American expat story | Business, dating, citizenship & building a house in Russia

Tim Kirby is an American expat living in Russia. I asked Tim why he chose to move to Russia, how he got a Russian citizenship, what he loves and what he hates about Russians and their lifestyle, and his opinion about differences of Russian and American cultures.
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📌 • RUSSIAN LANGUAGE FOR F... - Playlist about the Russian language
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Time codes:
0:00 Russia is #2 country with the highest immigrant population
1:38 Why Tim decided to move to Russia?
2:52 Why would Americans want to move to Russian dacha or buy a house in Siberia?
6:08 "Russian don't know anything about Russia"
7:50 Is it hard to buy property in Russia?
8:18 How did you get citizenship?
9:16 About immigration to Russia
11:01 What is a Russian dream? Comparing USA and Russia
15:13 Where is it easier to become a successful entrepreneur in the US or in Russia?
17:17 Talking about Russian food at the table in a fast-food restaurant
18:18 What foods from the US did you miss the most?
20:42 Any differences in how Russians and Americans act in the work/business environment?
22:38 About following the rules in Russia
24:54 What’s the main difference in how Russians and Americans communicate?
27:28 Tim's thoughts about Russian women & dating
32:42 What Americans should never do in Russia? - Take off your shoes!
37:53 What are Russia’s biggest problems?
40:50 What do you like the most about your life in Russia?
🔸What can you find on my channel?
👉🏻explanation of the Russian culture and facts about Russia that you won't find on google
👉🏻interviews with people in the streets on controversial topics
👉🏻opportunities for education for international students and learning the Russian language
👉🏻travel vlogs from the Big country
📍 More videos:
• Life in a provincial R... - Life in a provincial Russian town in the Urals | Perm
• Russian culture | Habi... - Russian culture | Habits you should adopt in Russia
• Slavic languages | Are... - Slavic languages | Are they similar and can you learn all of them?
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[@XuguangLeng]

Eli is always gracious.

[@SamsRussianAdventures]

An additional impressive video from Eli. video creation has actually come so naturally to her. She has actually obtained success very quickly, I can not be a bit envious of her, though the quality of her videos are far above mine as well as above most youtuber's. I have been blogging about Russia for over 4 years but the youtube algorithm has not been as kind to me as it has been to her. Can I ask, what was it that attracted you to click on Eli's video, prior to you knowing exactly how fantastic she is?

[@hershellacey9405]

She's amazing!

[@andretoivonen9737]

"Gracious" is exactly the perfect explanation of her yes. Anyway this is a nice video and a cool collab with another youtuber

[@neptunetriton]

As an American from a similar background as Tim, I found his behavior to be rude and the way he spoke to you to be crass and abrasive. I’m actually embarrassed for Tim that he’s representing Americans this way abroad. If this is the way he’s interacting with women, no wonder he’s having issues 😂🤷🏼‍♂️

[@vladimirnikolskiy]

You need to be ready for a serious relationship. We have a saying in Russia - "A pig will find dirt everywhere." I don't blame Tim, he's just not ready for family relationships yet.

[@andrewkoastephens210]

I had the same reaction. Tim is a douchebag. Thankfully, Tim is not a good example of most Americans, although I meet guys like him often. I’m even related to a couple of them. I try to avoid them.

[@dillonramos760]

I had to stop listening to him rant. I found his behavior to be rude and the way he talked about women was gross. All I could think was, “God, I hope she has met other Americans before, because this is so uncomfortable.”

[@LawyerLance]

OMG seconded. This woman is the model of grace and poise to have been able to stomach this guy ranting on and on. He interrupts her talks over her and I have to say that his views of Russia and the US are disturbing.

[@aldozilli1293]

I could tell straight away he's Russian descent, I wouldn't be surprised if he wasn't born in Russia and moved to the US young. The way he speaks and thinks is very Russian.

[@bradleyb.425]

Ugghhh. I'm an American and I feel exhausted just listening to him for 8 minutes. Too much arrogance and stressfulness. You're very lovely, calm and respectful Eli. You're a credit to your country and people. Not all Americans are like this unpleasant man.

[@martinhosper2990]

He is sick.

[@johnpetkojr5266]

I hate this guy send them to the gulag

[@johnpetkojr5266]

Him I mean

[@FidgetyGuy]

I like them both.

[@alankuntz6494]

I think you are projecting.

[@davelong6540]

Thank you Eli for taking him on the longest walk in his life. 😆 I thought he was going to have a heart attack.

[@marisamenendez7875]

😂

[@AN-cy7xm]

This guy represents a certain type of American. Extremely opinionated, very much a know-it-all, a person who generalizes past the point where it's insightful or helpful. Also, he is negative about people in the U.S. but even more negative about Russians. When I meet people like this, my assumption is that there's not much to learn from them.

[@AmyRuby]

My favourite part is the part when he mansplains being a Russian woman to a Russian woman! It’s like wow you must have a real high opinion of yourself if you’re going to slam Russian women as a whole.

[@g.s.632]

exactly

[@careerdog]

He actually has some good insights. Perhaps because this is an interview he is more outspoken - he might be more humble in person. It is kind of interesting that in the last few years in the US, this type of generalized know it all contrarian type speaking has gotten more popular... 🤔 the most annoying aspects are the constant blather and assumption that everyone is inexperienced. It's the new variant of the ugly American. I will give him the benefit of the doubt: eager to share his opinions and observations. Better to know thoughts than stiffle...

[@hamzakhalid95]

Totally agreed

[@jasonshumate6456]

Who gives a S*** what you Think.

[@cosmicriptid]

Applauds to you for being patient and trying to work with him.

[@fluidice1656]

I think it's disgraceful of her to offer him the platform to spew his sociopathic xenophobic drivel. She should be ashamed for making this video too.

[@rajahhindi3921]

Typical Yank! Loud mouth!

[@thesanjam]

👍🏼👍🏼❤️❤️

[@jimmyjakes1823]

@@stevebusfield199 What'd he even say that was offensive? It's just his opinions, and just because you disagree doesn't mean you have to be offended. How do you know he's a Trump supporter, or is that just your go to label for anyone you don't like? Are these 'Trump supporters' in the room with you right now?

[@waldfrefler]

America has changed a lot. It used to be that anyone was entitled to an opinion. Now we have Steves every where getting offended and judging everyone according to their own standards. The man liked Russia and settled there.

[@michaelconnick6348]

Watching this is like when you come upon an accident scene and you know you shouldn't, but you look anyway. This guy's lack of self awareness and inability to exercise introspection is simply amazing. Kudos to you, Eli, for being so patient and tolerant of him. I'm sure that a fraction of 1% of the "hundreds" of Russian women he has dated went on a second date with him.

[@FidgetyGuy]

Stop being hateful and divisive.

[@citytrees1752]

300-400 women apparently, such lucky gals

[@BartBart22]

What? He sums up the difference between in the US and Russian in one sentence, perfectly. You'll never get sued in Russia, who likes to sue people? Huh? Huh!?

[@darkhorse29-yx8qh]

did you spot he's CIA? Peace core..

[@marisamenendez7875]

@@FidgetyGuy How can expressing an opinion as articulately as he did be hateful and divisive? Tim needs help, that is for sure, because he looks like he's on the spectrum due to the lack of social skills, but who knows... he might have just been raised very wrong.

[@jjwilly5114]

Wow Eli, I'm very impressed with your interview skills here. This video was very interesting and entertaining to say the least. As an American, I can't say that Tim represents us accurately at all. His opinions are a little cynical and narrow minded, but I'm glad you gave him the opportunity to talk and truly say how he feels.

[@FidgetyGuy]

Tim represents plenty of Americans. He's a typical alpha male and that is okay.

[@adammcallister9675]

He is rude by even NY standards lol

[@Quinn000100]

Exactly @@adammcallister9675

[@hairybowsie77]

I respect how you just let this guy speak his mind, even when some of his points were arguable.

[@mrgrey361]

Most of his points were arguable. And the biggest problem is that he refuses to listen to anyone else's side of the argument. He's a typical American right-wing Republican.

[@forrestpugh7575]

@@mrgrey361 Or a typical Left-wing Democrat - you know - the exact flip-side but really the same sheep voting for the same set of wolves to guard the flock.

[@mrgrey361]

@@forrestpugh7575 Although I agree with you that those on the far-left are also often smug know-it-alls, the things this guy talks about leads me to believe that he's a right-winger who thinks central governance is the root of all evil. Curious then that he would choose to move to a country like Russia.

[@theowl2044]

Yea at first he sounds pretty normal, then you get this weird-ass vibe

[@cosmicriptid]

Wow wow both American parties are extremely problematic but yes what he says leads me to believe he was of the Rebublican party. Rural Ohio is more likely to be Rebublican as well

[@mrcu8176]

Eli, you are so kind and patient ! You did a great job in this interview ! You are a professional !!!

[@SamsRussianAdventures]

Yet another amazing video from Eli. Blogging has actually come so naturally to her. She has achieved success really fast, I can not but not be a little bit jealous of her, though the top quality of her videos are far above mine and also above the majority of youtuber's. I have actually been blogging about Russia for over 4 years but the youtube algorithm has actually not been as kind to me as it has actually been to her. Can I ask, what was it that attracted you to click Eli's video, prior to you recognising how impressive she is?

[@leahflower9924]

Omg Eli is Russian and this dude is just saying how bad Russian women are good lord he's the guy that got burned by a russian woman and then thinks he knows how they all are

[@leahflower9924]

@@SamsRussianAdventures the only thing I'll say is considering Russia is post communist and they have a really low birthrate I don't know how traditional they really are

[@fritzie8]

Wow this guy is rude and thinks he is smarter than everyone. I admire how calm, nice and on point you were during this interview with him. Good job Eli!

[@ruvision361]

he's not rude. a little loud and obnoxious as some americans are, but in no way he was rude to the girl. Tim got a lot of good points actually.

[@Sam97-oi4vc]

@@ruvision361 She's a woman, and he absolutely was rude to her. He was explaining to her how Russian people are. She is Russian. I'm sure she knows. He's a typical redpiller/incel

[@jip230]

@Eli from Russia, you picked a winner to interview here. His thoughts were so out there and contradictory that it was hard at times to nail down exactly what this guy believed. I think he represents a segment of America but does not represent a majority of America. The thought of this guy working for some think tank is just scary - he has some pretty extreme views of women

[@Pylypczak]

No way he is working for a think tank. Maybe a septic tank.

[@forkinpig]

Impressed!! Keeping cleanliness and not wearing shoes in the bed and sofa, and taking a gift for the host sound like very good values that Russians should keep and maintain.

[@whitfieldjeffery]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I'm dying

[@whitfieldjeffery]

@@ClarkeAsimov 🤣🤣🤣

[@gotchaz45]

All of these ideas about shoes and gifts are an issue of your upbringing and exposure to propriety and social norms. I would say that Tim has had very little exposure to US social norms beyond the neighborhood he grew up in. He seems to see it all as a result of living in a black neighborhood which I disagree about. Some of the most respectful children and cleanest homes I've seen were in poor black neighborhoods. It was rough in the area but once you got through the front door you were in a clean, respectful home. As a white person who had little exposure as a young person, I was impressed with this ability to overcome ones' surroundings. Poor Tim. He decided to be shaped by his poor surroundings.

[@venkats0iitk]

Most of these domestic do's and don'ts are simply identical to those in India.

[@johnnycreighton29]

Thank you, Eli. Very good journalism. I also appreciate how you kept composure as this man expressed his feelings & ideas. I hope for him all the best. God bless Russia and her peoples. From America, friendly regards.

[@abdulqudoos8848]

@@ElifromRussia hi sweet princess sister please one more come Pakistan please please please please please please please please please please please please please please 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@bcccl569]

@@abdulqudoos8848 lol abdul a bit too needy there

[@mikeweber67]

@@abdulqudoos8848 yikes

[@diosmios186]

@@abdulqudoos8848 stay away from Muslim men seems to be the lesson here LOL

[@davidbee7060]

Eli I don't know how you had so much patience with this know it all

[@akeemlawrence9750]

Tim did a lot of projecting in this video but wish him the best. Ellie has top tier interviewing skills. Keep reaching 4 the stars. Blessings from NYC.

[@michaelprue9024]

Hello Eli 👋, I am from Nebraska USA. Obviously our countries are shamefully opposed to one another, so growing up with negative views of Russia, I was always taught to fear Soviet domination and nuclear aggression. Watching your videos have inspired a whole new outlook on Russia I never k we existed. How absolutely beautiful your country is. And if you are the example of Russian people I have to believe you are a good people. And I have to admit I think you are absolutely beautiful. I am praying our countries can find a way to become less aggressive toward one another and learn to live in peace and prosperity together. The world deserves that. And both the Russia. Peoples and American Peoples deserve that. God did not make us to live in fear. Our governments have done that to us. I wish God bless you Eli and I look forward to watching more and more of your videos. I can’t get enough of that gorgeous red hair and beautiful eyes you have ! ❤️

[@jeffrutledge1789]

Well as an American I’m saying our government is out of control and will not stop with its extreme militarism of the world.

[@marisamenendez7875]

I know you mean well, but your comment raises the question, DID YOU REALLY BELIEVE ALL THIS TIME THAT RUSSIANS WERE NOT GOOD PEOPLE? Have you heard of something called "critical thinking" or even "common sense"? And to end with the unsolicited compliments to a woman you don't know... you must be a Trumper, for sure.

[@wiv2631]

Your patience with Tim was amazing. Ask him a question and he rapidly takes off going in multiple directions while trying to cover at least a thousand miles. You did manage to catch his nano-second pauses and get him back on subject, and I congratulate you on that. Although many of his always strong opinions were quite subjective, he did make a few good points now and then, such as avoiding discussing the Great Patriotic War (aka World War II) with Russians. I would imagine that after that interview you had to rest up in a nice quiet place and maybe even take a nap. Good job though.

[@OtherSideOfTheFence]

No, he jacked her show. Stole the spotlight.

[@easternperspective0244]

tim is sharp asf

[@cw9790]

@@easternperspective0244 He's domineering, annoying and brash.

[@unhiro7]

I was really embarrassed that he came from my country. Please understand that we are not like that. 😁

[@brahim119]

@@cw9790 I do hope that Eli to thank him for his time offered him a voice recorder as he seems to love listening to himself.

[@kunsel307]

Eli is an attractive and gentle natured, her smile is so сute 😊

[@drmmustafa]

Also add strong brave and patient.

[@marisamenendez7875]

Is that all you have to say about her after seeing this video? Interesting...

[@jeffvanderwerf3391]

Having lived in multiple countries, including Russia for nearly seven years, I haven't gotten to know many fellow Americans like this dude. Do you know why? Because at the first whiff of entitled, hubristic, and provincialist attitudes like Tim's I run -- not walk -- the other way. Life is too short.

[@reidmclaughlin927]

Sure Jeff.

[@dantescave1]

Most people would agree with you! Tim is definitely an unpleasant type nobody would be happy to meet up with.

[@simonsmatthew]

Would be interesting if Eli interviewed you on your experience living in Russia.

[@FidgetyGuy]

Stop being hateful and divisive.

[@Bleda412]

"Provincialist" sounds like you're just as entitled and hubristic as Tim. Flyover America is too good for you?

[@HM-wc2xe]

He is insufferable…. Your patience with him is incredible!

[@FidgetyGuy]

Stop being hateful and divisive.

[@Heidi-br4yl]

This man is insufferable. Well done to you Eli for remaining classy and calm.

[@PACstove]

Your the super mad cat herding American female liberal that guys like him got tired of. Good job him.

[@TonyZmex]

and your culture is suppose to be the most tolerant ha ha ha what a joke

[@user-my2hc9br2p]

I'm 13 minutes in, and I've just reacted aloud by saying "Oh my goodness, why is this guy being interviewed?!". Eli kept trying to bring him back to the topic, but I have no doubt, perhaps she herself realised after a point that she made a mistake in interviewing this guy.

[@manalishi_hs]

Very fascinating video! I am an American who has been in Russia for 2 months, and I've already visited 11 cities. It was very interesting to hear another American's thoughts about life here, and also I would like to get citizenship here one day. I do not agree with Tim's thoughts about Russian women, many that I have met have been exceptionally sweet & kind. But also I think a person's view of women has an effect on how women react to you or how they treat you. So him being so negative will cause him to meet women that re-affirm his views. Eli, I hope that one day we can do a chat together!)) I have many stories to tell about my experiences here so far xD

[@user-wr3xz8qw3p]

I think he has such an attitude towards Russian women only because he himself was unlucky with his first wife :))......Or in another way he has an absolutely subjective opinion about Russian women :)))

[@Grosflam]

What you call negative, is not.

[@Ronbo1948]

Personally, I like to hear the real deal from straight from the "horse" about the pros and cons of life in contemporary Russia.

[@OtherSideOfTheFence]

Absolutely, he is negative and that's exactly how people will treat him.

[@charlessanchez3148]

Good point on how being negative will produce negative results. Sort of like the adage in which Henry Ford said, "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right,”

[@neilsullivan5777]

It literally started bad straight away. Tim didn't even stand up when he shook Eli's hand. Very rude and disrespectful. After that it went downhill. Eli remained professional and calm regardless.

[@gillycapo5506]

I applaud you for tolerating this guy 😂

[@AgitpropPsyop]

After watching this, I’m convinced that this woman could get along and have a conversation with anyone… Very agreeable personality. Great job!

[@TheFinancingBusiness]

This interview was wild 😂, Tim is a character. Damn 🤯,. Eli, you are the best 😁

[@Thehandsomeliberal]

Dude is weird

[@Mickc934]

Spot the sarcasm 🤣

[@dachicagoan8185]

I'm happy Tim is in Russia. Hopefully he'll learn some manners in a traditional country. This guy is a POS

[@Ukraineaissance2014]

Hes something beginning with a C

[@doomguy584]

@@Thehandsomeliberal he's from Ohio they are different in Ohio 🤣

[@Quinn000100]

I was watching this on TV...had to start up the lap top to come in and say, " Kudos, Eli. For your patience and your graciousness in this video. Omgosh.....he's a handful. He crossed the rude line"

[@OfficialGZMsince]

"I love the land and the gray skies like we have today" Spoken like a true Clevelander

[@seattlesauce]

Are Clevelanders like this guy? Good God if so the city must be a nightmare!

[@timfuscaldo3024]

@@seattlesauce no!

[@martyjames6204]

Well done Eli, an "interesting" interview! Lot on negativity from Tim in my view but you handled the interview with much grace

[@holisticanimal]

Agreed, Tim was quite negative and even entitled sounding but you handled it well

[@leagueofotters2774]

He is from the US, there is a lot to be negative about.

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

@@holisticanimal He's very candid. Very refreshing.

[@thomasprince4992]

@@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750 he makes men look bad

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

@@thomasprince4992 "look bad" ?..... I sincerely hope that you're joking. Everything he pointed out is right on. His assessment/analysis of Russia is not the sanitized version that Eli presents.

[@kennylyon1934]

He's leaving out one constant vector in the character of all of his relationships with women: himself)

[@molls127]

LMAOOO ikr

[@kerrylastra6392]

You said what I was thinking!

[@wingy200]

Definitely the common denominator. I had to stop listening when he said unironically that ALL Russian women see their men as burdens. What a shitty thing to say. That means that he was implying that the hostess of this show acts like that. He sounds like an American feminist woman claiming ALL men sexually harass women; pure bullshit. His statement about "gas water" was very rude. I know during World War 2, soldiers would repurpose fuel cans to carry water out of desperation, but I find it hard to believe that entire water supplies taste like gasoline. Also the whole "I grew up in a black neighborhood, so I don't feel comfortable in 'huwhite America' so I'll move to a country devoid of black people" schtick is incredibly sus af. I bet he was picked on as a kid a lot and he's a bitter man because of it. Eli was probably relieved when the interview was over. I'm ashamed that he's representing American men in Russia.

[@Starcraftmazter]

Well yes and no, one could argue after a lot of experiences he is more understanding of womens' behaviours and attitudes towards men. I don't agree that is only specific to Russian women, I think women in general have a tendency to want to be right and not like it when men disagree with them (regardless of any logic inherent within). I think this is hardly a new revelation, and he is not the first guy to say something like this, just the way he says it seems unnecessarily targeted - based off his experience.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

@@wingy200 Also, I would never use that language in front of a lady. He is an interesting guy, nevertheless.

[@SUA37]

He was 100% correct about the American dream.

[@peterm.eggers520]

As an American, I am embarrassed by Tim, and impressed by your patience!

[@carletonrutherford1799]

I agree with you 100%. He is a stereotype of what a lot of the rest of the world thinks of Americans. He is a loud, obnoxious know it all.

[@lynnsbomb]

Don’t forget ignorant.

[@MsThePrettiest]

well, I am Russian and liked him. He is real as f*ck. Why are you emberrassed?

[@peterm.eggers520]

@@MsThePrettiest Oversized ego. Know-it-all personality, yet has a limited and biased knowledge. Not that he doesn't know anything, more that he thinks that he knows everything.

[@carletonrutherford1799]

@@MsThePrettiest He's not "real as f#@k, he's a loudmouthed f**king idiot. He acts like he knows everything. He's not a likeable person. If you Russians enjoy that type of person, good for you. Better that he's in Russia, and in the US, where I guarantee none of the people that knew him, liked him.

[@foridor]

Great interview. This guy is arrogant, jaded, and full of himself! Your patience with him was remarkable.

[@reidmclaughlin927]

He seemed fine to me regarding this interview,

[@conundrum2u]

He's disillusioned with America, you can tell. And his impressions of Russian demeanor is accurate, though you can easily say that many Americans don't know anything about their own laws, either. He's not arrogant, just confident. You need to be in Russia.

[@reidmclaughlin927]

@@conundrum2u sure red

[@conundrum2u]

@@reidmclaughlin927 ok McCarthy

[@waltersowa6140]

Eli, you did great 👍. That was a hard interview!!! I was nervous for you!

[@SophisticatedLang]

This is a great interview. You and Tim both have a sense of humor and do not take what you say yourself seriously, (such as Tim deprecating himself as a piece of dreg in a black ghetto). But you both make some serious points, such as when Tim talk about the most serious problem of Russia, which is basically emptiness and meaninglessness (as I understand it from Tim) A civilized conversation combining substance with humor. I enjoy it.

[@now268]

As an American who was born in the 80's and not easily offended i like this guy he is a straight shooter. What he says is true .

[@vivekkaushik9508]

Wow, a 42 min documentary. What a treat for us over the weekend Eli. spasibo.❤

[@unlokia]

“Interview”? Lol. Yeah ok

[@ClaudiaPelagattiwklize]

I've never heard so many cliches from different countries in a single interview :D You have great interviewing skills and patience Eli!

[@dr_corrupt1014]

😂😂

[@jimmyjakes1823]

Europeans have endless opinions and theories about America, but when the lens gets turned around on them it's all "cliches and stupid generalizations from an obvious Trump supporter."

[@ClaudiaPelagattiwklize]

@@jimmyjakes1823 That's ironic, that's another generalization to me :D Europeans? Do you know how different we are within Europe? Who said anything about Trump? For me the person speaking could have been from anywhere really, all cliches are pretty pointless.

[@michaelwells7608]

He did say life for him was an improvement his life in America.

[@linkedinfred]

Eli, you asked some great questions about Russia. You ask how in the comments how we imagine Russia. Certainly not how Tim has described- especially with regard women. He might judge one person this way, but not an entire nation. I have been a traveler myself for many years and lived as a British ex-pat in south america and although you can tap in to culture, experiences with individuals usually vastly differ.

[@BlazepotBlazepot]

Eli has a future. Extremely smart, to the point, keeps the conversation flowing, listens extremely well, greatly prepared, and drives the conversation the way she wants, thinking with two or four parts of her brain into different solutions. Great interview, and I am truly impressed! The guy, inside of him, is actually extremely disrespectful to Russians, and he thinks very little of them, and she handled that very well. He is unhinged, and should do some cardio, as it's not ok to pant for a little walk in the flat areas of Moscow.

[@drmmustafa]

I must congratulate you for patiently hearing and tolerating this person.

[@jacqueline8559]

What a truly foul man. Offspring of Trump, anyone??!!

[@matereo]

@@jacqueline8559 Why?? I think he was great!

[@hegemonstrategos3485]

@@matereo me too he was very upfront, I wonder how he survived his childhood being such an honest guy around blacks.

[@jaxwilson518]

@@hegemonstrategos3485 lol. How did he possibly survive living near the "blacks"..... Good gawd....

[@liamneslind4182]

@@hegemonstrategos3485 he didnt.. he is getting it all off his chest now cause there is no angry blacks with guns in russia lol

[@jeffhiggins4505]

I have been I Russia twice. Once to meet my wife and once to get her mother and bring to the US. I never noticed the lack of emotion towards people he spoke of. All the people I interacted with were out going and smiley. Some even interested in being from America which brought on conversation. I also noticed huge economical differences in Russia. Everything seems to be more affordable there in ratio to money earned than in the US.

[@kryptkeeperofthedead2259]

Wife’s are more affordable there too huh do your got more wife for your American dollar

[@austinyates7132]

How much did she cost ?

[@kurtappley4550]

From watching your channel and others from Russia I think I agree with your guest that people in Russia may be more free than in the US but in general all humans want the same thing. To just live and 'pursue happiness'.

[@gabrielbalbec883]

It was actually very informative and interesting to hear this American man, who has made the brave choice of moving to another country, learning its ways and trying to adapt, talking about his experience. I don't really understand some of the negative comments I read. The best to Tim, and Eli.

[@boxmasro]

I would like to commend you specifically on how you handled Tim's multiple insults about women. I noticed you would wince at those comments, but you stayed professional. I hope you can do another interview with another American expat who is not so horribly negative about everything and everybody. By the way, I love your videos. Also, I applaud your English which is better than most (?) American's English!

[@tomstulc9143]

Tim is not insulting real women he is telling the truth about the fallen state of women in the end times in their diabolical perversions he's addressing the facts of the matter it's called Truth try it sometime

[@boxmasro]

@@tomstulc9143 Wow! your mysogyny is incredible. Try being a decent human sometime. Full stop. I will not reply to any more of your comments.

[@timmyhiggins5220]

He's 100% correct though

[@boxmasro]

@@timmyhiggins5220 As a woman, he is offensive and misogynistic. Not surprised that a man would agree with him. Show the video to some of the women in your life and ask them how they feel about it.

[@timmyhiggins5220]

@@boxmasro I'm in Kazakhstan and have dated Russian women and they are an absolute nightmare. Many not very attractive, in their 30s, but deluded arrogance. He is correct about Russian women.

[@newblurama]

This guy is full of information, but man is he cynical 😆. Such a contrast from Eli

[@royal1investments]

As cynical as most Russians brah.

[@unlokia]

@@northernstar2064 Hah!!!! An *expert* on women would know exactly how to behave and how to treat her, and would have settled down with the FIRST ONE, seeing as he was an “expert” as you’d implied. Do you refer to a crack Air Force pilot as an “expert” pilot if he crashes many planes? Preposterous. Your logic is upside down.

[@unlokia]

@@northernstar2064 Sarcasm is the lowest form of humour, which is probably why they are unused to it. Also there’s a phrase to absorb - “Vulgarity is not a substitute for wit” Ps: Telling a complete stranger to “learn about” whatever, is hugely presumptuous and arrogant. Projection is a common psychological term.

[@christianhansen3292]

@@unlokia supposed to learn from mistakes yeah.

[@ashleyjohnson6437]

Many of the things Tim said smell like BS 💩 to me 😆

[@JR-pr8jb]

Very interesting, although a very unusual American, traumatized in his youth. You are an amazingly patient, tolerant, skilled interviewer.

[@szh5025]

he is being honest and not false tolerant, its rare these days, so i liked the video

[@lauraclay8006]

This guy would be considered weird in America. You were very nice to put up with him.

[@theowl2044]

That's why he doesn't fix is own problems and have a life here. He seems to think everything revolves around him

[@victorianunez4580]

Why weird? Because tables are turning and people start to see good in Russia????? My husband is a US citizen, he loves Russia

[@jeremynkelley]

YEP🙄😣

[@jeremynkelley]

Dude rambled lots of nothing. Contradictory statements all over the place and spoke insultingly too much about both countries. We (Americans) are not this obnoxious I swear! 💔 😣

[@pohlcz]

God bless you for being polite with this dude he would being considered a little weird in America.

[@Laotzujm]

Eli, another great video. It is funny when you compare the cadence in conversation, Tim talks very fast like a New Yorker, and Eli has a more relaxed calm cadence. Tim also has some strong opinions and you were able to keep your calm open demenor. Good job!

[@SamsRussianAdventures]

Yet another amazing video from Eli. video has actually come so naturally to her. She has acquired success really quickly, I can not but not be a tiny bit envious of her, though the high quality of her videos are much better than mine and better than most youtuber's. I have actually been blogging concerning Russia for over 4 years and also the youtube algorithm has not been as kind to me as it has been to her. Can I ask, what was it that attracted you to click on Eli's video, before you knowing how amazing she is?

[@lindaevans5044]

It's amazing how nice you remained during this interview. I assure you not all Americans are like this!

[@oliveraparicio8464]

Most are though just like him.

[@user-zl7kb9yd7y]

Exaggeration is an art and Tim Kirby is great in it.

[@maureenk1635]

Thank you, Eli, for your cheerful demeanor in the face of sadness, hard times, and depression.

[@karatefox]

As an American watching this, I thought many of Tim's comments were cringeworthy and not representative of most Americans. I applaud your patience with interviewing him 🤔💡

[@merrymata2547]

As another American, I disagree. I feel that he was fairly accurate.

[@karatefox]

@@merrymata2547 his views are not my views

[@merrymata2547]

Maybe it's regional, or even in certain neighborhoods.

[@karatefox]

@@merrymata2547 I think it's likely a combination of one's personality type, as well as repeatedly experiencing significant bad experiences during critical/formative moments in one's life. I don't think people are generally born jaded and bitter. I think that through repeatedly experiencing certain types of trauma, people can trap themselves into perpetually confirming their biases and therefore skew their perception of how most people are. They don't realize they are wounded and need to heal. They instead believe the world is sick. 🤔💡

[@bluBlaq33]

@@merrymata2547 so your both from the south or middle America.

[@nkxxxx]

Big respect to Eli for not beating Tim up. He needs to grow up a little.

[@joaquinolveraalmazan4620]

I just couldn't not notice her patience and tolerance. She's a professional. I wouldn't have wanted to be in her shoes in that video.

[@gregc6535]

The tradition of bringing food to a new neighbor was pretty common through the 70's and early 80's... as we became more diverse, this tradition died down and it's not very common now. This wasn't based on class/wealth.

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

Yes, it was a solid middle class thing. And I can remember my mom doing this throughout the 1970s and continuing to the present time.

[@rjimeson1]

@@williamgill_esq.6487 Perhaps you're thinking of an American cultural and commercial tradition known as "Welcome Wagon". It was popular in some areas back in the 50s to the 70s. Many communities had a Welcome Wagon group that would visit new neighborhood arrivals to introduce them to the community with basic information about local services, such as restaurants, stores, parks, recreation, etc. and also to pass out coupons to attract newcomers to their businesses. I don't think it exists anymore, at least formally.

[@robertscharfe9879]

It all changed in the 80s divorced parents latchkey kid the moms went to work so she doesn’t have time to deal with the new neighbors and back then mom‘s had a arm themselves with guns and self-defense lessons with no man in the house

[@michelleevans5531]

The tradition needs to reappear. We need to get back to being kind.

[@erikstephen8042]

This was a very interesting video. I was sort of surprised by some of Tim's responses, though I can in a way understand them. Eli, your expressions and comment to Tim in reference to relationships and woman were priceless. I enjoyed watching this video, as I follow both you and Tim and enjoy both of your channels.

[@georgemoore7231]

I thought Eli’s questions and followups with her guest were really insightful and intelligent. Tim seems to be a very complex individual who at times was hard to read yet made many salient observations. Providing an analysis of life in Russia can be a very difficult task because of the clandestine political environment, the large land mass populated by so many varied ethnic groups combined with significant generational differences . You heard Eli chide Tim at one point about what kind of Russian women did he date as his description was so alien to her observations. Overall I thought it was a fascinating piece.

[@handsomenumber1393]

Fantastic! Fair play Sir. RTTT here I come.

[@cherieestbien1902]

I totally agree with his last statement. I was a nobody in the US. But when I moved overseas that all changed. I lived in the second largest city in the world and worked and taught at 3 different universities there and was considered a valuable staff member. It really changed my perception of myself and gave me much more confidence, which has really improved my life.

[@Mr.Sparkles]

Tim sounds like he's had a colorful dating life over there...lol 😁

[@petercollingwood522]

I'm sure he'd like you to believe he has.

[@williamgill_esq.6487]

Lol

[@LGdosantos]

I agree Tim seems to had bad experience with Russian women

[@MsTwister57]

@@LGdosantos I can see why

[@frodowiz]

yeah im sure lol... i am guessing he is still single irl.

[@yeoworld]

Thanks Eli! I really enjoy the fact that this guy had plenty to say. I may disagree with most of his takes but I really appreciate listening to his opinions.

[@jebbiekanfer8843]

I always take off my shoes when I come into the house.

[@cesjr]

Interesting video. It's always great to hear from different viewpoints. Tim seems to have a more conservative American view. Saying that immigration should be limited into America yet he's an immigrant himself seems slightly hypocritical. It's never a good idea to paint everyone with a broad brush. To say, Russians this, Russians that: there's so much more individuality. Same is true with Americans.

[@molls127]

when he said that trump limiting muslim countries from immigrating was “different” i couldn’t watch anymore. he obviously is a very racist man. i bet he couldn’t wait to get out of his hometown.

[@JW-gl4yp]

@@molls127 being against Islam isn't racist you troll

[@LS-rw9yp]

You should take your own advice...

[@cesjr]

@@LS-rw9yp Yeah, what's that?

[@julius43461]

There is a place and time for immigration, and there are different types of immigrants. Because of that there is nothing hypocritical about what he said. Russia has open spaces, tough immigration laws, and almost no welfare. Because of that they probably get "better" immigrants than western countries. If you go to Russia you must have a way of sustaining yourself, and that is actually a great thing. Let's not even get to the fact that US is involved in wars around the globe, and many immigrants go there but hate the country more than anything.

[@khecke]

It was an interesting interview and how Tim sees his life in Russia. I on the other hand moved from Germany after the war to America and I see America in different light. I also lived after the war together with some Russian military and had only good relation with them. I really would like to visit Russia and meet Russian people.

[@michaelcalder9089]

Totally 💯. You have a lovely voice without the strain of heavy accent. I could easily pickup my spoken Russian listening to you speak Russian.😊

[@sindymilan3557]

I'm amazed at the responses people have here about Tim !!!! He was a nice person being himself

[@alankuntz6494]

👍

[@gemum4219]

Yes, Tim doesn't bother me. I don't find him offensive, rather I find him informative. And I gain perspective from yet another individual who is unique as we all are.

[@MrMoriarty100]

SJW lefty feminists always hate anyone who dares to tell the truth.

[@howardanderson8988]

Tim reminded me of somebody you meet at a bar who has strong opinions on everything. I thought you did a good job with the interview.

[@unlokia]

Big mouth and little sense.

[@jaybird2148]

100% spot on. This is the type of dude who thinks he knows it all, and will proudly let you know that. When, in reality, he knows very little.

[@flatlander5054]

Tim reminds me of someone who is divorced.

[@railfanningpoints2.045]

You can't even leave your home without proof that you submitted to an experimental vaccine that causes myocarditis lol. You're not going to the bars lol.

[@jaybird2148]

Railfanning Points 2.0 being another example.

[@robpaul9746]

Wasn’t expecting a shout out to Bertman’s Stadium Mustard in this video! That’s 100% Cleveland. 🤣

[@John-pv1vb]

this guy is nuts. i dont know how you can be so patient with him

[@juanhidalgo7043]

Hi Eli, I just starting following you and I love how you show the beauty of Russian cities, culture, food. It is amazing. I actually was born in El Salvador which is a small country in Central America. Now, I am a United States citizen. I did give up my Salvadoran citizenship 😢. I will love to visit Russia and meet so many wonderful people. Tim, you need to go back to school and learn some manners. Amazing to see a person that shows and expresses himself in a uneducated way.

[@keinname62]

Well done, Eli! You handled this interview so professional. The dude has a really interesting view on women..

[@you-know-who9023]

@kein. IMHO that is a very diplomatic response (I am presuming you are a woman) I am a man and if I met him socially saying that sort off stuff about women I would simply have to walk away feeling very sorry for him and any woman he met in the future. It is not just mysogynistiic and offensive , Elli was very patient to sit there beside him and listen to him @soviet was very spot on to compare Elli to a a champion wrestler/boxer. The guy clearly has no idea about the expectations of women during the Soviet era and today's Russian women reared today's Russian women. Having said that Elle got a priceless interview and video😃🙋

[@SamsRussianAdventures]

We have all had our share of up's and down's in life. Tim is almost a celebrity here in Russia. His opinion is worth listening too, even if we don't like the answers. It's life. There is no wrong or right in learning from other people's experiences.

[@fluidice1656]

There's enough misogyny (and violence against women) in Russia as is. This xenophobic and misogynistic garbage of a human being is not a welcome addition.

[@iggle6448]

@@SamsRussianAdventures Oh dear. You mean Russians listen to him and believe him?

[@Blake4014]

as a British guy that lived in Russia for 2 years, I can see where he's coming from. He phrased it differently than I would, but he's generally hitting a nuanced nail on the head. Though he probably came across abit disrespectful of women, he elucidated a truth about the firmness of russian women in their attitudes and behaviors in relationships which I also experienced.

[@galactic_spectator6409]

She went out to Interview an expat and discovered a Character. Fun

[@stephenlabranche7201]

I hope you do not think that this man represents the United States. I did not care for his attitude. The statement he made that he knows Russia better than the Russian people is an insult. I always enjoy your videos and have learned so much from you. You were always pleasant and knowledgeable. This video was difficult to watch.

[@Quinzterful]

When was this piece produced? What year? Is Tim still there?

[@lisadeyoung5361]

Tim obviously has some issues. We can pray for him. You did a good job being gracious and kind with him.

[@FidgetyGuy]

What he said about women is 100% accurate.

[@tomifost]

He is a stereo type I have met a few times. He hasnt integrated in very many cultures and has been let down or rejected from certain institutions both here in America and abroad, so now he convinced himself the world is much smaller in order for him to have a grip on it. He can go be a foreigner in another place where it is expected that he wont be understood, so all of his own isolated self guiding voices cant be challenged. I used to know some types who have slipped through the cracks and are confident its everyone elses failings they put on them. I bet this guy is great at a number of things but he needs to step out of his own shadow to see the world in a light not tainted by his own past.

[@wowyouarestupid8144]

he is a putz

[@javierhugovaldezofficialch8417]

Are you a psychiatrist? You hit the nail on the head. Bravo, my friend well said. She urgently needs another opinion that is more realistic than his imaginary one.

[@tomifost]

@@javierhugovaldezofficialch8417 Ha. No, I just know the alienated types and have at some points also wanted to run away so I'll always be a guiltless foreigner.

[@CthRage8946]

@tomifost, I agree on whit you, Americans think too massively from these countries which were allied whit Russia and miss other stuff that they are hard workers and most people who came into America from these countries doesn't have a lot of workplaces if they don't have ties. Russians spent most of their lifetimes accumulating a lot of resources using ties to rich people and specifically connection whit Putin. Also is required to go to fashion parties, and attend religious propaganda in churches, and doesn't seem to get it to go for hard work, in the US specifically they create specific networks whit people from Russia to have a good life, but rich Americans are hard to get a hold on to them, and such networks are imposible.

[@ponchodawson7741]

@J I don’t think anyone took advantage of his kindness. He kept interrupting and over talking her so I found him to be quite rude and void of basic manners. She was clearly taken aback with him. In fact, I think if Ellie had asked more probing questions, you would fine a borderline far right extremist lurking. America clearly disgusts him, especially the neighborhood in which he was reared among black people. He states he has a keen knowledge of immigration laws but if asked I’d wager he could not tell you anything about black American history outside the usual Black History month hyperbole. He has many opinions but has not lived in Russia long enough to lay claim to most of them. You must take a deep, sustained dive into a peoples history and culture to understand them.

[@meggtokyodelicious]

In Japan we remove our shoes too. Even when we're going to use the ladder sometimes. Back in old days , we couldn't tighten our shoes on the chair either. We squat down in order to tie our shoes. Or sit down for it. We're similar to Russian culture.

[@familiamacias3994]

Nice interview

[@odysseusthesojourner4401]

Eli you asked some great questions. I enjoy your channel very much. Tim, well he seemed excessively intense. Probably drove a pickup and tailgated people back in Cleveland. If he would have just taken it down a notch and demonstrated some self control, it would have been easier to listen to him. Still, interesting guy.

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

You need less soy in your diet.

[@ffwast]

Any criticism of ohio is valid

[@reality....]

@@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750 you sound like a little girl

[@darellnewsome4459]

Thank you for this video! As an American it was interesting listening to Tim's view of things both here in the US and in Russia. While I may not agree with some things he said I do respect his right to voice his opinions. I did think he was quite tough on Russion women for some reason which I didn't think seemed to be too fair. You even basically questioned and called him on that but for some reason he didn't want to be open to your differing opinion. You did a great job with interviewing him!

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

He's on point about his assessment of Russian women. Think abt it for a moment... If they were that "great", why do Russian men not tolerate them?.

[@GulfSouthGene]

Tim is a hoot! Interesting opinions, but we all see life through all our experiences in life! I lost my wife to lung disease, I miss her very much, life goes on, life is short, let's all get along with each other. All countries, all people, cultures, make up the world, we should understand, not hate or fear! I love you open mind to the world, Thanks much!

[@joycehaines2055]

Well he definitely is learning something about how he affects others, hoping the message is not lost on him. He just looked forward while talking to you I found that very hard to watch. You are are a true lady.

[@dillonramos760]

I was nervous for you during this interview. I honestly had a hard time listening to Tim, and did stop after a while. He said some pretty abrasive and rude things.

[@vectorsigma9903]

Very informative and honest discussion. I really enjoy your videos. Thank you.

[@emjizone]

This reminds me that my father used to say that in the USA, you can only be within the law or against the law, not outside the law by mistake, ignorance, indifference or incompetence. According to this model, you are either a gentleman or a dangerous gangster, and there is not much left between those two extremes.

[@waynemclaughlin8937]

If Tim was hoping to get a lot of negative feedback about his comments? Then I say congratulations Tim you have succeeded in doing just that. I grew up in a household with five sisters and two brothers and I can't even imaging my sister's being with someone like Tim. I grew up in a time where you would respect and treat women as you would towards your own mother. And I grew up in a low rent housing projects in Toronto, Canada the first one of its kind in Canada that was built after the 2nd World War. It was of mixed races White, Black, Asians, South East Asians from India and Pakistan and Aborigines etc..So I know about living in poverty as a White man I've seen it all. Somehow we all learned to get along with one another and to respect one another, that's what my parents taught my siblings and I. Anyways Ellie thank you for sharing your videos with us and showing us how beautiful Moscow is. And every time I see videos or pictures of the Metro 🚇 stations in Moscow I am amazed how beautiful they are, walking down to the lower level of the Metro 🚇 station is like walking down into a lower level of a museum. Cheers 🍻 🇨🇦 🇷🇺♥️

[@MichaelKlinePhotoVideo]

Eli, I watched your facial expressions a lot during the last 1/3 of your interview. He was a very interesting character. 😶

[@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750]

Eli has been giving us a "sanitized" version of Russia and Russians. Tim's analysis is right on point.

[@desarc6855]

​@@abdel-qadeercoubadja4750 But it's not like she hides anything. She just shows her surroundings as she sees it. That's actually more honest than sitting in your room and googling only shit (often outdated) on Russia as some other ru-bloggers do. This fixation on Russia's bad side is annoying really, it paints it way darker than it actually is. Which is not objective at all.

[@littleninja71]

Eli thanks so much for being so patient during this interview. I wish you were able to ask more questions and have more of a conversation. You did very well. Enjoying your content and learning so much about Russian and Eur-Asian cultures.

[@marcsafaniev7851]

awesome conversation

[@sadiqahmedgujjar7224]

Very Nice Information for Foreigner 👍

[@bill8216]

Eli, This is gold! Good job finding this dude Kirby from Cleveland. What a character.

[@bowrudder899]

Tim is a straight shooter, he calls it like he sees it, no guile, a breath of fresh air.

[@SamsRussianAdventures]

Definitely! He has received a lot of unfair hate in the comments from people who don't appreciate his brutal honesty.

[@xx-nasser-]

@@SamsRussianAdventures Agreed!

[@unlokia]

@@SamsRussianAdventures Decency and respect is seen as “old fashioned”, and that’s a sign of the times. We don’t ✌️”hate”✌️him - that’s childish and simplistic - it’s called having manners.

[@SamsRussianAdventures]

@@unlokia I think he's just used to people asking his opinion and the video being about him.

[@user-vm3tg4gu9d]

@@unlokia This is not decency! This is hypocrisy, duplicity and lies!

[@jacklacasse9299]

i enjoy your blog keep it up 😊

[@tamirhalperin2404]

Excellent video, Eli!!!! So sad that KZbin killed Tim Kirby's youtube channel that you linked to in the description. Any other way to find him online?

[@jcben]

Good job Eli. I wouldn't have stood 5 minutes chatting with this guy

[@unlokia]

Ten minutes? Gosh that’s optimism.

[@railfanningpoints2.045]

You probably believe in infinite genders and that climate change will destroy the planet in 10 years lol.

[@mfreund15448]

Love the interviews in the last few weeks!

[@shadabaliakbara]

Very informative.