Being a Russian Adoptee in Russia Again - My Emotions

Welcome! Here on my channel, I share my personal journey as a Russian-New Zealand adoptee-adopted at two from Arkhangelsk, Russia-I also share my series An Adoption Story, a special series of mine, which shares the journeys of adoptees from around the world.
My Story
Learn about my life as an adoptee, my upbringing in New Zealand, and the significance of embracing my roots-not only with those connections in Russia but also from Ukraine and Kazakhstan.
➡︎ • My Journey and Story
➡︎ • My Family
➡︎ • My Birth Parents
An Adoption Story
Explore incredible stories of adoptees, each with their own unique path.
➡︎ Season Two (2024-present) • An Adoption Story (202...
➡︎ Season One (2022-2023) • An Adoption Story (202...
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➡︎ Facebook: / nzalexgilbert
I'm Adopted
➡︎ Website: imadopted.org/
➡︎ Facebook: / imadoptedorg
➡︎ Instagram: / imadoptedorg
I’m passionate about connecting with adoptees and sharing stories that matter.
Follow along as I reflect on family, identity, and connection.

[@cd4383]

I like how you find beauty in everything you see! that's the way to live!.. And you look good in your new hat:))

[@victoriapaper853]

Алекс, я очень рада за вас! Ваши мама с папой из Новой Зеландии вырастили вас прекрасным человеком.

[@pamelafitzpatrick2717]

Looking forward to seeing your birth parents again. 🌹

[@lanalucia3596]

I loved this video! You look like you belong there now, a true native with your Russian hat! Proud of you, Alex! This isn’t going to be a comfortable journey; make sure your making time to process and all new uncovering before you share it with your viewers. Hold space for your special moments, too, just for you. And then reflect on them later, maybe for others to take away! Best of all, this is your rediscovery journey, so glad to be living vicariously through you! Xoxox, thank you!

[@katheryns1219]

Alex - you are doing great. The everyday slog of learning a language in the country where it is spoken is something that is really hard to do. But you learn fast, which is the extraordinary advantage of being in country and having no choice but to speak it - as frustrating as it can be at times. And mentally exhausting, too. The problem in measuring improvement in a language is that you know all of the things you still can't say yet, all the conversations you still don't understand. I always felt that all the Russian I still didn't know would fit in a black hole. But you keep on and pretty soon you'll surprise yourself. Your humility serves and will serve you well. Just don't become disheartened, because I can already hear from your videos a distinct improvement. I am an aunt and great aunt many times over, and I feel as proud of you as if you were one of my nephews. Пока дорогой.

[@suedoyle4526]

Hi Alex, I only came across your first video a few weeks ago and I’ve finally made it to this most recent one. You are remarkable in how you’ve dealt with all this. I’ve enjoyed every minute of your journey so far. I love your sensitivity in how you very much take into account your parents and your birth parents feelings when you speak about them. You’re a credit to them and they brought up a very well adjusted, compassionate and fine young man. I can see the joy in your eyes and smile each time you learn more about your country of birth and as for learning Russian, I’m well impressed !!! I’m absolutely thrilled that your relationship grew stronger with your birth parents and Russian family. You literally have the best of two worlds and that’s something to celebrate and to be proud of. It’s been like watching a love story unfold ❤️ I look forward to watching more, enjoy and stay safe 😊☘️🇮🇪

[@dragans6792]

You are very positive person. Greetings from Macedonia!

[@kevinh.6556]

It's fascinating seeing the videos of Russia and the people living there in such an intimate and personal way. It shows the importance of travel and learning different cultures around the world. I grew up at the height of the Cold War. I can still remember the Cuban Missle Crisis, the Berlin Airlift, and the fears we had as Americans of Russia and a nuclear holocaust. We always viewed Russia as our national enemy, and we never, and I mean never, for a second saw individual Russians on a personal and human basis who, like us, were struggling in their daily lives to simply survive and face the struggles of every day life. We never once pictured individual Russians facing the same sorts of fears and anxieties we were facing in regards to war and nuclear annihilation. I imagine Russians were going through the same feelings about us. I think there would be more international understanding and wars averted if there were more videos like yours.

[@denysemcalister6218]

I agree with you wholeheartedly

[@willrichardson519]

Viz Russians by Sting...

[@kevinh.6556]

@@denysemcalister6218 As an example of the importance of learning to understand people, especially heroes, from different countries on an individual basis, this is a little known fact not taught in American history classes concerning the Cuban Missle Crisis. During the most tense moments of the Cuban Missle Crisis, a Soviet Commander, Vasili Arkhipov, an officer aboard a Russian submarine, refused to fire a nuclear torpedo, thus averting nuclear disaster. He's been called the "Man Who Saved the World." Can you imagine how it would change the views and perspectives of many people around the world if it was commonly known that a Russian commander saved the world from a nuclear holocaust? History Channel: Vasili Arkhipov: The Man Who Saved the World (Full Episode) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKjRgaKVdp5_gKM

[@Mama_Syna_]

The same was here, in Russia. When I was a little girl and woke up at night on hearing a loud noise of something blown up and I saw flashes in the window, I thought that America had dropped a bomb on us...

[@Lovepeacejoy..]

I remember this so well.

[@Marta_czy_Maria]

It is as cute and fun how you constantly relate to snow, snowy surroundings ... It's perfectly natural for some of us🤷🏻‍♀️🙂 Greetings from Poland🙋🏻‍♀️

[@naturallyherb]

Really awesome to see the beautiful Russian winters from you!

[@anetasaro9711]

Russia, cold weather,but warm people:-)))

[@aswaltan8962]

Hot lady !😍

[@AndersGehtsdochauch]

I loved this video! 🙂 And what made me chuckle: "krásný nos" in Czech would mean "beautiful nose" 😀 but in Russian it's simply a red nose. Please keep your nose warm during future walks, haha 😉😉😉

[@liddium]

But not in Красна девица. It's also means a beautiful young lady.

[@Anca820]

I'm so proud of you for taking a metro ride by yourself and asking questions! You'll learn so much quicker by not relying on anyone. Those buried cars though...😬

[@Mary-by1nx]

Alex, I'm so glad your visit is balanced with adventure and memories of home. Right now the mom & g'ma in me is chiding you for the exposure to the cold 'til you hurt. Please keep a scarf handy, & use it when your not filming. Getting that cold repetitively isn't a good thing. I really tried to keep out of your business but😬, this time, nope. Ok that said, thanks for sharing your adventures, it's really nice to get the vicarious adventure you bring. I'm straight looking forward to the reunions coming. Blessings!

[@catzamutter]

I’m enjoying catching up on your videos, thanks to our crazy ice storm in south Louisiana I got an unexpected week off but can’t go anywhere so have had way too much time on my hands lol! I was adopted in a domestic closed adoption here in the US and the tiny bit I do know is enough to know it’s not a good idea to try to find my birth family. I will never know my own heritage for sure personally so I’m enjoying watching your journey. Stay warm and have a great trip! I can’t even imagine what -20s feels like 🥶

[@FamilyFunForever2013]

you seem to be very relaxed.. grateful that you are taking such important steps to create wholeness within yourself and your families. you are bringing many different worlds together. sending sunny beams... looking forward to your next video. have great days in the meantime. 🌸

[@robinellison6708]

Good to hear that you're starting to adjust. That was a beautiful building. Enjoy your visit! 😊

[@andrepapa3352]

Alex - Your Journey has been AMAZING - I have been following you for a number of years and have watched a lot of your videos...Your an inspiration to a lot of people. It is amazing how thankful - grateful - positive you are - always like watching your videos - thanks for all your hard work !

[@TheRanaro]

Why you're so energetic? My guess: you're in your element. You've been wanting to do this for years and you're finally doing it. I also want to say that the infrastructure in Moscow looks like anyplace in the US or a westernized country. Seriously, I'm very pleased to know how far Russia has come since the fall of the USSR. You're looking great Sasha and you look very happy. I'm very glad for you.

[@sglacf]

Infrastructure? Get out of Moscow and you'll see 99 percent of it is not like the west

[@flyonthe7013]

Wow! I didn't realise that you could leave New Zealand in that pandemic? Enjoy REAL WINTER ❄️❄️

[@juliawanigasuriya5475]

Both countries are open to each other🌸

[@rv4854]

Awesome that you are finding your roots. I'm envious. Thanks for sharing with us. Fun to watch.

[@VikasSingh-rq3qv]

Congrats brother... You have wonderful journey... Great... Good wishes from India.

[@mariannesnead6919]

It is so good that you get to be connected to your roots and the language bravo

[@immitable]

You are an amazing person. Keep doing the vlogs. Looking forward to them.

[@curtisyeomans1333]

You are a Great son...... Glad you are continuing your Quest!! Blessings!!

[@banemattiebrahaspat4902]

Alex u are a positive person and that is how someone should think...... love ur videos

[@muncedev11]

Always a pleasure, Alex! Thanks for sharing your day with everyone. Stay blessed

[@NarnianLady]

You're such a positive and nice young man.. congratulations for adjusting to the snow. Greetings from Finland, almost the neighbourhood :)

[@svanasaga5239]

Until next time. Enjoying so much this journey with you.

[@christinaandrade9923]

What an awesome trip you have planned!Enjoyed seeing this video clip. 🤗

[@fimarogelio6795]

waiting for you to be a bridge connecting your birth mom to her biological family too that will heal her soul as you did to her when you found her. God bless you always for your mission in connecting other adoptees to their biological parents..

[@MikeAlabbasi]

*Good morning! Доброе утро!* 😃 Right, he says he adjusted to the time yet he uploads a video at 6 am, hmmm. 🤦🏽‍♂️ Seriously, what time did you wake up? Anyway, the video was well made, I liked it and I enjoyed it, plus I love how you put things together in a genuinely positive way. Inspiring. I'm enjoying this journey, mate. Keep it up! 🙂 "Всё хорошо." This reminded me of a song that I like, it's called " _Всё Будет Хорошо_ " by _Митя Фомин_ , look for it. 😁 Anyhow, thank you for *EVERYTHING!* Stay warm, stay safe, take care, and have a wonderful day! 😊 ❤

[@alexgilbert]

Hahaha 🤣 this video was scheduled as it uploaded overnight! :) thank you very much!! I really appreciate that!

[@MikeAlabbasi]

@@alexgilbert Oh, alright, good to know. 😁 Thanks, I was worried, finally now I can have my breakfast. 😛 Пока пока! 🙂

[@nik90910]

That was beautiful man, truly understand what you mean. We gotta be proud to be born in Russia, its deep, a lot deeper than people think, thankyou for sharing

[@carlmuhm3896]

Where I live it got down to -15 below. I would love to wear a hat like you are wearing.

[@mitchellbrusseau]

You might want to face mask or a ski mask I should say and get a little microphone that you can attach to that and talk while you walk in the cold. We pretty much get the same weather and coldness here in Minnesota but I think it gets even a little colder where you're at

[@salexander210]

Awesome video :)

[@hendonanwar8656]

This time when you force yourself to speak locally is called immersion . Good for you. But be careful though with the snow. That weather not for me, no

[@jeanpitt7401]

So fun to watch your journey in Russia. Thanks!

[@aswaltan8962]

Im watching!😁

[@joyjeffcoat8711]

Your doing great with your Russian. I could never learn the language.

[@maya1110]

you need those snow boots and a scarf or a winter mask over your face and you ll be much warmer. Be brave, be corageous. Are your birth parents religous？ Maybe you should get baptized in the Ortodox church? Take care and enjoy ❤️🙏🙌

[@anaragalaxy5112]

Nice hat!!

[@goldapple57]

New Zealand music! Flight of the Conchords. Bic Runga. LadyHawke. 😁

[@suzukibeane1220]

Alex, have met aunts, uncles and cousins in Russia? Had any other of your relatives been adopted to other countries?

[@alexgilbert]

Hello! All of my Russian family have never been overseas ! I’ve met a lot of relatives here yes! :)

[@janicelaurin7263]

Love the hat!!

[@nuralina]

Аааа, щиплют твой нос наши морозы 😂 😜

[@AlexisLK]

Great video ! Do you have a link for the ushanka you're wearing ? Or the brand ?

[@02Nawal]

Wear another scarf to cover your nose and mouth next time. -20 can cause froze bite to exposed skin in ten minutes

[@maxbear215]

How are you able to fund these trips to Russia? It must be very expensive and difficult to get time off from work.

[@alexgilbert]

I’m still working while I’m here. I paid myself to get here :) I’m filming a documentary series here

[@dariusniziol2976]

Alex, I saw your story unexpectedly and I am amazed how you were drawn to meet your biological parents. Nothing better could happen to you if you ended up in an orphanage. Your mother was a young girl when she became pregnant. In Russia, vodka flows in streams and the youth have nowhere to have fun. And where the head is drunk, as they say, the ass is sold. But she, in all her drama, did not perform an abortion in a country with approximately 4,000,000 abortions a year. She chose the best evil possible. She put you in an orphanage. What she had to go through then was only herself and God knows. But finally there were people, good people, who came from one end to the other end of the world to adopt you. Throughout your story, there is no doubt a hand of God that made you live. Your spontaneity and empathy allows me to say that your mother is of a different origin than Russian, or at least half of it. There is only one nation that behaves as spontaneously as you. I think there are many more surprises waiting for you in life, but you must be a righteous person. If I understood correctly your mother's surname is Guzovskaya (Guzowska). Guz - Bump (read gooz) is the subject of her last name - I have a terrible bump on my forehead. Good luck Alex.

[@damianavoneric9991]

Alex, ya uchu sebya russkomu! Pozhelay mne udachi!😁✌️❤️

[@bkhkh7285]

Потрясающе! Русский человек с другой программой в голове) Просто разрыв шаблона какой то)

[@victoriapaper853]

Вы абсолютно правы.Все стереотипы, менталитет(ну вы меня поняли) закладывает только воспитание и окружающая действительность. Как же Алексу повезло!Если бы остался , был бы другим человеком. У меня тоже русская внешность с западным поведением тяжело монтируется🙃

[@Pixlanta]

What's the Russian restaurant food like? Is it affordable? How do you budget for this trip, do you still work as a camera nan in New Zealand? Did you have to quarantine once you landed in Russia?

[@pcalmalel6682]

👍👍

[@liddium]

Have you met a bear there?)) P.S. Shapka fits you perfectly)

[@alexgilbert]

Hahaha no bear!

[@liddium]

@@alexgilbert I see you eagerly try to learn Russian. How is it going with "щ, ы, у" sounds?))

[@juliawanigasuriya5475]

The hat suits you 😘😘😘

[@vladimirkravchenko6399]

It would be good (in my opinion) if you learned Russian and became a correspondent for New Zealand television in Russia. You could do a lot of good for yourself and for your both native countries.

[@dee7353]

Does anyone in Russia live in houses other than rich or powerful people like politicians? I know the history but I have only ever seen apartments and never houses. Sorry if that sounds ridiculous but I just realized I have only seen apartments. I am enjoying your videos. I would be homesick too so I can understand that.

[@liddium]

Nowadays the average russian hardly can afford a house😔

[@liddium]

@@ЛюдмилаВладимировна-я4й If we compare the cost of a house and an apartment in any city (small or big), the houses are much expensive than the apartments because of the land value. We don't discuss farm real estate in countryside; it's a totally different issue. All the villagers live in houses and I haven't seen any apartments there and most of them own it for free.

[@liddium]

@@ЛюдмилаВладимировна-я4й omg Lady I say that buying a land and building a house in Perm (just an example) or its surroundings costs more expensive than an apartment in the same region.

[@liddium]

@@ЛюдмилаВладимировна-я4й I wouldn't be so sure about that... What would the people in Moscow prefer if they have enough money? Living in an apartment or in a house in Rublevka/Beliy gorod, etc.

[@liddium]

@@ЛюдмилаВладимировна-я4й İ don't get into your talking. Africa? I've lived for 25 years in Norilsk and I know how people live in the North.

[@margaretburnham5683]

I wouldn’t of went out for coffee in that crappy weather. I would’ve stayed home in my pajamas and sat on the couch under the blankets with a hot cup of coffee

[@SweetOsoka]

Alex did you keep your russian citizenship?

[@Kanukosan]

Sasha (now you're Sasha!), aren't you going to a language school to learn Russian faster?

[@MinotaurvsCyclops]

I think total immersion is quicker than language schools.

[@aa-nm8mc]

Где русские субтитры?

[@clintusa]

шаг за шагом, чувак :-)))

[@rodefe7]

Is Russia cheaper than NZ?.. How do you support yourself financially? Sorry for being nosy?

[@alexgilbert]

Hello - I’m here for work. I’m filming a documentary series here :)

[@rodefe7]

@@alexgilbertOh, nice, I can't wait to see it! I keep telling my family and friends about your story. Hopefully, it will have subtitles in Spanish too, so I can tell them to watch it .😁

[@lizarosanti6001]

Haven't you met your birth parents yet Shasha..?😀

[@rachelmclaughlin1491]

He won't meet them untill next month x

[@lizarosanti6001]

@@rachelmclaughlin1491 Uups.. I see, I think I missed that info from any Shasa's video..Thank Rachel..😊

[@kpajiu_bce_cepe6po67]

Alex you have a lot to rethink about Russia. Again! And, change your point of view about Russia. This is a big country with its own traditions and customs. Many national country. Since you have already been to Russia 9 times, so become a Russian, what prevents you from doing this? After all, your blood is Russian from your parents ' pedigrees - from your biological parents. U, are you a dual citizen or not?

[@alexgilbert]

Hello! Yes I am a dual citizen :)

[@kpajiu_bce_cepe6po67]

@@alexgilbert Great, but I thought the opposite.