How is it to live in RUSSIA ? (inside the foreigner’s view)
a fascinating country with a huge, confusing contrast, which is probably why it feels so hard to describe it.
Ruthless, though with soul. Alive. Deep.
What is the truth about Russian life ?
I smile each time I see the face of someone when they learn that I live in Russia. Russia ?! Is it okay there ?
Let’s be honest.
It’s a country of incredible warm and open-hearted people that have deep folklore roots, which means they love to celebrate, sing (good or badly, it doesn’t matter), and drink. Yes, drink a lot.
People, though, look especially cold, probably because at first glance it seems they don’t know the word “smile”. When they talked passionately, I used to get anxious, asking why they were arguing. Of course, it was funny because, like Italians, it’s just a way of talking. We, the French, barely raise our voices.
People who have never seen Russia immediately think about vodka and bears (stereotypes) or a country that is late, even closed to the rest of the world, as it was during the Soviet era. I remember watching some video reports done a few years ago and comparing them to European cities; Russia seemed indeed to be far from the global trends and dynamics.
But my opinion changed the moment I started living here; I finally saw Russia with my own eyes, and I can say the truth.
Russia is a country between past and future with a difficult and strong history—the kind of history you cannot clean up or erase because it’s printed everywhere no matter how hard you try. This past remains, and it still shapes the present.
Moreover, the country is difficult to develop equally due to weather and landscape conditions, and it’s huge.
Obviously, most of the richness is concentrated between Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the centers of power, economy, and culture.
If you would like to leave properly, which means to a certain standard of development in Russia, you have mainly two choices as a foreigner : the city of Moscow or the city of Saint petersburg. even though, you will have the inconvenience of a big megalopolis.
The Russians from the countryside somehow survive. Living from different kinds of resources, such as factory work (industrial), agriculture (farmers), and military engagement, depending on their location
Where to live then?
I made the choice to live in Saint Petersburg, as it is the most European and enjoyable city in terms of culture and architecture, though a little less intense than Moscow. Anyway, both cities offer a great lifestyle that allows you to live properly and travel easily.
Moscow is for people who enjoy living at 100 miles an hour.
I love exploring Russia for tourism, as you will see later in other blog posts. The nature is incredible, very wild, and abundant, with endless landscapes of forested mountains and water everywhere.
Life in this country is probably cheaper than anywhere else, as is the paycheck, but there are many positive aspects :
Regardless of their status (Russian tax resident or non-resident), their income is taxed only at 13%, or 15% if it exceeds 5 million roubles ($64,333 a year).
If you need to work, you can always find work, there is work for everyone.
Russians are workers. Regular working hours are limited to 40 hours a week, not 35 hours as in France.
The real estate loan is not so good at all, recently rising up to 9%, but if you have a good job and know the word "patience,” you can buy a flat without credit.
There is a big gap between the rich and the rest, but it’s a phenomenon that has become more and more visible recently in Europe, too.
Most people consider themselves middle-class if they have enough money to pay for an apartment, food, and maybe a little shopping.
To talk about lifestyle and hobbies.
You will find a lot of cool places, cafés, exhibitions, concerts, incredible restaurants in Saint Petersburg and Moscow. Everything is easily accessible and for reasonable prices. (i will make later a post about my favorites places).
I love living here; I can find and do anything I want; I feel very free; and there is a charming balance between past and present architecture and past and modern culture.
If you want to leave for Russia, it must be a personal choice, a wish to learn and discover the Russian culture.
Without the language, you will go nowhere, but from the moment you can understand and at least speak a little, you will have a lot to discover.
I do believe it's a country of incredible perspective, where you can easily start and grow.
At least, I would advise anyone to explore Russia because it’s definitely an underrated but incredible country with rich old traditions, infinite wild beauty, and a unique, strong mentality.
