[Brodiaga]

Pattaya, Thailand. Lots of Russian girls vacation there. The weather is good. The cost of living is relatively cheap.

[elhúngaro]

I would have Ljubljana and Zagreb on my radar as well. Nice cities, cheaper than Russia, and you are not very far from beautiful mountains and the sea if you ever feel like getting out of the city for a couple of days.

[Akula]

(12-16-2013 04:07 PM)arnoux Wrote:  

Many expats do good money in Moscow, the top tier makes more than 250k usd a year.
My daily rate in Moscow as IT contractor in Banking was 1500 usd a day, so 30k usd a month so around 26k after tax. This is contract by the way and not comparable with regular job in term or risk, insurance etc.

However I agree with you that I ve never seen an expat with the top quality moscow girls, I say really never. I scored at maximun 7/8 and always get frustrated in places like Kalina bar, whitte rabit or Aist etc etc when seing the stunning girls with the Russian guys. It seems that we cannot compete with those guys, they have not only money but a specific behavior that cannot be imitated

I was making good money here, and I also have pretty much the same experience as you. Expectations are through the roof and its become tougher to compete with the Russian guys, they just have so much cash to throw around. It's funny but I also have not really seen any 9s and 10s with expats either. I can't think of one. Best I've done is a 9 I think but it was social circle and she had a kid. I guess I troll around the '2nd tier' which is so good you don't really need to try to bang the top echelon girls who are usually incredibly stuck up and demanding. The really hot Russian girls quickly figure out where the money is and there is so much of it sloshing around for them to tap into by being sponsored or just a little sidepiece for some guy it's just too tempting to pass up.

I think lots of people working here with government connections are skimming on the side, at least at some level. Russians know the scams and plenty take a little off the top - there's just so much money here from the natural resources - who's gonna know? A girl I was seeing a couple years ago worked for the Moscow electrical company and even she had a little scam going every month that we laughed about and got her some extra cash. In addition, a lot of the loot is basically channeled legally through the big state-owned companies. Hell, Gazprom has a $5 billion OTHER expense category in their financials. Guess where a lot of that money goes?

I can even give you a personal example. One of my exes was dating some big time exec at one of the largest telecom companies here and this guy set her up in an expensive apartment and had her wait around at a very pricey restaurant near his office 2-3 days a week (where she ordered anything she wanted waiting for him to show up and then b@ng her - that bill must have run into $200-300 at least every time).

I swear there also must be hundreds of thousands of families/workers getting mint every month that is just part of some city/state budget nobody knows about. It gets me mad sometimes bc with the incredible amount of wealth here I'd say Moscow should look like Dubai and be one of the most advanced cities on the planet, but anyone who's been here knows it's not even close and pretty run down outside the center for the most part.

RE how expensive Moscow is, well, I know I've posted this before and don't want to beat a dead horse, but it really is outrageously expensive here. It's not just rent, but day to day things cost like 20-30-40% more sometimes than in the west and it all adds up. Sure you can skimp and save and only use the metro or live far outside the center, but that gets old after awhile and anytime you want some of the comforts of home or want to be in a central area you pay up big time. I was just at the upscale Azbuka Vkuza grocery store and am continually shocked at how expensive some food items can be. I'm talking $12 little bottles of fresh orange juice, $8-9 little packs of blueberries, $15 small packets of Italian prosciutto, etc. The minute you want something a little out of the ordinary or imported it seems like it's double the price back home. But on the flip side, gas, cigarettes and vodka are all really cheap here

[Clunge]

(01-19-2014 02:38 AM)elhúngaro Wrote:  

I would have Ljubljana and Zagreb on my radar as well. Nice cities, cheaper than Russia, and you are not very far from beautiful mountains and the sea if you ever feel like getting out of the city for a couple of days.

Zagreb was voted the most boring capital city in Europe a while ago. I have also heard that Ljubljana is pretty, but very dull

[Akula]

(01-17-2014 11:50 AM)samsamsam Wrote:  

Akula, what are you up to these days? Didn't want to sideways the TLC 90 day fiance thread. Hope you are doing something fun.

Thanks man. Happy New Year!

I'm back in Moscow after the holidays but outta here in a week. Packing stuff up and throwing things out. Soft of a bummer but nothing I can do really as my visa runs out. Almost 5 years here, feels like I'm leaving before I should but as we've pointed out in this thread Moscow ain't cheap and since I likely will have some time off I'd really like to explore new lands.

Right now I'm leaning towards Prague for a week or so to start off. Also thinking maybe Zagreb. After that I'm still up in the air, but I have to interview in London and Vienna sometime in the coming weeks so unfortunately I can't go to Asia to get warm just yet.

Assuming I find a job I'll have to wait a few weeks for a visa so I figure worst case I'll have at least 2 months maybe to play around with.

Here's my rough plan:

January (last week) - 5-6 days in Prague (or Zagreb)
February - 4-5 days in Vienna (interview + meeting a Russian girl there one weekend), then 2 weeks of skiing/hiking somewhere (to just chill out, forget about work and get in a better frame of mind, won't focus on gaming during this time)
March - probably London a few days for interviews, then no clue, but likely Thailand/Indonesia (I hope) assuming either that I a) have a job and am waiting a few weeks for the visa or b) I'm still out of work, but am liking not being behind a desk and traveling so much that I'm reconsidering what I really want to do, which might turn into a more extended break

All this could change of course if I start getting more interviews. Part of the problem is having to 'hang around the hoop' in Europe and be able to go interview. I hate having to think about interviewing and looking for work right now, and would prefer to just take some time off before diving back into the whole thing. So I'm focusing on just taking my time and not rushing into the job search too hard just yet, given the fact that I know I can always find another job but won't have this kind of free time to travel.

[elhúngaro]

(01-19-2014 09:35 AM)Clunge Wrote:  

(01-19-2014 02:38 AM)elhúngaro Wrote:  

I would have Ljubljana and Zagreb on my radar as well. Nice cities, cheaper than Russia, and you are not very far from beautiful mountains and the sea if you ever feel like getting out of the city for a couple of days.

Zagreb was voted the most boring capital city in Europe a while ago. I have also heard that Ljubljana is pretty, but very dull

I've been to both places, and I liked them (not saying that everybody will). Anyway, I don't really follow or trust the lists that say which capital is the best and worst, etc.

[Courage Reborn]

Hey Akula,

From your posts it sounds like you don't want to go back to work yet.

What's stopping you from taking an extended break? Full time jobs will still be available a month from now, the same as they will be 6 months from now.

If you're worried about "not working" as a general concept, why not ditch the desk and pick up some contract work? That could allow you the best of both worlds.

[samsamsam]

CR, where are you these days boss?

[Akula]

(01-19-2014 01:02 PM)Courage Reborn Wrote:  

Hey Akula,

From your posts it sounds like you don't want to go back to work yet.

What's stopping you from taking an extended break? Full time jobs will still be available a month from now, the same as they will be 6 months from now.

If you're worried about "not working" as a general concept, why not ditch the desk and pick up some contract work? That could allow you the best of both worlds.

Thanks CR. It's a good idea/thought process. My only issue is that I'm very close to one job and sort of waiting to hear back. But you're right - I really feel no need to rush back into the workforce so quickly, and would love to spend a couple months off, at a minimum, and do some things I've always wanted to do. This is a golden opportunity to do that.

I think I need to just think about it for a couple more weeks, at least, and then figure out what I really want to do. The move and leaving Russia are on my mind now so it's hard to do anything else other than get ready to leave and say my goodbyes.

[DaveR]

(12-13-2013 03:20 PM)Roosh Wrote:  

I imagine going to Poland from Moscow would be a shocking downgrade in quality. The Baltics or Ukraine would make for a smoother transition.

(12-14-2013 02:49 AM)Greek kamaki Wrote:  

There is no better place than Russia.(if you have the means).

Hi Akula,

^ I would definitely take note of the advice given by those two veterans. I'm in the same situation, transitioning out after long time and still trying to figure out what to do.

Ukraine is a non-starter... I cut my teeth in Kiev and thought it was golden at the time. When I visited again after a few years in SPB, I realised it's just another provincial city, yokels and all. Speaking Russian and a bit of cultural awareness really destroys it. The culture in Odessa is better, but it won't work for you because of the flights.

Tallinn and Prague are both completely developed and won't make simple things frustrating like many communist hangovers do. Personally I'm not interested in learning another language, so I would always be considered a tourist in Prague, and that kind of destroys it for me. It's probably the only city in Central Europe or the Baltics that I would call 'sophisticated'.

I've even been thinking about writing off Central/Eastern Europe completely and instead flying Russian girls into Italy on rotation. That would screw my tax situation though.. still thinking about how to handle that side of things.

If you find something that ticks all the boxes, let me know!

[DaveR]

Also, a lot of the 9/10s that you see in clubs will be 'soft' prostitutes. I.e. looking for a sponsor. That's why I gave up on the club/bar scene during my first year in.

The places I've found that work are the eatery areas in upscale malls and on campus at university (but unfortunately, to get on campus you'll need to have a study visa). Both are very boring ways to game, but they work.

[Courage Reborn]

(01-19-2014 01:09 PM)samsamsam Wrote:  

CR, where are you these days boss?

Cali! Been chilling w a main girl, but looking to hit Russia next.

(01-19-2014 09:24 PM)DaveR Wrote:  

The places I've found that work are the eatery areas in upscale malls and on campus at university (but unfortunately, to get on campus you'll need to have a study visa). Both are very boring ways to game, but they work.

Dave, which mall yields best results in SPB/Moscow?

[DaveR]

(01-19-2014 10:30 PM)Courage Reborn Wrote:  

Dave, which mall yields best results in SPB/Moscow?

SPB - there's only one which works in the central area. It's at Sennaya Ploschad (metro Sennaya Ploschad or Spasskaya).

Moscow has experienced a mall construction boom since 2008, so it could have changed. I haven't spent much time there in the past few years. Maybe someone else can give some intel. Evropeiskij mall at m.Kievskaja might be worth checking out.

[Akula]

(01-20-2014 12:51 AM)DaveR Wrote:  

(01-19-2014 10:30 PM)Courage Reborn Wrote:  

Dave, which mall yields best results in SPB/Moscow?

SPB - there's only one which works in the central area. It's at Sennaya Ploschad (metro Sennaya Ploschad or Spasskaya).

Moscow has experienced a mall construction boom since 2008, so it could have changed. I haven't spent much time there in the past few years. Maybe someone else can give some intel. Evropeiskij mall at m.Kievskaja might be worth checking out.

In Moscow I'd say Evropeiskij and Afi Mall (in Moscow City) are good. Also the one that's underground right in front of the Kremlin. But bear in mind those are the high end and most expensive malls, so checking out places a little outside the center (like Metropolis or even Vegas) might put you in touch with more down to earth, 'normal' girls. The mall next to Kurskaya is ok too.

In Summer it's Gorky Park and the area around the Kremlin + right behind Tsum department store (where they have a huge pedestrian area).

[Akula]

(01-19-2014 09:24 PM)DaveR Wrote:  

Also, a lot of the 9/10s that you see in clubs will be 'soft' prostitutes. I.e. looking for a sponsor. That's why I gave up on the club/bar scene during my first year in.

The places I've found that work are the eatery areas in upscale malls and on campus at university (but unfortunately, to get on campus you'll need to have a study visa). Both are very boring ways to game, but they work.

Yeah, totally agree. An example would be the VIP section at Soho Rooms that's just above the dance floor. When I first got here a few years ago I was there one night and blown away by the wall of incredible talent up there and on the dance floor. Now I see it more for what they are - sponsor seekers who are essentially semi-pros as DaveR said. I really don't like that club anymore and rarely go there due to this fact. The girls I've been with that have turned out to pretty much be gold diggers tend to go there a lot so go figure.

I was at Jagger on Saturday and it was really good - think it's become one of the better newer places. Rolling Stone can also be really good and will have less bitchy girls for sure.

[BigDave]

I was at Rolling Stone a few weeks ago and it was indeed very good. Took me a few hours to realize there was a second huge bar/dancefloor upstairs with more people. I liked the downstairs atmosphere better though as it was less loud.

I was in a small town a few hours from Moscow this weekend and the foreigner bonus was alive and well. No one night stands but several good prospects, one of whom has been SMSing me constantly since I left.

I forgot one of the nice things about living in Moscow and going a few hours on the elektrichka out is that of you meet a girl you can then invite her to spend a weekend in Moscow. These girls know what spending the night in your bed means, so if she says yes you are golden.

Prices here are whacky. Some stuff is expensive, but there are many ways to save money.

If you buy a multiple-ride card the metro is still just $0.59 per ride Some bars in the center have happy hour until late (11pm even) with beers under $3 a pint. A loaf of dense black bread is under $1 even in the center.

My monthly cell phone service is just $12 including unlimited data. Internet just $18/month split three ways.

But drinks at upscale clubs, going to strip clubs, fresh fruit or good meat, all of that is crazy expensive.

I live in a bachelor pad with two other guys in a central location ibside tge garden ring for $650 each and we all have our own nice bedrooms.

It can be done on a $2k-$3k a month salary if you basically forego hitting on the stuck up hot chicks.

There are many 7s and 8s who would rather find a normal guy having been burned by the elite crowd before (pumped and dumped). Saw a young girl crying with her mother outside of Rai (I forget the new name) a few weeks back.

I guess in comparison to other EE locations Moscow is actually doable in terms of finding a local job and living off that salary. Everywhere else in EE you really need a location independent job unless you are one of the lucky few working in accounting or consulting.

I have a 9-5 job at a local company here and make around $3k/month, which is a challenge but okay if you give up the idea of trying to act rich.

Even after rent I make about double the average salary here.

[Akula]

^^^I agree with all this - but I still like to b*tch about prices here

The statement(s) "Prices here are whacky. Some stuff is expensive, but there are many ways to save money." are very true, and you laid it out pretty well how to go about handling it.

But I just had another $8.00 Starbucks coffee...and spent like $25 on lunch at Goodman's (the 'lunch special') for a salad & hamburger - and then $7 more on an Americano coffee. And they charged 100 rubles extra for the cheese on my burger and 60 rubles for my buddy's lemon for his tea too. Bastards.

I know I can avoid these prices but these are not the fanciest places in the world mind you, and sometimes I just gotta have a decent hamburger. It just feels like anytime you get a little bit out of your comfort zone or don't watch prices like a hawk it they can get you here.

Looks like I'm headed to Prague in any case. Can't wait - already booked the flight, figure I'll spend about a month there to start so I can really explore and then go from there. Last I checked Prague is about 10-15 degrees warmer than Moscow so I'm ready for the warm weather there too heh.

Still hard for me to believe I"m outta here but my time wasn't going to last forever. Definitely leaving with mixed emotions and feel like my time is up too early, but my visa runs out in 4 days and the job situation on the corporate side seems to have taken a turn for the worse and expats are no longer in demand. And after 4. 5 years I'm ready to move on and also game new girls too.

PS the old club Rai is now called Icon - Slubu loved that place when he was in town and did well there

[samsamsam]

(01-23-2014 09:42 AM)Akula Wrote:  

Slubu loved that place when he was in town and did well there

That cat does well everywhere. Yes, no hint of jealousy here...

[SpecialEd]

Akula, congrats on moving to Praha. I will be very interested to see how you find czech girls in comparison to muscovites. I haven't been to Russia but it's been setting off my hype detector lately. I have met a lot of Russian birds abroad(granted not a very accurate indicator) and Czech women trumped them in the looks department and for that matter personality as well.

[DaveR]

(01-23-2014 12:14 PM)SpecialEd Wrote:  

Akula, congrats on moving to Praha. I will be very interested to see how you find czech girls in comparison to muscovites. I haven't been to Russia but it's been setting off my hype detector lately. I have met a lot of Russian birds abroad(granted not a very accurate indicator) and Czech women trumped them in the looks department and for that matter personality as well.

Russia is a bit of a paradox. I hated it a few times but always ended up coming back and only started to fully enjoy it when I could speak exclusively in Russian.

It's very frustrating in the beginning because they don't reflect their personality in their style, so it's difficult to know what kind of person they are by their looks. Basically, they all copy whatever they see in Vogue.

If you have a good command of Russian, it's easier to pick their social class based on the way they speak. Obviously if you speak English with Russians you'll miss out on that.

So if you're going to try it, I would recommend:
1) try to ease into it by living in the Baltics first. If you can live there for 1-2 years to get at least the basics of the language down, then you'll have an easier transition into Russia.
2) it isn't worth the effort if you only want to do it for six months.

[Akula]

(01-23-2014 12:14 PM)SpecialEd Wrote:  

Akula, congrats on moving to Praha. I will be very interested to see how you find czech girls in comparison to muscovites. I haven't been to Russia but it's been setting off my hype detector lately. I have met a lot of Russian birds abroad(granted not a very accurate indicator) and Czech women trumped them in the looks department and for that matter personality as well.

Thanks man.

Arrived late yesterday.

First impressions: This place is way cheaper than Moscow, and as part of the EU much nicer and more modern as well. Sure I expected it but it's a big chance from day to day Moscow living. Much smaller more compact city with amazing architecture.

This morning it was snowing lightly and when I went out for a walk around town was just beautiful. It's about 0 C (32 F) and honestly coming from -15-20 C in Moscow it feels warm here no joke. Pretty funny.

Have made a couple approaches asking for directions/coffee shops (thx CR!!) but nothing has hooked yet. I'm going to ease into it as I've been really busy the past few weeks moving and getting my stuff out of Russia so just want to relax a bit before I do anything.

[Teedub]

Get yourself to Ostrava, university town. Not far from the Polish border. When I get to Wroclaw next month, I can get the train down and meet you

Only 2 hours I think.