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[shoey_cufc]

Hello there all. Just a quick question to those of you out in Russia. What is the social life like? Bars, friends, meeting people etc? Are people friendly towards foreigners?

Thanks!

[Sashadroogie]

Hi. Social life is great. Bars expensive. People meetable. But unfriendly to foreigners generally.

[smithrn1983]

My social life is fantastic. I generally agree with Sasha, though. Bars are expensive, and while you can meet people, they do seem unfriendly at first. If you manage to break through the cold hard shell of the dark Russian soul, inside you'll find some of the warmest, kindest and friendliest people you've ever met. Just don't be deterred by the general unfriendliness you encounter at first.

[maruss]

Outwardly Russia-and its people can seem intimidating and unfriendly,even hostile, but once you penetrate the barrier they can really be some of the warmest and most interesting people you are ever likely to meet!This is just another of the many contradictions and contrasts about the place which is so bewildering?For an explanation perhaps their history offers some clues and especially the type of society they have endured for so many decades where suspicion and mis-trust prevail and indeed were often necessary to ensure survival.If you read about how life was under the Communist system and especially during the Stalinist period when paranoia and fear ruled,you can appreciate why people are not outwardly friendly and even nowadays the corruption and lack of a civil society as we take it for granted in many western countries,only promotes cynicism and caution among people in their public lives.People are stressed out and spend a lot of time coping with hassle which to many of us would find apalling so they tend to only let their guard down in private.As a general rule, 'friends of a friend' is probably the best way to meet Russians,rather than trying to communicate with strangers in bars etc.Remember that Moscow is a massive,heaving metropolis with millions of people trying to survive there under often harsh conditions and consequently there are problems at every level-not exactly conducive to making casual relationships!
I also agree that there is resentment against foreigners by some people-remember that in Soviet times few had the opportunity to meet any and even less had the opportunity to travel abroad.Unfortunately the regime still seems to like using the excuse that foreigners are responsible for the problems the country is facing and for trying to stir-up political opposition etc etc but of course many people nowadays are intelligent enough to see through this so I would not say that it is correct to brand all Russians as xenophobic by any means.

[kazachka]

Is showing up at a bar really the best way to meet people? I met most of my close and long term Russian friends either while I was still in school here and or where I socialize the most- at races and in the running club. Get involved in local activites based on your interests. I have another American friend who is also a teacher and he is part of the historical reenactment group. He's the only foreigner there! You are more likely to meet folks with common interests in settings like these than in some lame bar. Knowing Russian will make this much easier, of course.