[BrownBear]

Don't go to Pacha, it's declined considerably the past few years...

[BrownBear]

(10-08-2012 07:50 AM)avantgarde Wrote:  

How safe is it to live in Moscow for a long term(>2m)? I hear it is not safe to walk alone night time in empty places(then again most big cities are like that). I hear that st. Peters-burg, there are a lot of xenophobic racial skinheads, I wonder about Moscow? I hear you look like Kazakh, Caucasian(I mean from Caucus), or dark skinned or Asian, you are not well received.

Moscow is generally safe. I would not recommend staying in St.Petersburgs, because it is a lot more dangerous than Moscow. Your chances rise exponentially to be beaten if you stay in St.Peter over Moscow and walk around alone at night time. Be careful in the metro when Moscow football teams play each other, Spartak vs CSKA. It gets really crazy there...

[gadabout]

Stop scare mongering about places! If it was that dangerous it wouldn't be in the Lonely planet. Grow a pair.

[gadabout]

Actually yeah, dont come here or anywhere outside of your own country for that matter! The women aren't that great anyway... Too skinny.

[BrownBear]

Are you kidding me, grow a pair? Don't lecture me on my own country, I'm telling him how it is. Moscow is a joke compared to St.Peter. Moscow is practically 100% safe and you should almost never have problems there. Peter on the hand..if you're a Kazak and you go out alone at night in certain parts of the city I can promise you that there's a very good chance you will have a confrontation. When did I ever tell him to not go outside of his own country or that the women aren't great? I'm also assuming you've never seen what happens in the metro when CSKA vs Spartak plays...

[The Fantasist]

(10-08-2012 10:56 AM)gadabout Wrote:  

Stop scare mongering about places! .......Grow a pair.

It's the endless argument.

When people talk about the dangers of Moscow they seem to do so in isolation without looking at their own country. It's as though we in the west live in utopian countries where people run around singing the hills are alive with the sound of music and crime does not exist. It's daft. Yes don't walk around on your own at night in dodgy areas of Moscow but don't do it in London or NYC either. We have just seen the trial in Florida of the killer of two British lads. The lads came out of a club and walked through a rough area at midnight unwittingly. A local hoodlum pulled a gun,made them kneel down and beg for their life before murdering them. Should we all stay out of America? No of course not,just use common sense. Same in Russia.

[BrownBear]

Exactly, Moscow is not more dangerous than NYC or London.

[The Fantasist]

The real danger in Moscow is to your liver and your bank balance.

[gadabout]

(10-08-2012 11:28 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

The real danger in Moscow is to your liver and your bank balance.

True dat.


Sorry BB didnt mean to offend. But the WORLD is a dangerous place.
If we were afraid of the consequences of everything we wanted to do in life where would be the memories?
Unfortunately sometimes people get unlucky, but that is life. If you are smart and keep your wits about you I don't see why anybody should not travel to any country in the world.

[avantgarde]

I guess you have to know which place is safe and which is not. I was thought Moscow was way safer for non-slavic looking people than st Petersburg.
I was not scared, just concerned, I'm just used to walking where-ever I want in the dark by my myself, often I get my lost when I am traveling.
Here is map of crime rate by districts if people wanted to know, http://russiansphinx.blogspot.com/2011/0...ow-by.html
I think is Moscow is no different from big city like NYC or Chicago.

[iknowexactly]

(10-08-2012 11:20 AM)Vorkuta Wrote:  

(10-08-2012 10:56 AM)gadabout Wrote:  

Stop scare mongering about places! .......Grow a pair.

It's the endless argument.

When people talk about the dangers of Moscow .... It's as though we in the west live in utopian countries ...singing the hills are alive with the sound of music ......

"The hills are alive"... I saw Julie Andrews when you wrote that... just brutal... that's so funny.

[BrownBear]

(10-08-2012 12:19 PM)avantgarde Wrote:  

I guess you have to know which place is safe and which is not. I was thought Moscow was way safer for non-slavic looking people than st Petersburg.
I was not scared, just concerned, I'm just used to walking where-ever I want in the dark by my myself, often I get my lost when I am traveling.
Here is map of crime rate by districts if people wanted to know, http://russiansphinx.blogspot.com/2011/0...ow-by.html
I think is Moscow is no different from big city like NYC or Chicago.

Btw, most crimes against non-whites are rarely reported

[gadabout]

My now non date for tonight found out that I slept with her friends friend.

[rivelino]

(10-07-2012 07:58 AM)gadabout Wrote:  

So I finally got some action last night

yeah congratulations!

[rivelino]

(10-09-2012 04:55 AM)gadabout Wrote:  

My now non date for tonight found out that I slept with her friends friend. If I was patient I could have banged the 9, instead I went for the easy 7. Not sure I will live this one down for a few weeks.

dude ABUNDANCE MENTALITY. you are in fucking moscow, the city with some of the most amazing girls on the planet.

more more more you are going to fuck another girl very soon keep it up big guy.

[avantgarde]

(10-09-2012 02:38 AM)BrownBear Wrote:  

(10-08-2012 12:19 PM)avantgarde Wrote:  

I guess you have to know which place is safe and which is not. I was thought Moscow was way safer for non-slavic looking people than st Petersburg.
I was not scared, just concerned, I'm just used to walking where-ever I want in the dark by my myself, often I get my lost when I am traveling.
Here is map of crime rate by districts if people wanted to know, http://russiansphinx.blogspot.com/2011/0...ow-by.html
I think is Moscow is no different from big city like NYC or Chicago.

Btw, most crimes against non-whites are rarely reported

Are you non-Slavic Russian? You know a lot about Russia and xenophobic crime.

[Arado]

I'm not white and have been living in Moscow for a year. Though there is without question a ton of bigotry and I feel constant hostility from Muscovites, I don't actually feel in danger - in fact, central asian and caucuses guys tend to be more aggressive to me then ethnic Russian dudes. However, I try not to ride the metro after 9pm on weekend nights and I always stay far away from protests and soccer matches.

Also, want to give some folks a heads up. I went to Nizhny Novgorod a few weeks ago and got completely shut down, much more than in Moscow. I speak nearly fluent Russian, but I think that for girls from a smaller town, they have little interest in putting out to an ethnic foreigner from out of town because reputations may matter more there than in Moscow. People were a bit friendlier on the street, but not much more so.

Again, as I have said, for minorities, Russia just isn't worth it - you probably won't get attacked by skinheads, but it's not an approachable city for non white people. I think this is an overall reflection though that travel experiences are highly dependent on your race - Russia being an important example.
I can't wait to move back to NYC. The only saving grace for non white dudes here in Moscow is Latino clubs, but the competition there is fierce and ratios aren't great.

[gadabout]

Last night in Moscow. Boo hoo. Sitting here a bit drunk waiting for my 8 to come round and give me a good seeing (off) to. Will get round to doing a write up next week hopefully.

[Belgrano]

(10-21-2012 09:46 AM)ao85 Wrote:  

Again, as I have said, for minorities, Russia just isn't worth it - you probably won't get attacked by skinheads, but it's not an approachable city for non white people. I think this is an overall reflection though that travel experiences are highly dependent on your race - Russia being an important example.
I can't wait to move back to NYC. The only saving grace for non white dudes here in Moscow is Latino clubs, but the competition there is fierce and ratios aren't great.

I´d support that statement. As a white guy, I never had any problems in Piter. One time while walking home a homeless guy, obviously krokodil addicted, started talking gibberish to me. When I ignored him and moved on he threw some beer bottles in my direction, luckily he couldn´t aim anymore. But that´s about my only bad experience.
However, once a bunch of people from my language school went out together, including some japanese girls. Didn´t pass face control. "No asians (the nice translation.)". They tried it at some other locations, same thing. The bouncers didn´t give a shit when they tried to explain that they were not from Central Asia. I haven´t met any people of darker skin, but I heard it´s the same for them.

Well, there are many russian girls who are into salsa and other Latin dances though. A smooth Latin American with good dancing skills and some basic russian could probably find a niche there. The domestic competition is negligible, so it seems to be your best bet if only there for a short trip.

In any case I would advise to stay in the center of the city you are in. The clubs in the outskirts may be cheaper and attract the same amount of pretty girls, also being a foreigner you would be very exotic and interesting there. But that´s exactly why you pose a wonderful opportunity for some frustrated/drunken gopniki to smash the living daylights out of you. Don´t expect anyone to help you then. But I hope that´s just basic street smarts.

[Arado]

(10-21-2012 01:28 PM)Celtic_Austrian Wrote:  

(10-21-2012 09:46 AM)ao85 Wrote:  

Again, as I have said, for minorities, Russia just isn't worth it - you probably won't get attacked by skinheads, but it's not an approachable city for non white people. I think this is an overall reflection though that travel experiences are highly dependent on your race - Russia being an important example.
I can't wait to move back to NYC. The only saving grace for non white dudes here in Moscow is Latino clubs, but the competition there is fierce and ratios aren't great.

I´d support that statement. As a white guy, I never had any problems in Piter. One time while walking home a homeless guy, obviously krokodil addicted, started talking gibberish to me. When I ignored him and moved on he threw some beer bottles in my direction, luckily he couldn´t aim anymore. But that´s about my only bad experience.
However, once a bunch of people from my language school went out together, including some japanese girls. Didn´t pass face control. "No asians (the nice translation.)". They tried it at some other locations, same thing. The bouncers didn´t give a shit when they tried to explain that they were not from Central Asia. I haven´t met any people of darker skin, but I heard it´s the same for them.

Well, there are many russian girls who are into salsa and other Latin dances though. A smooth Latin American with good dancing skills and some basic russian could probably find a niche there. The domestic competition is negligible, so it seems to be your best bet if only there for a short trip.

In any case I would advise to stay in the center of the city you are in. The clubs in the outskirts may be cheaper and attract the same amount of pretty girls, also being a foreigner you would be very exotic and interesting there. But that´s exactly why you pose a wonderful opportunity for some frustrated/drunken gopniki to smash the living daylights out of you. Don´t expect anyone to help you then. But I hope that´s just basic street smarts.

Yeah - that's pretty much standard for non-white people here. I stick to the clubs in the center. And for Latino clubs, there are like 3 or 4 decent ones, so it's not much of a niche. Plus, it seems like every single cuban, Latino, and Turkish guy invades these places in hordes, so it is not that easy. Perhaps speaking English there can set you apart a bit, but not much.

Again, in the center, the violence is not much of an issue (but there have been times I've come close) but the attitude here is not worth it.

[gadabout]

Ok I have been getting a few PMs about Moscow so will bang out this short and sweet report. Sorry that I cannot comment on race issues but for the record I felt 100% safe at all times.

Time spent
- 1 month, October.

Pros
- Abundance of women, lot's of foot traffic.
- Decent nightlife
- Not overwhelmed by tourists

Cons
- Expensive as hell
- 50% speak English
- Face control
- Top tier women are no fun (are they ever?)

The City
- Big, bold, beautiful
- Imposing, grey, ostentatious


Logistics
- Live within at least the second ring that circles the centre of moscow (Accommodation, absolute minimum - 70 euros per night)
- Grab a car by sticking your hand out and pay no more than 400-500 rubbles for a 10-15 minute drive.
- The metro takes getting used to but it is convenient, cheap and reliable. Download this handy app and you won't get lost: yanex.metro (note* Metro closes at 1am)


Daytime
- Red square and neighbouring shopping mall
- Atrium shopping centre
- Arbat area
- Gorky park (weekend)


Nightlife
- During the week places generally empty out around 12pm because most people live outside of the centre. Try your luck on a weds and thurs but save yourself for the weekends (12 - 6am).
- Ditch the trainers. Tie and or blazer is a no brainer if you want a chance of getting past the bouncer.

Here are some places I visited that are worth a mention (In no particular order):
Gogol - Low end, scrappy. Some 7's walking around for easy pickings.
The bar (1 minute from Gogol) - Cool good-looking people, small venue not too crowded, minimal techno, tricky face control.
The Real Mccoy - Low to midrange bar. Slut filled / touristy vibe.
Temabar - Annoying layout, hard to get served but popular with expats and locals. Fair amount of talent.
Club che - (Latin club) Busy most nights. Packed on weekend. Milfy vibe but saw some hotties.
1920 bar (Next door to Che) - Indie / mainstream. Nice crowd. Small venue, packed on weekends.
Gypsy & Rolling stone bar - Mid to high end nightclubs, face control, Nice decor, mainstream, plenty of women. Worth a visit.
Strelka - (2 mins from Gypsy) Nice bar.
Solyanka - Hipster central. Did not see any real talent and there was a hefty entrance fee. Nice enough venue though.

Unless you have no game, are old, have bundles of cash and a Bentley parked outside, I do not recommend you visit Soho bar, Oblaka, Penthouse or probably any of the other lame and pretentious venues that circle down town. By all means go if you like chatting up models paid to stand around and look nice.


Conclusion
Moscow is as exciting as any major city, if not more so. If you have time, money and speak a bit of the language this place could be the undisputed champion. If not, you will have fun anyway.

[gandt]

Fantastic summary. Going to Moscow in a week! Excited to test out your findings. I am going with a couple locals who are in the scene there so it will be interesting to see how my experience might differ from yours!

[presidentcarter]

Microwave = 6 - convenient and easy girl, not very exciting though
Lawnmower = 4 - girl that simply gets the job done but probably not even worth the effort
Jet ski = 8 - girl is fast, fun, exhilarating, and likes to get wet!

[Arado]

(10-24-2012 06:20 AM)gadabout Wrote:  

Ok I have been getting a few PMs about Moscow so will bang out this short and sweet report. Sorry that I cannot comment on race issues but for the record I felt 100% safe at all times.

Time spent
- 1 month, October.

Pros
- Abundance of women, lot's of foot traffic.
- Decent nightlife
- Not overwhelmed by tourists

Cons
- Expensive as hell
- 50% speak English
- Face control
- Top tier women are no fun (are they ever?)

The City
- Big, bold, beautiful
- Imposing, grey, ostentatious


Logistics
- Live within at least the second ring that circles the centre of moscow (Accommodation, absolute minimum - 70 euros per night)
- Grab a car by sticking your hand out and pay no more than 400-500 rubbles for a 10-15 minute drive.
- The metro takes getting used to but it is convenient, cheap and reliable. Download this handy app and you won't get lost: yanex.metro (note* Metro closes at 1am)


Daytime
- Red square and neighbouring shopping mall
- Atrium shopping centre
- Arbat area
- Gorky park (weekend)


Nightlife
- During the week places generally empty out around 12pm because most people live outside of the centre. Try your luck on a weds and thurs but save yourself for the weekends (12 - 6am).
- Ditch the trainers. Tie and or blazer is a no brainer if you want a chance of getting past the bouncer.

Here are some places I visited that are worth a mention (In no particular order):
Gogol - Low end, scrappy. Some 7's walking around for easy pickings.
The bar (1 minute from Gogol) - Cool good-looking people, small venue not too crowded, minimal techno, tricky face control.
The Real Mccoy - Low to midrange bar. Slut filled / touristy vibe.
Temabar - Annoying layout, hard to get served but popular with expats and locals. Fair amount of talent.
Club che - (Latin club) Busy most nights. Packed on weekend. Milfy vibe but saw some hotties.
1920 bar (Next door to Che) - Indie / mainstream. Nice crowd. Small venue, packed on weekends.
Gypsy & Rolling stone bar - Mid to high end nightclubs, face control, Nice decor, mainstream, plenty of women. Worth a visit.
Strelka - (2 mins from Gypsy) Nice bar.
Solyanka - Hipster central. Did not see any real talent and there was a hefty entrance fee. Nice enough venue though.

Unless you have no game, are old, have bundles of cash and a Bentley parked outside, I do not recommend you visit Soho bar, Oblaka, Penthouse or probably any of the other lame and pretentious venues that circle down town. By all means go if you like chatting up models paid to stand around and look nice.


Pleasure seeking
Beautiful women pass by regular as clock work. Moving down the never ending escalators they float past like prizes on conveyor belt. Microwave, Lawnmower, Jet ski! Most of the talent will be spotted underground, but meeting girls this way is damn near impossible.
After a few weeks you acclimatise to the average women and only begin to notice the ones you feel your genes connecting with. In the UK I'd be forced to consider anything vaguely shagable.
Approaching in the day was fun, however even with a few weeks of time left under my belt I could not see the point in taking anything too seriously. I really needed more time and money if I was going to make an impression on some of these girls. The texting became a chore and my feet where tired.
Bars and clubs per sued where I enjoyed drunken nights and chasing tail. Women came and went including a feisty Israeli and a Moscan nerd who turned out to be a real pain in the ass.
I can report of success with 2 girls. My first encounter was infact the friend of another girl I was working on who I met a bar before hand. As she swooped in and stole me from her I willingly obliged thus relieving me of the need to make any kind of effort for the rest of the night. A tall Slavic goddess who had the perfect mix of Scarlet Johanson and Milla lockavitch. If I squinted my eyes I could see either of their faces before me. How a women can get away with displaying clear sexual intent whilst towering over me in 6 inch heels and still remain feminine and gorgeous was clearly a skill only Russian girls have acquired. My final encounter was a girl who's eyes were yellow like a cat that matched her hair perfectly. As I stood at the bar sipping my white russian her sight would not leave me until I had no choice but to approach. A 150 euro dinner date the next day on the manaboutglobe expenses account and the deed was done.

One night stands are possible, but I think dating culture is the key to success here. Russian girls are awesome. Have fun but don't be down on yourself if you don't get lucky! This is not an easy place to get laid.


Conclusion
Moscow is as exciting as any major city, if not more so. If you have time, money and speak a bit of the language this place could be the undisputed champion. If not, you will have fun anyway.

Even as someone who really dislikes Moscow (for my above mentioned reasons) this is a very good summary. Rolling stone face control is definitely easier then Gypsy. Beware of the weather here - there were flurries yesterday - will likely put a crimp in your day game, though clubs remain active all year.

[EU Explorer]

(10-24-2012 06:20 AM)gadabout Wrote:  

After a few weeks you acclimatise to the average women and only begin to notice the ones you feel your genes connecting with. In the UK I'd be forced to consider anything vaguely shagable.

Gadabout just to say thanks for the lowdown and also as a fellow Brit I enjoyed seeing the words 'vaguely shagable' (and agree entirely about the shocking level of female looks in our home country) which make a pleasant change from some of our American compatriots with all their own sayings and slang.