Not so much a Trip report - more about expat life in Russia

[msmob]

I go to Russia - frequently - for business and pleasure. This is for those who take the plunge and decide to try living there ( or any foreign country ) for long periods at a time.

To  spend a long time in a third nation - where English is not the first language is daunting and it really helps to know locals or have a partner in business of personal life to help out. 

However, it is important to remember not to be a 'burden'  to those that help and to give something back.

SC, my beloved, doesn't speak English well enough to explain certain laws / customs and my Russian is rudimentary when it comes to dealing with bureaucracy.

Being an expat can be lonely  - even if you out-going.

So, I offer some tips - based on my experience:

Try to find an English club - where the locals want to practise speaking English - they get to hear a native English speaker and you will find it gratifying.






As a direct result of such meetings I have

1/  met the team that run Sochi's autodrom circuit and  attend the Formula 1 race

2/ found a great team of engineers and programmers who are helping with an IT hobby / project that might be a money spinner

3/ met a fellow yachtsman and I help out when there are championships - meeting Windsurfers, dinghy sailors and larger yacht racers

4/ introduced to a English teacher who enjoys walking in the mountains and takes us to interesting places.- such as Russian Saunas ( Banya), Smaller Breweries and Home made fragrances / soap factories


It is hard to be 'bored' when you meet so many interesting people and they are happy to practice their English and help with my Russian

The WORST thing you can do is seek out fellow countrymen in a bar - esp. on St Patrick's night )

[Trenchcoat]

So this is your most recent woman that you have got together with recently? Has she been trying to learn English for long?

[msmob]

So this is your most recent woman that you have got together with recently? Has she been trying to learn English for long?

'most recent woman'...'recently' .. ?! - We've been an item for nearly 3 years...  Is this an example of your reading retention ? 'Trying to learn ' ?...   Trench - could it be you are trying to make some sort of 'point' ?     

[Trenchcoat]

'most recent woman'...'recently' .. ?! - We've been an item for nearly 3 years...  Is this an example of your reading retention ? 'Trying to learn ' ?...   Trench - could it be you are trying to make some sort of 'point' ?     

You said she "doesn't speak English well enough to explain certain laws / customs" so I was guessing that she is still learning English, so wondered how long she had been at it, since my girl is learning English at the moment, I mean beyond the basic School Level English she learnt at Secondary School in Ukraine.

[msmob]

You said she "doesn't speak English well enough to explain certain laws / customs" so I was guessing that she is still learning English, so wondered how long she had been at it, since my girl is learning English at the moment, I mean beyond the basic School Level English she learnt at Secondary School in Ukraine.

She hadn't re-learnt English for several decades ...

[Trenchcoat]

She hadn't re-learnt English for several decades ...

Is her English ok talking to you without problem now or would she benefit from lessons?

[msmob]

She needs to study, more and complains I speak to her too much in 'Russian'..

[ML]

She needs to study, more and complains I speak to her too much in 'Russian'..

Exactly.  And this is why it is not such a smart idea for guys to be learning Ukrainian/Russian when they are going to be bringing their gals to live in English speaking country.

[jone]

России это сложный язык, not that I'd ever want to learn it.

[msmob]

Exactly.  And this is why it is not such a smart idea for guys to be learning Ukrainian/Russian when they are going to be bringing their gals to live in English speaking country.

ML,

Don't make the mistake of thinking SC was speaking the truth .... when I quoted her ! If she needs to - she can get by in English ...


 

[BillyB]

I go to Russia - frequently - for business and pleasure.

What do you consider pleasure? Looking at statues?

[msmob]

What do you consider pleasure? Looking at statues?

SC is not statuesque, nor a statue....