As a "foreigner" who lives in Russia, quite frankly it's changed my life. The salient point was made about discussion without self-censorship, and the community expectation of being able to talk about important subjects with little restraint. This is certainly true, and refreshing. Russia has not lost its soul, and is to be cherished as a country because of this. For the first time in over 40 years, i stand with my feet on the land i feel is......home.

I lived in Russia for six years , I was a student and for some reason, I felt safer there than I did in all other parts of the world.. I think it had something to do with the fact that the Russians I came in contact with basically don't bother about foreigners, they knew we weren't a threat to them . Also, owning guns is rare(that'll make anyone rest easy)... Once in a while, (once in 2 years maybe) I'd run into hooligans that scream out "Russia is for Russians"... Some people got roughed up once in a while but that happens everywhere.... I'd like to return for a visit someday because somehow, Russia felt like home.. like it was indeed "Our Russia"...

I've visited Russia, though only Moscow. I quite enjoyed it and haven't been able to get it out of my head since. I've been all over the world but for some reason Russia sticks out as a place I'd love to live. I'm a CPA so I suppose I'll check out employment prospects one of these days.

When I first came to Russia I went to Samara. It was quite comfortable. When I went to Moscow and Yaroslavl I felt like a fish who was put back into the water. I was alive!!! I was home. I have lived in many major cities in the US. In Moscow I never felt threatened even though Moscow is 4 times larger than any American city. In comparison, the US has more gadgets and more TV and music channels. TV and radio has shock jocks and they try to shock you to get your attention for ratings. I think this makes Americans abnormal. Food is cheaper, especially in the South. Prices are cheaper in Walmart and the dollar stores since all products come from China who pays their laborers about 30 cents per hour. Consumers are protected and have more rights. In America you can sue a big company or anyone anytime there is injustice. Customer service is better. There are more entertainment choices and you can travel free as a bird in a car across America. However, there are more dangers and predators against children. There is a huge drug problem and the murder rate is very high. It is not because of guns since many are stabbed or beaten to death. Drunk drivers killed 11,000 last year. America just has a huge drug problem that exploded in the 70's and continues today. Most Americans, especially in larger cities, are rude, loud and obnoxious. US women are gender confused and wear many tattoos and have piercings anywhere or everywhere. In Russia I feel more comfortable. People are more normal. I was treated as a good friend and they never suspected I was a foreigner. People always were kind to me. I never had a bad experience. I can relax each and every day. Stores are a close walking distance. Transportation is available for everyone. I don't really care for the minibus. Metro is great. The Russian girls are cuter and more beautiful and definitely FEMININE. I married one. I have no complaints. She likes America. I prefer Russia.

Russians are very friendly people I knew anyway before I visited Russia only once last year. what a beautiful country and countryside and what palaces in immaculate conditions!. and what a beautiful girls-the Russian girls are the msot beautiful elelgant in the world.and russians despite having been superpower and still a big power-yes- have no hangups.

I love Russia. After living my whole life in America, I spent the last 10 years in Russia. I have absolutely no desire to return. I've since started a family here and have my own home. There are some great places here. Moscow, I don't like too much as it is becoming more like America. For instance, MacDonald's on every corner seems to be the trend. With that trend so do Muscovite's waist lines expand. I was once tripped over by a over crowded pathway near a train station and the Muscovite way is to just look at you. As for the image of drunkards, they are here, but you'll see like 1 drunker near a group of apartment blocks. Amount of people in those apartments completely outnumber that drunker. However, his site is the most unpleasant and that what is remembered. That said, when I was in America, I saw homeless drunker walking from car to car. The University drinking games. Germany loves beer, Ireland, and many other places. Russians likely drink more heavily due to the dramatic upheaval from the collapse of the Soviet Union. Many lost their jobs and most that are drunk are in their late 40's. However, Russia still loves their beer and football! Most don't know this about Russia, but the national drink isn't Vodka, but Tea! American's learn not to shake hands at the entrance of someone's home. Also, to buy a Tort as a gift to the host. You'll likely be greeted with food and tea. It is a very pleasant culture, but it is entirely misunderstood in the West. The language is difficult, but very rewarding. I recommend traveling here, but not through hotels and tour buses. I think living the life and understanding family values here is important and that is what kept me.

I am glad some foreigners find Russia friendly and nice. I assume vast majority of those are of European descent. I am from Georgia, the country Russia has been abusing for decades. I am probably biased, but here is my experience with Russia and the US. Note that Georgians and others from Caucasus have black hair, brown eyes, and often dark skin - different from Slavic looks. If you do not look Slavic, you are very likely to be detained by militia (police) for 'regular document control'. Police would stop me at least every week to check my documents and extort bribes. Verbal racist attacks were more frequent, at least twice a week. I remember aggressive guys looking at me and saying 'cattle has invaded this place'. During my shopping, quite often sales people were unfriendly and rude. But this was about their culture, not their racism. Young women are very 'comfortable with their sexuality' and desperate for normal guys. If you have money and/or are from the West, girls will kill for you. I was neither rich, nor Western, but I could not complain, because I was normal. Vast majority of married people were unfaithful to their spouses and did not consider cheating a big deal. Most girls I knew (7 in 10) had little or no relations with their fathers, because they left their mothers for younger women. Most shockingly, vast majority of Russian women I met were indiscriminate about sex and were totally illiterate about safety. They did not mind having unprotected sex on the very first date. When I expressed my preference for safe sex, one of them asked me with a smile, “do you like swimming with boots on?” No wonder Russia is a leader in growing rate of HIV/AIDS.

I lived in Moscow for 2 years (1997-98) and wanted to get out. So I did move to the United States in early 1999. During my 4 years in New York City, 3 years in Iowa City, Iowa, 4 years in Ann Arbor, Michigan) I was never stopped/detained by police, regardless of my outfit. In the US, I have never experienced a racist attack, but I did witness it once. During my first year in the US, I worked in a clothing store in an African American part of Brooklyn. One of my African American coworkers (sales woman) called our manager a bad name. I assumed the manager was going to fire her. But that he simply ignored the comment. American young women are much more cautious and careful about sex and intimacy. In addition, they are more trustworthy and sincere. The bottom line. The USA is my second homeland (Georgia is still my first homeland). But I do NOT miss Russia a bit. P.S. There are few Russians I respect and like - independent journalists such as Latynina and murdered Politkovskaya and democratic political activists and leaders such as Kasparov. However, I can listen to them and read their articles anywhere in the world...

I won't get into racism, but coming from America I can tell you sex in America is absolutely disgusting as you are more likely to get a disease there. Why would anyone want a feminist unapproachable obese woman there is beyond me. Figures for STD's in the Almanac put US as the leader and for teenage pregnancies. US has the highest population in Prison, majority are victimless crimes. People who immigrate from the caucuses in Russia are looked upon the same as Mexicans in the USA. That said, I think a lot of really nice minority people in both countries get a raw deal. However, immigrating to a new country one should try to adapt to their culture and customs. In return, the people who do that should be respected by the locals. I never been stopped in Russia, only once at a traffic stop which is routine at check points. I am, by the way, dark skin half middle eastern-half germanic person.

I have been forunate enough to visit Moscow on business many times over the past two years and have to say that I find it one of the most interesting places I have ever visited not to mention being both safe and cool. The Russians I have met have been some of the most courteous, intelligent and open people I've encountered and I always look forward to my next trip. Great City, Great people. Looking forward to seeing more of Mother Russia in the future.

Unlike the cesspit that is the modern UK, Russia still has a soul and the people are not afraid of being politically incorrect.

Reading the excellent testimonies about Russian & Moscow and have a keen interest in learning Russian I was thinking about following their footsteps and seek to gain work or live in Russia but I have just read that the amount of expats to be granted work permits is going to be reduced by up to 50%. Not good news for myself or others that wish to improve their quality of lifestyle.

I am happy to be here. I do not know russian but I have found that it is not difficult without it also. It is because people are friendly and helpful. I will not compare it with other places but there is enough to see, learn and absorb. Unless one lives here it is difficult to understand why certain things are like this in Russia. Winter is beautiful and countryside is even more scenic. This place is definately artist delight. I feel as much at home as I felt in India.

I met a beautiful Russian woman on the internet from Saint Pete. We chatted much online and we began to talk on the telephone as she was the educated woman that spoke excellent English. After a few months i got my viza and flew to Saint Pete airport where she picked me up in her car. When i saw her beautiful face we hugged and i could not let her go, it was love!!.On this visit it was summer and the White Nights period. I was 45 years old and i hade the best 2 weeks of my life in Saint Pete with beautiful Svetlana. We were always busy each day and night, this is normal in the city as 24 hours a day there is something new and exciting to do around the clock. Many nights we party till 6 or 7 am and i never met a stranger in this wonderful city. I was introduced to her parents my 4th day there and was treated like a king with much good food and drink. The city is full of excitment and it has a wonder like no other city i have visited in my life. I was always fearful and heard only bad about Russia and i was a bit scared at first but after a few days i learned this is heaven. The American culture thinks bad of Russia and all my friends ask why go to such a place. I tell them the people much smarter, women more beautiful and most better educated. Over 2 years i visited my love Svetlana and once spend the New Year in the city Saint Pete. The fireworks and excitment went on for days and never have i hade so much fun.I must admit Saint Pete is my favorite city in the world and i have traveled many countries i my life. I visted Saint Pete 4 times in 2 years and to this day i have dreams of living in Saint Pete. Svetlana would not immigrate but to this day we still email and see each other on the cam and talk and soon i hope we marry. The Russian people are so friendly and polite as we ate at the finest places to dine and the best of bars to drink. I miss Saint Pete.

I have been to Russia many times and only thing I miss there is the beautiful girls :). Russia is extremely corrupt and dangerous for a foreigner who doesn't speak Russian (I do). And never... I mean NEVER deal with police there. Like one profound journalist said "it is the largest and most powerful criminal organization in the world". Russia has some homework to do before it will be liked and respected abroad.

To John, your post of 10 February But for your last statement, your would be totally acceptable: well, you do not like Russia, some people do, anyone has the right to have his own perception and reasons for it. However, please reread your last sentence. Why do you feel entitled to watch Russia from the position of a mentor? “Russia has some homework to do before it will be liked and respected abroad.” Would you claim, that those abroad are symbols of justice, honesty or reliability? No lies, no corruption, no false evidence? You are welcome to criticise whatever you feel like to, but don’t you dare to do it without respect. Learn your homework.

I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, but moved to Russia when I was 13. Stayed there till I was 16. Unfortunately, I did not experience the same welcome like most of the people in the comments. As a dark skin black woman, I feared for my life. It was dangerous for me to walk alone at night or at public places. I made sure my Russian step father was with me at all times. A lot of the boys would say racial slurs at me in Russian and English. Some would yell, "Russia for Russians" and I felt like I was not wanted there. When I was 16, a close friend to my mothers was attacked in Moscow; she was a Somalian. The police were of little help. My step father thought it would be best if I moved back to America, and I did. I'm 22 and currently in Houston, Texas. I will never return to Russia. Such a beautiful country, which so much potential. Unfortunately, it does not like me.

Well my opinion and experience is that of an African migrant. I think I speak for myself and most of my people (Africans) when I say that while you are out of Russia, you have nothing but the worst of stories about the country, and no doubt, you will witness some impossibly hard times on arrival, especially your amazement why on earth such a super country don't have English speakers at almost 99% of the public places - e.g, train stations, offices, etc. Like myself, most Africans were very much ready to return home after a month or less on arrival to Russia, but like words of our folks back home rings in our head; nothing good comes easy. What I mean is, anybody that succeeds in staying in Russia for more than 3 - 6 months and still not return, most have found their balance. And this is especially brutal for the poor Africans unlike the Westerners who comes prepared with a humble bank draft and cash to spend. I got to Russia with 200$ in my purse and after 8 months, I am still living, and have actually progressed to the point where I now live with 3 in a room rather than 8 prior, and own some stuffs or basic necessities like Notebook, TV, Good mobile handset and clothes. Not counting those I support back home. And I noticed as your Russian language improves, so are the opportunities. And the folks here are also very nice by my opinion. Their worse kinds are nothing like those I have seen in other countries in Africa so I say to you, give Russia some time and it will be the place to be - at least to those that got the balls to stomach it's intricacies.

Another good thing, honestly this country is very tolerant to emigrants especially illegal immigrants than any other country I know in Europe and Asia. For once in a long time, the humble Negro is spared here while the "dark heads" (Usbeks, etc) gets the cops' attention. )))))))))). In fact just the other day, a fellow Usbek use me as a hidden shield to by pass a police search at the metro, and I ain't got no visa still reading. )))))))))))))))))). Yours - Lord Have Mercy, Blaze.