Best way to meet a Ukrainian/Russian (and cheapest)

[ONA 133]

ONA, you speak Spanish?! And Russian (of course)? Well if you decide to stick to teaching I know of a uni who's in desperate need of a Russian professor who speaks Spanish and English.

Well, yes, but my Spanish is a lot worse than my English. It's also harder for me to talk to people from Latin America, than to people from Spain, cause I've been learning Castillian Spanish... I know it's easy to overcome that kind of difficulties - all I need is time... after all, I've been taught British English in the university, but I'm totally fine with American English now (even though it was hard to adjust to it at first).

It's good to know though that there is some demand for the Russian-Spanish-English language combo. That encourages me to improve both English and Spanish. I wonder if this uni is anywhere close to DC

[The Dude 206]

Don't be silly. Would I have filed my I-129F to leave her there? I'm on the government's timeline now. Plus as she has told me once she doesn't mind it because (goes something like this) "you must leave your comfort zone to achieve personal growth". So she lived in a hostel but it allowed her to focus on her research to get her super PHD. I'm proud she has achieved it. I was bragging about how strong Ukrainian women are.

I fail to see your logic. The ability to tolerate poverty is not a sign of strength. I really wish people would quit with this whole "American women are #######, (Fill In The Blank) are better" nonsense.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

I fail to see your logic. The ability to tolerate poverty is not a sign of strength. I really wish people would quit with this whole "American women are #######, (Fill In The Blank) are better" nonsense.

It is just to fill in for the insecurities of fat balding old men, and cellulite ridden old women that are no longer attracted to each other, yet don't want to die alone. If you are a young man, you have no reason even to be in this forum.

[eekee 182]

It's not even a question of being American or Russian or Chinese or anything else. Simply that, on average, an American woman is going to lead a cushier lifestyle with shorter hours, higher pay, more appliances, a easier commute, hot water on call year round, etc. Those who are older will also remember food shortages, waiting in long lines, and other things. I became FAR more patient after living in the FSU for a while.

On the flip side, an American guy I know is dating the daughter of Russian celebrity, and she went to LA and hated in comparison with Moscow because in LA she didn't have a giant luxurious apartment, a private chauffeur, etc. So your mileage may vary, depending on the woman. And then after living in the US for a while, even the most patient and strong of RUB ladies, like Gary's Alla, will expect her own bathroom and door-to-door car service in the snow.

[AmyWrites 593]

Well, yes, but my Spanish is a lot worse than my English. It's also harder for me to talk to people from Latin America, than to people from Spain, cause I've been learning Castillian Spanish... I know it's easy to overcome that kind of difficulties - all I need is time... after all, I've been taught British English in the university, but I'm totally fine with American English now (even though it was hard to adjust to it at first).

It's good to know though that there is some demand for the Russian-Spanish-English language combo. That encourages me to improve both English and Spanish. I wonder if this uni is anywhere close to DC

Oh, Latin American spanish, especially Caribbean Spanish, is really a mess to understand at first. I've met people who have studied Spanish for ten years and don't understand Dominicans or Puerto Ricans.

The uni's not in DC, but it's an Hispanic-serving institution whose only Russian prof (who speaks barely any Spanish or English) is about to move back to Russia, so the language program is going to suffer greatly if they can't find a replacement soon.

[visaveteran1 33]

Oh, Latin American spanish, especially Caribbean Spanish, is really a mess to understand at first. I've met people who have studied Spanish for ten years and don't understand Dominicans or Puerto Ricans.

The uni's not in DC, but it's an Hispanic-serving institution whose only Russian prof (who speaks barely any Spanish or English) is about to move back to Russia, so the language program is going to suffer greatly if they can't find a replacement soon.

Maybe some of this girlfriend, slumber party, chit chat could be conducted via PM. I'm having flashbacks to when I was married to my ex wife.

[AmyWrites 593]

Maybe some of this girlfriend, slumber party, chit chat could be conducted via PM. I'm having flashbacks to when I was married to my ex wife.

[ONA 133]

The uni's not in DC, but it's an Hispanic-serving institution whose only Russian prof (who speaks barely any Spanish or English) is about to move back to Russia, so the language program is going to suffer greatly if they can't find a replacement soon.

Really? Too bad I'm going to get my EAD or Green card not sooner than in a year probably...

And my fiance made a joke the other day that the only way we're moving is if I can make at least $250K annualy

Maybe some of this girlfriend, slumber party, chit chat could be conducted via PM. I'm having flashbacks to when I was married to my ex wife.

Sorry.

What is that - fear of RUB forum emancipation?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Gary, I don't know where you are from, but where I grew up, you don't leave your fiancee or wife in abject poverty, living in a hostel. Thats not what a responsible husband does. Maybe that is just an American custom.

Everyone here can sleep well knowing my wife is not in abject poverty, nor was she as my fiancee, nor was she before she met me. Now that everyone is feeling good about that...

Determining someone else's fiancee is in abject poverty, though you know nothing of the culture, the way people live or anything else is not even intelligent. I also sincerely doubt anyone here as any real concern about someone else's living conditions. I know I have enough to do to keep my own family afloat, I leave others to their own business and I certainly do not go to other regional forums and toss in persoanl insults with no more than a single post to determine how they are allowing their fiancees to live in countries I know nothing about.

But I sincerely appreciate the concern shown by unselfish members with families from other, much more prosperous and comfortable countries for the destitute Russian and Ukrainian and Belarussian women. I also appreciate that they check in on us every day to make sure everyone is OK. It makes me feel secure and, really, just all warm and fuzzy. Thank you.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

It's not even a question of being American or Russian or Chinese or anything else. Simply that, on average, an American woman is going to lead a cushier lifestyle with shorter hours, higher pay, more appliances, a easier commute, hot water on call year round, etc. Those who are older will also remember food shortages, waiting in long lines, and other things. I became FAR more patient after living in the FSU for a while.

On the flip side, an American guy I know is dating the daughter of Russian celebrity, and she went to LA and hated in comparison with Moscow because in LA she didn't have a giant luxurious apartment, a private chauffeur, etc. So your mileage may vary, depending on the woman. And then after living in the US for a while, even the most patient and strong of RUB ladies, like Gary's Alla, will expect her own bathroom and door-to-door car service in the snow.

I resemble that remark! And she will STILL say Ukraine is a better place to live

Most american women would simply throw a hissy fit and quit.

Imagine an American woman living in a really nice downtown apartment, big by Ukrainian standards, but the elevator has been broken since 1958, the market is three blocks away, she lives on the 5th floor (they are all 5 floors because that is as high as the water pressure will push the water without booster pumps) and you have to carry your groceries 3 blocks and up 5 flights of stairs, wash your clothes in the tub when you take a bath, try them over the tub, iron them all, boil hot water on the stove for a bath three nights a week...

Basically people that know nothing are best not making comments about others conditions.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

It's not even a question of being American or Russian or Chinese or anything else. Simply that, on average, an American woman is going to lead a cushier lifestyle with shorter hours, higher pay, more appliances, a easier commute, hot water on call year round, etc. Those who are older will also remember food shortages, waiting in long lines, and other things. I became FAR more patient after living in the FSU for a while.

On the flip side, an American guy I know is dating the daughter of Russian celebrity, and she went to LA and hated in comparison with Moscow because in LA she didn't have a giant luxurious apartment, a private chauffeur, etc. So your mileage may vary, depending on the woman. And then after living in the US for a while, even the most patient and strong of RUB ladies, like Gary's Alla, will expect her own bathroom and door-to-door car service in the snow.

I think every American 18 year old boy should be sent to Ukraine for a 2 year internship in construction. They will NEVER complain about anything again, ever. American women ought to be sent there to be taught how to dress and walk. They will still complain, but at least they will know how to walk.

And do not choose a convertible sports car for driving in winter in Vermont. She is doing much better now in her little (brand new...for those that care so much about her living conditions) Yaris go-cart car, but winter is over and as of yesterday ALL snow has melted from our yard!

[eekee 182]

I resemble that remark! And she will STILL say Ukraine is a better place to live

Most american women would simply throw a hissy fit and quit.

Imagine an American woman living in a really nice downtown apartment, big by Ukrainian standards, but the elevator has been broken since 1958, the market is three blocks away, she lives on the 5th floor (they are all 5 floors because that is as high as the water pressure will push the water without booster pumps) and you have to carry your groceries 3 blocks and up 5 flights of stairs, wash your clothes in the tub when you take a bath, try them over the tub, iron them all, boil hot water on the stove for a bath three nights a week...

Basically people that know nothing are best not making comments about others conditions.

Well I'm an American woman, and I have done all that. In fact, I will walk way farther than three blocks for groceries in order to get better deals. My landlady is supposedly getting us a washing machine soon, though!

I actually haven't lived in an apartment building with an elevator except when I was lived in a Khruschev structure and was on the 16th floor or so. I didn't have an elevator when I lived in Brooklyn either though, and that was 6 flights up. And we had mice and roaches. And I had to get on the subway to buy groceries because we didn't have a suitable supermarket in our neighborhood. I prefer my roach-and-miceless Russian apartments!

I don't think it has to do with being American or being Ukrainian or whatever. I'm not some special snowflake specially wired to be able to withstand Russian life. I can't come up with an example of any kind of hardship I went through growing up. I was just simply in Russia for a long period of time and got used to way things were. And I was very much a "Princess" before. I guarantee that if you sent an American girl to Russia for two years, she would know how to walk and dress and ALSO not complain. This is also perhaps why my only female American friends are girls who have lived in Russia for long periods of time.

Plus at least in Russia guys will help you carry things up those five flights of stairs!

Edited April 14, 2011 by eekee

[Nasturtium 500]

I don't think it has to do with being American or being Ukrainian or whatever. I'm not some special snowflake specially wired to be able to withstand Russian life. I can't come up with an example of any kind of hardship I went through growing up. I was just simply in Russia for a long period of time and got used to way things were. And I was very much a "Princess" before. I guarantee that if you sent an American girl to Russia for two years, she would know how to walk and dress and ALSO not complain. This is also perhaps why my only female American friends are girls who have lived in Russia for long periods of time.

I've done it too in Jordan. Now I have a w/d and such, but I do still walk about a mile to go get my groceries and I also live on the third floor with no elevator. I've never been to Russia. So I am assuming this is not about where you come from but rather about your personality. I'm not phased by these things. Would it be wonderful to have a W/D? Oh yes... I love those things. DO they define my very existence and standard of awesome? No. That's stupid.

[slim 1,525]

If you didn't know about driving your car next door, you wouldn't think walking to the bus, up the steps, etc., was a rough lifestyle. After you've been spoiled for your whole life and literally had doors automatically open for you whenever you walk into a store, things look normal when you do everything manually.

[Nasturtium 500]

If you didn't know about driving your car next door, you wouldn't think walking to the bus, up the steps, etc., was a rough lifestyle. After you've been spoiled for your whole life and literally had doors automatically open for you whenever you walk into a store, things look normal when you do everything manually.

You know, you just amde me think-- you and I are really close to the same age. I wonder how much of this is because when we were younger, we didn't have as much stuff like you just mentioned-- the automatic stuff. We did more walking. We were still part of that transition time...