A Little Advise

[Louie]

Well I am finally doing it! I will be traveling to Russia to meet this gal I have been talking with for several months, I will be going there the first week in December, here is where I need a little help, can any one recommend a reputable place to rent an Apt in Moscow? we have agreed to stay in Moscow for a week and play tourist and this will give us some no pressure time to get to know one another on a more personnel level, then we will travel to her home town of Volzhsky to meet the parents and daughter. I have Moscow Ricks web page saved, I think I have heard that name mentioned here before?

[Vaughn]

Louie, I've never stayed at any of Moscow Rick's
four? locations, but know many who have, and it
would be my first choice...

Vaughn

[av8or1]

Hey Louie-

I stayed in one of Moscow Rick's flats back in February 2005.  He was a great guy, had everything lined up for me, always answered his phone when I called and when things didn't work out with the woman I went to meet, he referred me to a great agency.  The only thing about Moscow in general is the higher cost of everything by comparison to other cities in the FSU, but then I am sure you're aware of that.

Best,

Jerry

[Rvrwind]

Louie, Moscow Rick will do right by you. He's a good guy & gives good service from what I have been told.
I never used him personally but know others who have & they all speak well of him. Have a great trip & above all enjoy yourself.
Glad to see your finally gonna get on a plane.

[Louie]

Thanks for the vote of confidence, I will make reservations next week, I am looking forward to this trip alot, don't really care for the cold, I guess its the wuss Cali blood, but I just couldn't keep her waiting any longer, she has been really good about it. I am already getting nervous, like a 16 y\o on his first date, or more like scared witless! LOL. She has such a great sense of humor and makes me laugh all the time, and she is not afraid of an adventure.

[Jack]

Louie, in Moscow I found a wonderful flat in 1998 that I always try to stay in when in Moscow, as well turn other guy's onto it.

The flat is literally 200 meters from Red Square on Tverskaya street. I know of no flat available to rent more in the center of the center than this flat. It's on the second floor. The first floor of buildings on Tverskaya are all commercial business's. As you walk to the balcony you have a wonderful view of Tverskya and if you look to your left, 200 meters, there is Red Square. Tverskya is the equivalent  of Nevesky Prospect to St. Pete, Khershaytk to Kiev, Deribaska to Odessa, it is the center of the center.

It is a two room flat with a fold-out bed in the living room. The flat will rent for $120 a night. The Hilton, Marriott and Sheraton down the street (away from Red Square) have their cheap rooms starting at $425, per night!!!

If you might be interested in this flat feel free to PM me.

[jinx13]

 Hey Louie,

  I too have made the Moscow/Volzhsky trip, a couple of times. First time I stayed in Hotel Rossiya, a dump with great location, but it's closed now. Second time I used GotoRussia.com, and got a great apartment on Novy Arbat. Very modern, and not too expensive, I think it was $80 a night. It had a great view of the casino's and all the lights. Novy Arbat is like a little bit of Vegas in Russia, very cool.

 You probably already have a place to stay in Volzhsky, but if you need anything I advise using www.anastasya.com, it's a great agency located in Volzhsky, can hook you up with everything from apartment to driver, or even laundry service. Good luck on your trip, and bring some thermal underwear!    - David

[DKMM]

Louie,
I stayed in a Moscow Rick apartment last month.  I had zero problems with them, they were especially helpful with my very late checkout.

I recommend you use their driver to pick you up because he makes sure that you get your apartment.  In my case, we got in early and had to wait for the lady with the key.  He stayed with me, called her every 5 minutes until she showed up.

Loved the area, very convenient and the girls thought it was a nice area (although that means nice for Russia).

And to reinforce jinx, get yourself to REI (there is one just up the 55 from you) and buy yourself thermal underwear.  Get the REI brand MTS lightweight (very comfy).  Moscow ain't the OC.

[Louie]

Thanks DK, I will visit that store soon, O has warned me to make sure I dress warm, insisting on boots, hat and gloves, looks like I will be spending a lot before I even leave!!! Thanks for the tips David Anastasya is the agency that she uses, even though I didn't meet her through it, I was looking at apartment prices and they seem very reasonable, I told her i was going to use them, but she said they were to expensive, I didn't think 35 to 55 a day was much, but hey what he hell do I know!

[Albert]

. . . . but she said they were to expensive, I didn't think 35 to 55 a day was much, but hey what he hell do I know!

- - - - - -

You have to think in terms of what things cost or should cost in FSU.  Forget what you would pay in west.  This is how western men keep getting ripped off in the FSU. 

Everytime a western guy goes to FSU and overpays (compared to locals) just because it is cheaper than he pays at home, then the prices just keep going up and up for the next guys who come along.

Best for you ( and for all who come after you) to let your gal find the best deal that she can negotiate.

In FSU you will see zillions of older people at the undergrounds selling everything from pencils to DVDs.  These people are trying to live on pensions of $30 a month plus whatever they can scrounge up.  Think of that as you are paying someone to drive you across town for $30-100.

[Gator]

I recommend Moscow Rick based on my own experience with renting a flat, and based on an acquaintance's experience.  I believe he is $100/day in Moscow. 

I think some of these women talk about saving money to impress you that they are frugal and not gold diggers. Fine, but you have to stay and sleep in what she finds for you.  This is your first meeting so the place should be nice to help romance.  She may get you something cheap but not a place you feel comfortable in.  Just explain to her that you want something equivalent to Moscow Rick's or this other place.

[Louie]

Exactly my thoughts Gator, the reason that i will pay a little more is 1)this will be my first time there and I want to be as comfortable as possible ad hopefully get as close to western standards as possible 2) she doesn't know the standard of living that I am used to, I have done the cheap route in other countries like Asia and south America. and you say all western men get ripped when they go there, well wake up Albert, the same thing happens to them when they come here, taxi's are double price accommodations are more when some one sees a foreigner they know they can take advantage of that. will I pay a little more? of course I will, will I let myself get blatantly ripped off? I will try my best not to.

[groovlstk]

Good luck, Louie.

If things go well, next time you visit her you might not have to worry about finding your own place.

The price or real estate in Moscow is skyrocketing. I stayed at this place in May for $75 per night:

http://arendakvart.narod.ru/photobkondratevskaya23.html

I just checked their website and the price had shot up to $100 per night.

[chivo]

- - - - - -

You have to think in terms of what things cost or should cost in FSU.  Forget what you would pay in west.  This is how western men keep getting ripped off in the FSU. 

Everytime a western guy goes to FSU and overpays (compared to locals) just because it is cheaper than he pays at home, then the prices just keep going up and up for the next guys who come along.

Best for you ( and for all who come after you) to let your gal find the best deal that she can negotiate.

In FSU you will see zillions of older people at the undergrounds selling everything from pencils to DVDs.  These people are trying to live on pensions of $30 a month plus whatever they can scrounge up.  Think of that as you are paying someone to drive you across town for $30-100.

The prices above (for the apts) are in line as they would be in any major city. It has nothing to do with getting ripped. For a tourist to compare himself to a local is absurd, and thats any big city. Of course you're going to pay more. Nobody is getting ripped. All the other goods are available to anyone with cash.

Sorry, but Gradma & Grandpa have a place to stay and food. Most live with the help of family and/or have government issue apts. If nothing else, now theyre rich the way real estate has skyrocketed.

At this time the prices quoted above are in line with the going market. If you can get the apt on Tverskaya I would jump at it to be honest. You wont find a better location for the first time visitor, and at that price its a steal. Most of the places have everything from cable to the internet also.


As it was said, make te first trip as comfotable as possible, take it in, and get a feel of things. If all works well, youll have a great time and will want to return. Then youll know more about what to expect the next time and be a little more adventerous.

I know Rick as well and he is a good guy, but if you can get the Tverskaya apt, my advise would be to go that route. good luck.

chivo
 

[jinx13]

Louie,

  I was just thinking, a week in Moscow is a long time to spend together if you are just getting to know her. This will be your first time there, but has she been there before? If she hasn't than you will both feel a little bit lost. You can see most of the main tourist attractions (Red Square, Kremlin, Tverskaya, etc.) in a couple days, what will you do with the rest of your time? Are you sharing an apartment?

 I had a very bad personal experience trying to kill time in Moscow (with a girl from Volzhsky too) It so happened that there was a big celebration for the anniversary of the end of WW2, and most of the city was shutdown because foreign dignitaries were arriving. We had nothing to do after the second day, and were just hanging around the hotel, I didn't know where to go, and neither did she. We got on each others nerves after so much boring time together. It's much better to be in her home city where she can lead you a bit, and show you all her favorite places, and the tourist attractions too. Volzhsky is small, but has some charm, but Volgograd is a big city with lots to see.

 Just my thoughts, wouldn't want you to make the same mistakes I did, either way have fun, and try not to be overwhelmed by it all. I hope you have studied up on your Russian, it helps, trust me.  - David

[Jooky]

Hey Jinx,

Your bad timing in Moscow might have been the best thing that could have happened to you at the time. Think about it. If a few non-eventful days alone with a woman is enough to drive both of you crazy, imagine what it would have been to spend the rest of your lives together? Your experience might have been miserable, but I'm sure it helped you come to a quick decision that this woman was not for you.

Now if you find a woman who wants to be stuck in a hotel room with you for a week, then you've got a keeper.

One big mistake I think men often make when meeting Russian women is they meet on an exciting event filled vacation then hastily decide to get married without experiencing any normal down time together. Life is not always full of thrills. A wise girl once told me that she knew a man was right for her not when she felt comfortable with him in conversation, but when she felt comfortable with him in silence. I like that thought. When you're stuck in a boring or bad situation it's not all that bad if you have the right person by your side.

For Louie, if you want to keep busy there are plenty of things to do in Moscow. If you run out of ideas, try some interesting restuarants. Bring your date to experience some American food. Try something unusual that your lady (or you) might not have tried before. There are booths everywhere along Tverskaya where you can purchase tickets to all kinds of shows and events. Pick up a copy of The Exile (you can find this at any American restaurant like the Hard Rock or Fridays). Go ice skating in Gorky Park. Take in the view from the radio tower. Check out a blues club. Drop into a casino (but don't take your lady to a strip joint). Rent out a sauna. Or simply go for a stroll and people watch. I don't know too many women who don't enjoy that. Enjoy!

[chivo]

Louie,

  I was just thinking, a week in Moscow is a long time to spend together if you are just getting to know her. This will be your first time there, but has she been there before? If she hasn't than you will both feel a little bit lost. You can see most of the main tourist attractions (Red Square, Kremlin, Tverskaya, etc.) in a couple days, what will you do with the rest of your time? Are you sharing an apartment?

 I had a very bad personal experience trying to kill time in Moscow (with a girl from Volzhsky too) It so happened that there was a big celebration for the anniversary of the end of WW2, and most of the city was shutdown because foreign dignitaries were arriving. We had nothing to do after the second day, and were just hanging around the hotel, I didn't know where to go, and neither did she. We got on each others nerves after so much boring time together. It's much better to be in her home city where she can lead you a bit, and show you all her favorite places, and the tourist attractions too. Volzhsky is small, but has some charm, but Volgograd is a big city with lots to see.

 Just my thoughts, wouldn't want you to make the same mistakes I did, either way have fun, and try not to be overwhelmed by it all. I hope you have studied up on your Russian, it helps, trust me.  - David

You're in Moscow and can't find something to do after 2 days? How about learning something about the city you're going to visit in between your Russian lessons at home. I understand that it's all very unfamiliar, but that's what the internet is for, especially in May when the weather starts to become much nicer.

I (and many others) posted some info about Moscow that can be found in the archives or here http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?topic=2123.0


While its commendable to learn some Russia I doubt you're going to understand much when you get here. I've been here for 2 years and have been learning the language for the last, and I get lost with the language many times. unless you're some great lingustic freak, don't bank to much on this. but, yes, the more the better and any little bit will help somewhat.

Chivo

ps oh yeah, like Jooky said, take your time.
 

[chivo]

here's the Exile's site as well:

http://www.exile.ru/. ciao

chivo

[Louie]

I agree with about every thing said, staying in Moscow for one week is not set in stone, if after a few days, we get bored, as it will be in the dead of winter, we will got to her town, she has told me quite a bit about it, and she knows I am some what of a history buff especially WWII, I actually surprise her with how much i know, and she said there are excellent war museums in Volgograd, being in the Military stationed in Germany, during the height of the cold war, that will make it really interesting for me. Also I don't plan this to be my first and only trip, this trip is more to get my feet wet, get the lay of the land, as well as to meet someone, plus we have been talking for months on the phone, and her English is good, it has improved alot just from us talking these past months, plus she makes me laugh alot! which is a bonus in my book. I did make the mistake of going the meet a girl and bring her back the first time, she was a girl that i met in china, and it did not work out at all, but she was such a good person and helped me thru some pretty tough times in my life ( got hit by a car while walking had to have 2 back and a hip surgery) she came to the hospital every day to help, so i helped her get her green card and she is here this day and we remain very good friends, so I don't plan to make that same mistake again