Who are you?
My name is Dan and I’m now a 31 year old guy with a Russian wife and almost 3 year old, I first started going to Russia way back in 2004 to master the language and I ended up staying for about 10 years (with the odd 4-5 month spell in the UK sorting out visas).Where, when and why did you move abroad?
My first year-long stay in Moscow, Russia was in 2006. I ended up there as I was interested in the language and, quite frankly, bored of routine life in the UK.
What challenges did you face during the move?
The biggest challenge was always getting a visa and figuring out a way to stay long term. First it was multi entry exit business visas, then, when the law changed, I found a contact to pay to get me work visas. Then I found official employment and didn’t have to worry.
Other logistics weren’t a problem. I was single with just a couple of suitcases.
Are there many other expats in your area?
In Moscow there are lots of expats from all kinds of countries
What do you like about life where you are?
The thing that appealed to me most about Moscow was the nightlife and the smoking hot women. Great place to be single, not such a great place to bring a wife and family
What do you dislike about your expat life?
My main dislikes, eventually, were the news propaganda, loads of people wherever you go, at all times, and Moscow traffic, both on the roads and the sardine tin that can be the metro.
Other things that grate are the lack of security in the police and constantly having to manage visas, trips etc
What is the biggest cultural difference you have experienced between your new country and life back home?
There are too many to mention, I talk about a lot of it on my blog. Probably one the biggest was the silly red tape and inability to form a line properly.
What do you think of the food and drink in your new country? What are your particular likes or dislikes?
Russian food is pretty good generally. A bit heavy on the carbs, but nice. Major dislike would be xolodets.
What advice would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?
Take in all the info you can and try and enjoy the experience as much as possible. Blaze your own path
What are your plans for the future?
Grow my business and continue to enjoy my life and family!
You can keep up to date with Dan's adventures on his blog, England-Moscow.
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