Job Discussion Forums

[JohnDoe]

"Surely all the men in America aren't so smooth", etc. etc., etc.


Well, Ana. There are only two types of women in this world - Straight women and women who haven't met me. I am a pretty man. Look at this profile! Look at it! I'm like... Really, really, ridiculously good looking. My life story is Zoolander and I surround myself in beautiful things.

Yep. It's tough when everybody wants you, and jealousy makes them say things like 'You're shallow and arrogant.' when what they really mean is 'Take me now, you giant hunk of man-meat!'

[angstrom]

Well, if you're not afraid of power stations and smoke stacks, I think my little photo diary gives a good idea of what Moscow is like. It's the kind ofncity that you can only love or hate, there are no in-betweens. Like Bob Dylan once said, "you gotta know where to look".

Take a look:

http://beachballs.blogspot.com/

[Castro]

People in Russia.

What I am trying to explain is why the average Russian acts so differently to the average American. The Russian man or woman in the street does not smile unless he/she is happy, he/she does not engage complete strangers in meaningless conversation, he/she does not suffer fools gladly. Indeed, there is a Russian proverb that perhaps sums it up-"Only a fool smiles all the time." However, while Russians can appear unfriendly and rude, when you get to know them, you will find that they are considerate, helpful and well�friendly. I suppose the Russian concept of friendship is much deeper and less superficial than friendship elsewhere.

Muscovites.

As to the Muscovites themselves, they are a race of survivors. Even a cursory look at this Russia's history shows us that life here is seldom easy. In Soviet times, you had to fight a queue for a simple loaf of bread. Now the stakes are much higher, but you still need to fight. If you're lucky, cunning or well connected you might become very rich very quickly, but it's more likely you'll have to fight to get by. This is not a country for the faint hearted.

Moscow.

There's an energy to this city that is quite unlike anywhere else I've ever seen. The hustle and bustle of Moscow's metro during rush hour, for example, cannot fail to get your heart racing. It is vibrant, intense and also beautiful. On the other hand, its raw energy and power can crush you underfoot if you don't treat it with the respect it deserves and commands. The Moscow metro, like so much of Moscow, manages to be appealing and repellent at the same time. But either way, it cannot fail to make an impression. You either love or hate Moscow, and sometimes feel both emotions at the same time, but you cannot ignore it. It is never dull.
In Moscow, the social life you lead is limited only by your wallet and your social skills. While Moscow is by no means a cheap city, it is possible to have a good time here relatively cheaply, once you find out where to go. Moreover, with any number of teachers in your school, you're bound to find people you get on well with. And after a while, you'll make Russian friends.
There is also an enormous variety of nightlife on offer. On the other hand, Russians do not have a bar/cafe culture and tend to entertain friends at home. As a result of this, in the suburban areas where you'll be living, it will be hard to find a 'local'.

Safety.

While Moscow is not the safest city in the world it is by no means the most dangerous either. If you exercise caution and don't mark yourself out as an easy target, then you'll be unlucky to have anything happen to you.

Police.

What I dislike most about Moscow is the police force. In fact, the Russians often refer to them by their slang name-'rubbish'. While it is not as vivid as the English term 'pig', it somehow describes them more accurately. Perhaps I'm being unfair here. I'm sure the majority of them are honest hard working professionals, but there are sizeable minorities of them who are corrupt, violent and dangerous. While I have not had any real trouble with them myself (apart from having to bribe an obese malodorous border guard), many other teachers have had. While nothing really serious happened, I have taken the advice of teachers who have been here a lot longer and now I never speak English out loud when there is a policeman near, and I always look like I know where I'm going. Fortunately, these two procedures will also stop the criminal fraternity from noticing you too.

Bars.

The most popular is http://www.boarhouse.ru but �

Cinema Theatres.

I would recommend http://www.domecinema.ru/index.en.html?482.97678542867663

Any ideas?

[clownshow]

I had a girlfriend who went to Russia...while in Russia she explored her sexuality by becoming a lesbian, shedding the sexual liberation she returned a "hasbian".

[Houston]

Women sometimes have trouble in Russia because it's difficult to find a man if you're not stunningly attractive.

It's a simple ratio thing. It's very easy for a male teacher to find a Russian girlfriend, but very difficult for a female teacher to find a Russian boyfriend that is acceptable.

Many of the available Russian women are simply more attractive than the average female teacher as well, which doesn't help.