Planning for extended vacation

[turpin]

Hello,

Hi, I'm a 27 year old physicist and engineer.  Due to various investment strategies involving data mining, I might be having an early retirement, i.e., at approx. the age of 30.  Maybe its best to think of it as an extended vacation rather than retirement, though.  Actually, the timing has more to do with professional obligations to my employer than my financial needs.  I don't want to piss off my boss by quitting at a bad time in case I ever want another job - and I'm working an a two-year project now.

I'm still single, and when I take this extended vacation I think I might hop to the other side of the Ocean and spend some time travelling and looking for a girlfriend. 

Anyway, I'd like some advice on how to do this, namely:

(1) How to travel in FSU and Eastern Europe safely and cost effectively.  If possible I'd like to keep costs under $2500/month after initial airflight expenses, just because that's about the most I ever spend at home.  If I can do that, I can afford to stay as long as the visa lasts.

(2) How to get secure internet connection in FSU and Eastern Europe so that I can still manage my finances from overseas.  This would include accessing online banking and trading website such as etrade.com.  This is very important as it will be my main source of income.  I'd like to fit this into the $2500/month budget.

(3) How to meet and screen women, other than agencies.

(4) How to brush up on my Russian.  I took Russian in college, but I am out of practice, and I've never had a "total immersion" experience.  I'd like to spend some time practicing conversation before going to Russia.

(5) What type of visa should I get to stay a maximum amount of time and travel the most freely about FSU and Eastern Europe?

Any advice is much appreciated.

[KenC]

Turpin,
Welcome!  I am jealous as hell, I have to say.  Retired at 30?  Moving to Russia?  I am sure there are many here that can answer some of the details, but I am sure you can exist on your budget just about any where in the fsu except maybe the most upscale parts of Moscow and St Pete.  You might want to order Russian TV to brush up your Russian and to get a feel for the culture.  With your age, temporary location (Russia) and your language skills, Russia will truly be your oyster.  No need for agencies.
KenC

[Todd]

welcome,

Congratulations on your successes.  My only advice that I can offer as to trading on-line overseas is to ask your e-trading service if they have a scaled down service for overseas.  I've been having difficulty logging on from the Middle East (I spend 2 weeks/month in the US and 2 weeks in Saudi), but they were kind enough to send me to
a special site which has scaled down graphics.  I'm not sure if there was some sort of minimum balance necessary, but if you are able to take an extended break, then it shouldn't be a problem for you.

Hope you have an excellent time

Todd

[prince_alfie]

Privet... best of luck in Russia!

[catzenmouse]

Turpin,

 I'll echo KenC in the jealousy area! Have you thought about taking one of those immersion courses? Good way to get back into the language and meet some prospects as well. Yes, for that kind of money you can live very well just about anywhere.

Ken