoever is coaching your ex-wife needs to inform her that you can actually have faith in our government and there is no need to pay to fix, but rather to do it correctly the first time.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-28 14:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitors Visa from Russia - It can be done

How do you figure?

It was just my opinion :P
It's one persons word against the other as I see it. Suppose she has her self-petition (I-751) reviewed, wouldn't her most obvious rebuttal be, "he's just an upset spouse?" If she is willing to offer a bribe, she'll be willing to lie at that review as well.
And in response to bribery charges she could respond by saying, "I was afraid of losing my status, my husband withheld my supporting documents, I felt trapped, I didn't know what else to do, I came here to build a life together and he...etc.. etc.."
Like I said before, there was no need for her to obtain any false documentation. You guys had all the right documentation as any other married couple.
But you are right, it all falls into the USCIS's hands at this point. It will be interesting what the outcome will be.

Dan, do you honestly believe you were being scammed from day one? Or did she turn from the marriage only after meeting this Russian lady friend and getting a job? If it is the latter, then I believe she met the requirements of entering a bona fide marriage. Having a change of heart even a day after marriage, but entering marriage in good faith I believe is sufficient.

Edited by Satellite, 28 September 2006 - 11:37 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-28 11:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitors Visa from Russia - It can be done

In other words, she offered to PAY me for "faked" documentation, since she knew she would be leaving the marriage prior to the lifting of conditional residency.
I provided that information directly to the USCIS

As others have told you from another thread, this submission of information will probably be in her favor. A reasonable USCIS officer will simply view you as a disgruntled and unhappy former spouse. They'll take anything you give them with a grain of salt.
Now, if she offered this bribe to the insurance company, that would be a whole different ball game and the insurance company submitted this to ICE...
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-27 21:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitors Visa from Russia - It can be done

Where on earth would my ex-wife EVER have gotten the idea to "fake" documents to give to the USCIS for her lifting of conditions...

I don't think your ex-wife needs any "fake" documents to lift conditions.
A bona fide marriage can easily be shown through the "commingling" of finances for two years. Also living at the same address. It is not that high of a standard. You don't need video tapes of your bedroom!
What kind of "fake" documents did you have in mind?
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-21 16:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitors Visa from Russia - It can be done

IMHO, the children are responsible for the success :) The embassy staff is suspicious, but two school age children staying in Russia should be enough. (Acting as hostages, eah?)

Well I have spoken to people in Russia who have been denied. They were planning to travel alone leaving behind two school age kids, husband, flat, car, and $1,000 a month job for a two week trip.
Result?
Denied.
Reason:
Immigrant intent.
Isn't that amazing?
And all of those things were real and documented. And their case is not an anomaly but rather very common.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-21 14:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGood Russian Document Translation service

I am very upset now and it is my honeymoon weekend.

Why are you spending your honeymoon on VJ? Get away from here!
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-30 18:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGood Russian Document Translation service

This company in the Ukraine that I used charged me $90.

I guess we all misread your post. For some reason I thought you passed up on the cheap one and went with the expensive US firm.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-26 19:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGood Russian Document Translation service

You probably did not understand, that all who put replies here had their girls translated their docs in Russia. Not through websites. Your fiancee could just go to translator in her city and have it done for much cheaper price than $90. I translated my docs in my city - birth certificate, police certificate, one medical paper that I needed. For $25. I see Slim's fiancee had even cheaper translation of birth certificate in her city (mine was around $12).

Once again, my point about your fiancees doing things in Russia is easier and cheaper than doing it here in the US.
The cheapest document translation service I have found in the US is located at:
http://yp.yahoo.com/...b:regT:2:fbT:18
But I wouldn't use their website. I go through a Russian lady that works there. The price is $30 for a birth certificate. As stated before, much more expensive than doing it in Russia. But once in the US, returning to Russia is more expensive.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-26 10:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGood Russian Document Translation service
It's usually cheaper to do translations within Russia if you are unable to do them yourself for free. For example a birth certificate translation in Russia into English goes for about 400 rubles. No one will touch it in the US for under $30.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-25 00:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

A lot of people in Moscow speak english.

What part of Moscow did you visit? I thought the exact opposite.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-27 21:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

Does anyone know or remember which mini-bus goes from Sheremetyevo-2 (int'l) to Sheremetyevo-1 (domestic) airport?

It's been exactly two years so I don't remember such details. But you should not only go by the sign / number, but always confirm before getting on. That is what I do. Because sometimes the drivers do different routes and forget to change the signs or lose their signs all together.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-21 22:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

Wow.

I really shouldn't have wandered in here.

Russian women as a commodity.

"Hey Bob! I'm going to the Russian Babe Store! You wanna go with me?"

*wanders back out of the Russia forum in shock*

PlatyPius, don't worry, more than half of these bought Russian brides will have the last laugh when they divorce their spouses with a green card in hand in less than 3 years. A small price to pay to get out of Russia when you are a young, beautiful, and intelligent lady with a whole future ahead of yourself.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-17 14:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Just Under One Year Report
doudis2,
Interesting article. However, there are estimates that there might be as many as 12 million "unlawfully present" individuals in the US. And officially less than 150,000 get deported through ICE/EOIR each year. I don't know if financially or practically we will be able to pull of what this article is suggesting.
I strongly believe he was singled out for his religion and country of origin.
Others like Russ's ex-wife will do just fine under the radar.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia....e_United_States
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-23 01:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusToday's medicals in Moscow

We waited just about 3 weeks to be sure her name showed up in the SAVE system and then applied. Card came in 6 days.

We waited two weeks to apply but waited 4 weeks to receive it.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-05 13:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Electronic Dictionary
If you want all the fancy features you are probably going to want a machine like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/...1QQcmdZViewItem
But for that kind of price, you can buy a low end laptop and some good software in Russia and have a much more powerful and useful machine.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-01 10:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmaybe im an idiot
absolom,
I am one of those russian ladies that you guys are all shopping for. Haha I am just kidding. I have read your post about laptop and your girl going to dating sites... I have an advice to you. Don't worry about it. She will be going to those sites until you will get married. And.. maybe even after... My husband is going to these sites (VJ too), even if we happily married for 2 years. So my point is you can't check her true love to you until she gets a green card or citizenship. Going to the sites does not say anything. Good luck.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-30 12:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmaybe im an idiot

I visited my fiancee in Russia last month and left her my laptop so we could email one another.

She "chose" you, and is coming here to marry you.

Slim, how do you make this connection? As far as I see it, he claims she is her fiancee. He picked her out and came to visit her. He has posted no timeline nor has stated he is doing the K1 paperwork. For all we know she has used him for a free good time in Russia and a free laptop.
Once again I applaud the Russian lady for taking advantage of the gullible American who has all the advantages to begin with. Now with a laptop in hand she can find the man that better satisfies her needs. I see this lady similar to Cam. If he can meet 3 ladies at once, then this lady can invite 3 men at once. All fair game when you are shopping.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-30 10:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBeen there, done that?

The entire event should be something joyful and celebratory, bringing us together, and not a royal P.I.T.A...

How about splitting the costs of this royal vacation 50/50? See what she says to that? Why should you pay for it all? When I met my fiancee I stayed in her home with her family on both trips. Free and simple. No extravagant requests, although we did go see Sochi on my initiative after half way into our first 9 week meeting in Russia.
To me it sounds like this lady wants to use a "desperate American" who hasn't gotten any in a while for a free trip to Europe. Bravo if she succeeds. It is just one of many reasons for using an agency for both Americans and Russians. Mutual benefit, not a scam. If she can pull of the trip and avoid sleeping with the fellow, it is an even bigger victory.
Sorry, Dan, can't say I have been there done that in terms of agencies. We met randomly on ICQ.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-09 13:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusbetween NVC sending out and moscow

was wondering when did you find out the interview date... after NVC shipped the stuff...

We found out via the embassy website and then two weeks later their package arrived with the official date.
I never contacted the NVC.

Edited by Satellite, 19 September 2006 - 03:31 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-19 15:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusconfused where to start
As others have stated in the past and based on my experience there is no need to overkill the public charge issue. Just use your Tax Returns and W2s if you make more than 125% of poverty line based on the correct amount of dependents. Do not bother with assets and bank statements, that is overkill if you already meet the requirements.
Also if you gather this financial information including I-134 long before your interview you can send it by regular post $0.84. It should also get their in two weeks. If it doesn't do it again. You can always wait until a month or so before sending the more expensive way if all your cheap methods have failed. You are sending copies anyway.
Back in the day the forms came in Russian and we filled them out in Russian as well.

Edited by Satellite, 18 October 2006 - 02:18 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-18 14:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusconfused where to start

Hey Slim...check out meauxna's timeline. She's definitely helped many people see how long it took for her to get her husband over here to the U.S. She is so instrumental to the extistence of VJ. I'm indebted to her.

In her defense, how much does my full time line help you? Does it really help you to know that three years ago the CSC was talking 180 to 210 days to complete an I-129F? Does it help you that IMBRA didn't exist? Does it help you that I walked in and got our I-765 EAD on the same day because the lockbox was not even functional for the west coast two years ago? It's great history I suppose, but not much help.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-14 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusconfused where to start

I don't understand this... how does one just "live in Russia"? Last I checked they aren't handing out citizenships. How do you find a job in one of the most Xenophobic states on earth? Is it really that easy? I am curious how you come to this conclusion.

1. A spouse of a Russian citizen my register for citizenship after residing 5 years in Russia.
http://www.multiplec...FEDERATION.html
To do so one enters on a private visa, fills out an application for permanent residency in Russia and is granted months later permission to reside in Russia as a temporary or permanent resident. Upon 5 years you register for citizenship.
http://waytorussia.n...gal-status.html (scroll towards the bottom about the section covering residency)
Best part is that his fiancee would do the paperwork in Russia, and perhaps she won't mess up.
2. His best job in Russia would be to teach upper level English at the local university. His job will involve teaching an entire class in English and thus require minimum Russian to get by. Surprisingly, having a US diploma in just about anything is highly valued in Russia, as I spoke with the dean of local university on this topic on my second visit to Russia.
Or he can pursue any job and learn Russian the same way we require our ladies to learn English in order to live in America.
3. "Xenophobic" Russia, generally does not discriminate against Americans or western Europeans. The only form of discrimination he is most likely going to run into is being a target of crime in terms of locals assuming he is wealthy because he is American.

Lastly,
In reality what I meant by my original post is that the OP should propose this to his fiancee in response to her insisting on a lawyer and not trusting his abilities to do the process himself. Kind of reverse psychology that Slim always talks about as a red flag test.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-12 21:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusconfused where to start

1. what is the thing about online visa application form?

I think people are just referring to the actual application.
http://www.uscis.gov...iles/I-129F.pdf
And when you get the NOA1 you can track your case progress online.
https://egov.immigra.../jsps/index.jsp

2. she has been issued 2 visas to the USA before through work/travel program.....and went back before her visa expired....do u think it will make it easier on her?

Won't make much difference either way. Unless she lied on her past visa applications and that lie was discovered now then she would be inadmissable. However, when she was here the last time, you could have avoided this whole process by just getting married and doing adjustment in the country.

3. i am writing the letter about how we met...does it need to be just how we met or somethings we did while we were together...should it be nice and short...or the longer the better?

I have no opinion here. There is no specific requirement for this in the I-129F.

4. can u tell me what these acronyms are?
nvc
vsc
csc

Find all your VJ acronyms here:
http://www.visajourn...page=definition
And all other ones here.
http://www.acronymfinder.com/

5. i think i will use vermont center if i live in virginia?

Vermont Service Center has jurisdiction over I-129F's filed by petitioners living in the following states:
Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Vermont, U.S. Virgin Islands, Virginia and West Virginia.
Your selection was proper.
However, isn't your lawyer doing all of this?

my girl is pretty stubborn..if i fire the lawyer...she will be real upset and if something bad happens...she will blame me forever

Am I reading way too much into this, or is this a potentional red flag? Why would your fiancee be preasuring you into using a lawyer? If you mess up, can't you live in Russia together? Or she doesn't want you like that? Also, does she have other immigration issues that she wants a lawyer to look over?
And, why does she have so little confindence in you doing it yourself?
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-12 16:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusconfused where to start

FIRE YOUR LAWYER BEFORE YOU GET CHARGED ANY MORE MONEY!!!

Might not be that simple in terms of saving your money. If you hired a lawyer you probably paid the retainer fee which is the whole amount. Trying to recover that by saying the lawyer worked for less in quantum merit is going to be hard. Might require a lawsuit if the lawyer is stingy.
And if you stick with the lawyer your case is probably going to take longer than usual. Reasons:
1. All communications go through your lawyer. He files all the things Slim mentioned when he has time. For example if you got an RFE you would respond immediately. A lawyer responds when he has time, but always within the 90 day period to avoid malpractice. Your case reaches his desk when the deadline approaches.
2. You know all the information that should go with the forms. Instead of writing it in, you have the lawyer do it. This extra middleman between the USCIS (remember G-28 you signed in the lawyer's office) will slow down the process and increase chances of error as information might not be entered properly by the lawyer because you know all the facts and not him. All clarifications cost time as he has to call you each time or schedule an appointment to meet with you.
3. Since the lawyer is your official representative if you have inquires about your own case, the government might not want to speak to you!
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-11 14:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow medical before interview?

How far in advance should she schedule the appointment?

Not too far, some clinics like MOM won't let you schedule an appointment if it is going to be more than a few weeks out.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-17 16:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusconfused by information on embassy website
workin4somethin,
Let me try to straighten this out for you.
$100 is for a non-immigrant K3 visa.
$380 is for an immigrant CR1 or IR1 visa.
Are you scheduled for your K3 or CR1/IR1 interview? CR1/IR1 means your wife will be coming in as an immigrant thus no AOS and green card arrives in the mail a few weeks later.
If she does the K3 she pays less at consulate but must pay for the AOS when she gets to the US or she can return to Moscow to do the CR1/IR1 when it is ripe, which in my opinion would be prohibitively expensive. On the other hand, AOS can be pretty slow in the states and a K3 visa holder still needs an EAD to work, but no AP to travel within the validity of the visa.

If you are confused email the consulate and ask. Once you have it figured out, you'll know how much money to pay. Also it might not hurt to ask how far apart the CR1 interview is from the K3 if the K3 is first. If it is not that long, it might be worth waiting for the latter, unless you can't bear spending anymore time apart.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-18 23:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusChanging name on Russian passport: quick and easy
I did this over a year ago. Those who were around read about it in the old forums which are offline now. However, the real goal is to do what Ak pulled off.
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=33463
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-17 09:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew girl

And I guess using Match.com or eHarmony.com is considered buying a wife from the USA?

I think these websites were designed to match two compatible people who could not find a local person. How many Russian ladies are on Russian to Russian singles websites advertising themselves?

Ultimately it comes down to bargaining power. And on a US to US dating site both parties are pretty much equal, but not for the Russian to American sites.
Examples:
Both parties have relatively similar incomes.
Both parties can visit each other freely.
Both parties can clearly communicate with each other.
Both parties are familiar with the every day routine of living in the US.
Now compare that with a Russian to US website.
While the need to get married might be equal for both parties, the motivations are quite different. Generally speaking the US person must show interest in the Russian lady. Since I only hear about US men picking out the ladies like in a catalog and initiating the conversation. Not too many US men advertising themselves in similar fashion for a Russian lady to pick them out. Once a relationship is established, the man chooses when he is going to call and travel to see his lady as both are either impossible or prohibitively expensive for the Russian lady who is advertising herself on the marriage website.
And if the motivation to get of of Russia is high for whatever reason, then the level of scrutiny applied to the potential partner is going to be much less than it would be on a typical US to US marriage site where getting out of Portland to go to Seattle is a small factor.

Sorry if this opinion offended anybody. I usually don't voice my opinion on anything but immigration and travel in general. But I get wound up about this topic. Even though in all sincerity there is nothing wrong with the system of "buying" a Russian bride if you apply market economy principles to marriage.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-24 10:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew girl

Also, if I were you, while I was there, I'd be telling all these girls that I would love to get married.... "but not for another four or five years."

Wouldn't this make the lady think the guy isn't interested in her since as I gather the purpose of those mail order bride websites is to just that? Buy a wife from Russia ASAP? Sorry for the assumptions, I couldn't resist.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-23 14:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusdo i need a russian visa?
Whenever you have a visa question you can always look it up at:
http://www.delta.com...ation/index.jsp
Here is what the requirements are for a USC going to Georgia via Moscow:
Visa not required if continuing within 24 hours and not leaving the airside (international) transit area. Passenger must hold onward ticket and all documents required for next destination.

If continuing by a domestic flight (also including Belarus); or if airport of arrival is different from airport of departure within the same Russian city (e.g. arriving at Sheremetyevo-2 and departing from Sheremetyevo-1 airport in Moscow): Transit visa required, as entering territory of Russian Fed.

So the key question is are you staying in the international zone or not? Check your flight numbers and determine where they depart from. Inside of SVOII only or DME only, you should be fine. But if you have to change terminals or airports you'll need the visa.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-18 22:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHi all... starting my journey

Incidentially, I HAVE lived in Texas.... I was so happy to leave that when I finally got the chance, I made for the border as fast as I could. When I got to Oklahoma, I pulled over, got out of the car, went over to the Texas state line, dropped my pants and took a piss on Texas - vowing never to return.

So what about Texas gave you much grief or California for that matter?
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-21 11:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHi all... starting my journey

Have you ever thought about retiring in Russia so your dollar could go a little further?

Slim, are you hedging your bets that oil prices will continue to fall and the Russian economy will suffer in the near future. Otherwise the cost of living in Russia is rising rapidly. Major inflation of over 10% in the last several years and dollar rate keeps falling. I can't imagine it being as good as some other third world countries people choose to retire in.


the people are wonderful and friendly (something you don't see much here in the good ol' USA) and it is far less expensive to live there...they do earn far less then we do though.

Marc, obviously you haven't experienced Russia as a local or understand the language well enough. Most Russian people in Russia are extremely rude and unpleasant. Customer service is non-existant and the kind of insults and harassment, I as a Russian speaker, hear on my trips to Russia makes me want to run right back to the good ol' USA in an instant. Obviously if the people you are interacting know before hand that you are an American they will be very nice and courteous to you, but when they don't know who you are, it is another world. Perhaps I have gotten used to our "fake smiles". That is certainly not Russian culture.
It is definitely cheaper to live in Russia if you live like a local. Ride public transit, live in an old flat, etc. But as soon as you start wanting western accommodations be it in transportation, service, or housing I think it is even more expensive in Russia then here. Also there are a lot of hidden costs like bribes and fines. Random stops on the streets or while driving. Random and arbitrary enforcement of other laws be it tax law or home inspections.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-10-18 13:59:00