Montreal calling))

[Floor]

Hello everyone!!
I was a lurker on this board before and just joined...
I was a member on EM and through this forum learned about freepersonals.ru, where I met my girlfriend Valentina.  I just returned from a week in SPB with her and we're so very happy!!!
Of course, being in Canada we know of the challenges of getting a visitor's visa etc but we're trying anyway...

Just like to say that I'm pleased to be here)))

[Faux Pas]

Hello everyone!!
I was a lurker on this board before and just joined...
I was a member on EM and through this forum learned about freepersonals.ru, where I met my girlfriend Valentina.  I just returned from a week in SPB with her and we're so very happy!!!
Of course, being in Canada we know of the challenges of getting a visitor's visa etc but we're trying anyway...

Just like to say that I'm pleased to be here)))

Welcome to RWD Floor! That's good news. Petersburg was fantastic wasn't it?

[Floor]

Thanks Faux Pas!!
Yes, I absolutely loved it - The people, food, Metro system, culture.  It was my first visit to the FSU and it totally smashed any preconceived notions I had about Russia))
I stayed at the Hotel Vera - I highly recommend it))

[Lily]

Greetings from Toronto 
No chances of getting here as an independent immigrant?
 

[Floor]

Hi Lilly!
I'm actually in Mississauga right now - I grew up here and I'm staying with my parents for the rest of my holiday))

We are going to try any available avenue - Independant immigration, student visa etc.  The ultimate goal is to be married this time next year and happily together))
We just wanted our next meeting to be here, so I could show her my home country...

[Faux Pas]

Thanks Faux Pas!!
Yes, I absolutely loved it - The people, food, Metro system, culture.  It was my first visit to the FSU and it totally smashed any preconceived notions I had about Russia))
I stayed at the Hotel Vera - I highly recommend it))

All of Russia isn't St Pete  but St Pete is pretty special IMHO as a world class city. I rented a flat on Italianaskyna (sp)

[Floor]

I rented a flat on Italianaskyna (sp)

Cool))  Yes, I figured as much - Canada is quite similar - cities and towns are night and day from each other
How did you rent the flat?  Was it like a hotel-flat or a private rental?
Did you have problems getting a visa because of it?

[Faux Pas]

Cool))  Yes, I figured as much - Canada is quite similar - cities and towns are night and day from each other
How did you rent the flat?  Was it like a hotel-flat or a private rental?
Did you have problems getting a visa because of it?

It was just a private rental. That was about 5-6 years ago but I've noticed the flat is still for rent. On another note, they kept a notebook in one of the kitchen drawers so visitors could leave their comments on the flat and/or the city. I've never had any problems getting a visa. Over the years I used a number of methods and companies. For future use, you don't need a hotel just for a visa and you can likely rent a flat somewhat to a lot cheaper than you can stay at a hotel

[Floor]

Excellent))
Please PM me the details on this flat and how you got your visa without the invitation   This would be most appreciated, seeing how hotels in the Nevsky are around $100 per night +/-...

[Muzh]

Another Canuck, eh?

 

Good luck with everything.

[Anotherkiwi]

Please PM me the details on this flat and how you got your visa without the invitation   This would be most appreciated, seeing how hotels in the Nevsky are around $100 per night +/-...

No, that's not what he said (more's the pity!).  He said
 

...I've never had any problems getting a visa. Over the years I used a number of methods and companies. For future use, you don't need a hotel just for a visa and you can likely rent a flat somewhat to a lot cheaper than you can stay at a hotel

Even though I've only been twice, I had no problems either (Tourist Visa on first trip, Business Visa on the second).  There are many companies that will arrange an invitation for you (average price for a Tourist Visa invitation seems to be around $30).  Bear in mind that the new rules coming into force in September apply only to US citizens - we poor unfortunates who live in other parts of the world will still have to get invitiations and be limited to one month or three month visits.
 
As for accommodation - I really can't believe that you haven't seen ads throughout the internet for apartment rentals!  Although I haven't used them in Moscow, I have in every city in Russia and Ukraine where I've stayed more than a couple of nights.  I'm sure everyone here would endorse that choice over a hotel every time - you can get any level of accommodation you like, from a $20 a night fleapit to a really luxurious pad which will still only be half the price of a comparable hotel.
 
Anyway, good luck with your endeavours - I hope everything works out the way you and Valentina want.
 
P.S.  The regulars on here all know that I believe St Petersburg to be the most beautiful city in the world!

[GoodOlBoy]

Sorry for the late  Floor.
 
I was also very impressed with St. Petersburg.
A lovely city with lots of culture!
Amazing place.
 
GOB