What is your name?Robert
What is your current age or age range?
+65
What country are you native to?
USA
What area of Russia do you current live (Providence, City, general area etc.)
St Petersburg
How long have you lived in Russia?
Almost 9 years
When you moved to Russia, did you bring your family? What do they think?
My wife was happy to return to Russia.
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
Yes, a daughter. She still cannot accept that I left her and the USA.
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
It was time to have some adventure and we found the best place to start would be Russia.
Why did you choose Russia, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Russia?
We chose Russia because my wife loves it here.
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
Scotland. It would be more difficult getting permanent visas than in Russia.
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
No, but a lot of bureaucracy.
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
The Russian language, moving to a city, and the Russian way of thinking.
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Russia?
I thought I would be able to speak some Russian in three months.
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
We had an apartment waiting for us.
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
No. I'm too old and have little money.
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
Yes.
What do you miss the most about your home country?
Friendly people.
Are there the same recreational activities in Russia?
Yes, but as with everything else, they require more effort to get to and participate in.
How easy has it been to make new friends in Russia?
Not easy.
Do you have many friends from your home country in Russia?
None.
What are your favorite activities that are available?
I read a lot of classic literature and look at the internet. Now I have started to cook dishes from home.
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
Friendliness A volunteer attitude and charitable Quick to organize to change something More democratic Pizza Health Food Stores Safety inspections Everything for the comfort of the people Better climate Clear air, cleaner streams, less litter
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
I don't miss the hyper attitude, the over vigilant police and neighbors, their coddling of children, everything a crisis, over achieving women, the sensationalism in the press... but little concern for the 100's of thousand of Iraqis we've killed.
Do you speak the language of Russia?
Yes.
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Russia, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
Yes.
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
Yes, but eventually I got coverage.
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
I retired the day I left the USA.
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
Yes. People here hang back and are slow to speak to anyone no matter the situation. They usually have a poker face or frown. In the CCCP they were trained to speak little to foreigners and not to trust them.
What are the top ten things you like about Russia?
Apples, milk, vegetables are still more real than back home. Russian TV has good dramas and funny comedy. The woman have a better attitude towards men.
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Russia?
The Russians are not social by American standards You rarely hear the Russian words for volunteer or charity With most Russians there lives stop at their door.
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
No. Too old now, and too little energy.
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
I don't know.
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
No.
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
In 2000 I had what I called the Rule of 5... what cost $1 here would have cost $5 in the US. Now I have revised that to the Rule of 2... as there isn't such a dramatic difference as before.
List some things that are more expensive in Russia
Only electronics, although maybe they are of equal expense with the USA now.
List some things that are less expensive in Russia
Everything.
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Some people in the shops, kiosks, and post office are friendly, although unlike in my small town in the USA, I don't know their names.
What is the best thing about people in Russia?
Once you know them better, they are warm and friendly.
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Russia?
Unless there is a compelling need, I wouldn't. Think sun, mountains, sea, healthy cuisine, good climate and go south where these images lead you.
Do you think you will stay in Russia, or it is not suitable for the long run?
Ironically both parts of the question apply as now I am older, have less energy, and am comfortably settled.
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My Surprising Life in St. Petersburg
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My Surprising Life in St. Petersburg
