Life in Moscow FAQ: What It's Like to be an American in Russia, Part Two

[@RachelBlevins]

Hey y'all, I'm not in Moscow anymore, but I really appreciate all of your comments and the fact that you still keep up with my videos from my time in Russia! It was an incredible year, and I'm now back to being based in Texas, closer to family. Here's the link to my latest life update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o37VY56Pn7xpjJY Support my work: www.patreon.com/rachelblevins

[@jovomilicevic7610]

@@RachelBlevins We’re in September again, Happy Birthday! Tough times and new challenges made you probably much stronger person, good luck with your journey

[@garymaddox9767]

Hey you all. Texas blood!! Old guy here (74) retired and moved to Russia about 1 1/2 year ago after being stuck here for 13 months during COVID. Went back to Missouri sold the property and we moved to Stavropol. Watched part 1 and 2 and you are spot on. Part 2 made me laugh.....and cry. Thanks for being so transparent. Would love a part 3 and will watch all your other stuff now. Do not speak Russian but fortunately my wife is Russian. You need to come visit Stavropol for many reasons! Beautiful and milder and better weather. Consider this a personal invitation.

[@NickZhukov]

Hope youll be happy with Mother Russia. Hugs

[@johncaro2485]

Enjoy your blood money traitor

[@ALVARA80ify]

Stavropol is beautiful ) The Caucasus is magnificent ) Have you already fallen in love with khinkali ?

[@АнатолийПономарев-щ5б]

We very much invite you to Stavropol! and I personally am very glad that they are even moving to us). we are the best and the warmest)))

[@mydudeleakytiki3261]

Went to Moscow and St. Petersburgh a little over 10 years ago. It was late spring and I simply fell in love with the people. Both cities were beautiful and the people very friendly. Thanks for sharing your experiences! Best regards!

[@RachelBlevins]

I need to visit St. Petersburg! It's on my list!

[@SNEZNA9]

Best time to visit Spb not before 15 of may due to the climate conditions)

[@aplgolab908]

I had a grate travel experience around the globe, I’ve visited lots of countries (France, Germany, Netherlands, US, Turkey, Greece, Great Britain, UAE, China, Dominicana etc.). The best places I would pick: 1.Moscow; 2.Rosemary Beach, FL; 3.St. Petersburg, 4.London

[@ОлегВолохов-ж8у]

​​​​@@RachelBlevins In SPb: 1. The State Hermitage, the world's biggest art museum in collection size (over 3 million exhibits). Louvre and Hermitage are top two. 2. The Fabergé Museum, a vast collection of jewelry art and Easter eggs + Russian and European painting 3. The Russian Museum, the world's largest collection of Russian art (+ museum's branch in the Marble palace) 4. Institute of Oriental Manuscripts (from Ancient Egypt throughout Arabian East, Ancient China, Armenia, Byzantium etc to the Qing Empire and Japan) 5. The Scarlet Sails Festival in June + The White Nights 6. Peterhof, Pavlovsk (Roman antiquities) 7. Museum of the Defense and Siege of Leningrad 8. The Stroganoff Palace 9. The Russian National Library (one of the largest in the world) + The Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences (one of the world's biggest too) 10. Kazan Cathedral 11. St. Isaac of Dalmatia Cathedral with an observation deck overlooking the city 12. Peter and Paul Fortress 13. Kunstkammer, or Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography 14. The two big sphinxes from the Ancient Egypt on the Neva embankment and many many more

[@mishanyausa]

@@RachelBlevins 😊👍

[@Marco_Aurelio_ROMA]

Greetings from Italy 🇮🇹 I love Russia 🇷🇺 too

[@amare_naturam]

I watched a video of a girl who moved to Russia, sort of from America. She described several phases experienced by many who came to live in Russia. Something like this (I don’t remember exactly): First - I really like everything and I’m delighted with everything; The second - everyday and language problems arise and a person is on the verge of a nervous breakdown "to drop everything and go back"; and finally the third phase (when you already know enough Russian, many problems have been solved, you can relax and much suits you) - "How great it is after all!"

[@RachelBlevins]

Glad to know I'm not the only one ☺

[@LaGrandeBayou]

Natura amare It's not just the doldrums of Russia 🇷🇺..Believe it or not that exact same formula happened to me while living in Switzerland. get a handle on the language and it's always smoother. I learned by listening to CDs of German music with the words in the liner notes in English follow along the song. It really helped learn the vocabulary that way!

[@gorbachevaol]

​@@LaGrandeBayou, вы о чем? Какая "депрессивная"?

[@Nish_18]

Moscow is maybe the most interesting place to be in the world right now, I'd love to be there. Your story is very fascinating. It's times like these where you are out of your comfort zone really lift you up.

[@RachelBlevins]

Very true! Thank you!

[@timekeeper5721]

Случайно нарвался на видео Dari Step, где она извиняется перед своими подписчиками за то, что взяла у тебя интервью о жизни в Москве.Насколько я понял, на нее обрушилась волна ненависти за это интервью, и она спрашивает, удалить ли это видео поскольку это может помешать ей поступить в университет. Какой позор! Самого интервью я не нашел, очевидно оно уже удалено. Это и есть демократия по американски - травля несогласных и навешивание ярлыков? Выражаю тебе уважение и поддержку за твою работу на RT и твою позицию.

[@cyberghost7248]

Я только что подписался на этот канал и не знал подробностей про Rachel. Значит она работает на RT (она смелый человек)

[@ГригорийКолеватов-м4ы]

@@cyberghost7248 с каких пор быть лживой и продажной - смело?

[@cyberghost7248]

@@ГригорийКолеватов-м4ы она как раз не лживая и не надо писать чушь

[@Diiapazona]

@@ГригорийКолеватов-м4ы Лучше бы, как и другие американские журналисты и типа "независимые" сидела бы за океаном и транслировала то, что присылают из госдепа - зато типа правда;)

[@ГригорийКолеватов-м4ы]

@@Diiapazona так она транслирует то, что ей из Кремля присылают, поэтому да лживая. Ну а в Москву приехала, потому что больше Кремль не может ей платежи в Техас проводить, а кушать-то хочется

[@longarm498]

Friends, let's support the girl with a thumbs up!

[@respergu13]

I am more and more interested in what's happening in Russia, keep up the good work Rachel !

[@RachelBlevins]

Thanks so much for the tip! ☺

[@man--6470]

Keep shaming yourself by supporting Putin's war and propaganda

[@kalitocroatoan1783]

I know the feeling, being away from home, family, friends.... I'm Russian, living in Moscow and I lived in US for almost 6 years. My teacher in my high school in Moscow suggested that I become an exchange student and go to US for my senior year, so I went and spent a year in high school in Michigan. I was 16 years old and it was a bit scary to travel to another part of the world, different culture, different way of life, even people looked different )) And just like you I left my family and all my friends behind. I was on the plane with 50 other Russian exchange students and later I found out that 47 of them returned back to Russia within a month ( I guess they were homesick). I graduated from high school in Michigan and then I spent 4 more years in university in Illinois. After university I spent another year travelling around US, Mexico and Canada. My first year in US was the hardest one but as I got to know country, people, culture.... I got the feeling that everything and everyone around me were not that different then back home in Russia. What I'm trying to say is that may be later on you will feel the same way. Just give it some time. As a guy who spent his best teenage years in US I assure you that when your contract is over and you'll go back home you won't regret the time you spent here in Russia )) I know I will never regret my decision to turn my life around and move to US for 6 years. Every year I visit my host parents from my high school year and friends in US. It was experience of a lifetime. Hope you enjoy your stay in our beautiful city.

[@skywillfindyou]

А ну-ка, скажи что-нибудь по-русски, Калито.

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! I appreciate it. You are right, I will always be grateful that I had this opportunity, and was able to have such a unique journey ☺

[@kalitocroatoan1783]

@@skywillfindyou Сомневаешься, что я русский? 😊

[@БелорусскийРусскийБостон]

@@kalitocroatoan1783 а нука скажите кто играл Штирлица? 😂 и сразу все станет понятно!

[@KavaKavana]

Michigan? It wasn’t good ol Grand Rapids or was it ?

[@Anton-777]

🇷🇺🤝🇺🇸 I hope that someday, relations between our countries will be much better than now. I was three times in the USA, a very beautiful country with amazing nature, which is very similar to nature in Russia. For all the time that I was in the USA, I managed to meet kind and sympathetic people, at some point I felt that I was communicating with my compatriots, we were similar in our outlook on life. Best regards from Russia and peace to all of us.

[@eugrus]

The thing is, often the very same westerners who might consider us friends on the personal basis also firmly believe in the importance of hurting 140 Mio. abstract "Russians" with sanctions and what's not.

[@Egor8488]

​@@eugrus Очень сомневаюсь, что например фермер из Монтаны, просыпаясь утром думает, как бы ему сделать плохо для русских. Это же полный бред. Потому что у простого плотника Ивана из Новосибирска и простого фермера из Монтаны, одинаковые цели в жизни.

[@DartXL]

​@@Egor8488 ну может и не просыпается с этим, но в течение дня фермер из Монтаны вдруг замечает, что бензин на заправке снова подорожал на пару центов, а Иван из Новосибирска - что больше нет его любимого смузи в продаже. И оба, листая новости или даже (не дай боже) в телевизоре,, видит или слышат, что во всем этом виноват этот диктатор Путин, или эти проклятые капиталисты со своими санкциями... И вот это звучит уже не как бред, верно?

[@stanspb763]

The reason you felt Americans were accepting you is that you did not reveal any beliefs, views or your personal philosophy. That is when hostility erupts, and difference in views is likely to turn a smiling person to rage. Those who get along think identically. Try saying something crazy like " men are not women" and you better have your running shoes on. They will treat you like enemy and try to get you fired or harmed in some way. Talk to any Expats from the US in Russia about how they have to censor every word to not create conflict on visits back. That is one reason I only go back for 2 weeks or so every 4-5 years.. Keeping every on a very superficial level and people will smile when first meeting and you are ok but the intolerance of a different view keeps about 1000 different extreme factions apart. You have to remember also, every 3rd person you see on the street has a loaded handgun on them. Many states have a law ("Stand Your Ground" laws) that allows a citizen to shoot and kill anyone they suspect might harm them, even if it is a false assumption. No other country would have such a law. It is a very divided and angry society with a very large poor or homeless population. When I go back home, I do not discuss anything with anyone until I know what extreme views they have then just nodded in agreement. They support the destruction of your country and slaughtering your family because they have a different set of values..The government is 90% in favor of attacking and murdering Russians so they can capture the resources for a few companies

[@Peace-ed5wb]

Nope… Never !!! 🇷🇺 no need relations with 🇺🇸. I don’t believe for 🇺🇸 government. 🇺🇸 want destroy 🇷🇺.

[@adriansherman3290]

I think you've made a great career move Rachel. Love your work on RT

[@nicholasthebest9993]

You're a brave girl. Wish you all the best ❤

[@MedicalStudentChannel]

We all support you Rachel !

[@Александрневажно-ь2н]

Эхо Войны! Бывает!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you!

[@olaga-va9816]

Рэйчел, здравствуйте. Иностранцы мёрзнут в России потому что слишком легко одеваются. Как только они покупают зимнюю обувь ( желательно на натуральном меху) , тёплую одежду , восприятие холодной погоды меняется . Сталкивалась с таким ) В холодную погоду в Москве очень много развлечений помимо улицы.Есть множество музеев с аудиогидами на английском языке. Есть кафе с безглютеновой едой, поиск в яндексе выдаёт их множество. В обычной жизни всегда можно воспользоваться гугл переводчиком, если собеседник не владеет английским. В основном общаюсь с японцами ,и их очень удивляет как легко у нас люди идут на контакт и во всем стараются помочь. Не стесняйтесь обращаться за помощью к находящимся рядом 🙂

[@yuligab1493]

Exactly! Если мерзнешь, может нужны шерстяные носки, теплая кофта, ботинки что-то типа финской куомы))) и можно часами гулять)))

[@sergeyivanov7363]

Оля, я хотел бы добавить что иностранцы - это очень широкий термин :-). Дело в том что не одни только русские живут в холодном климате, среди них тоже есть люди, не хуже русских понимающие толк в холодах и зимней одежде. Те же канадцы. У них зима реально жесткая.В США тоже немало мест на севере страны ( я говорю даже не про Аляску ), где зимой может быть совсем не жарко. Есть Финляндия, Швеция и Норвегия. Там зимы тоже бывают снежные и холодные. На том же севере Германии при минус 10 вы будете мёрзнуть как в России при минус 25 из-за влажности и ветра… Хотя там такие морозы бывают обычно непродолжительный период. На самом северо-востоке Китая, на границе с нашим Дальним Востоком зимой пару месяцев подряд тоже может стоять температура в пределах -20 -30 по Цельсию. В мире, на самом деле, есть страны или районы каких-то стран где люди не хуже чем в России понимают что такое холодная зима и как с этим правильно бороться 😀

[@gorbachevaol]

В Москве тепло, достаточно куртки. Какой мех 😂, вы же не в Сибири

[@yuligab1493]

@@gorbachevaol так она когда здесь была, это ж на НГ. Ну если гулять часами, то не достаточно просто куртки))) мы с детьми в парках по 3 часа могли гулять, потом грелись, но и одевались очень хорошо. Шерстяные носки is a must, даже шерстяные безрукавки надевали. А потом спокойно в снегу могли валяться.

[@holeyteller307]

Теперь я смотрю RT почаще... до глубокой ночи😊

[@holeyteller307]

@@MaxFedotoff Зашибись. Возможно я бы спросил рекомендации у этого русского, если бы были нужны🤔

[@deshtechno]

Rachel, hello from Moscow, and thank you for your hard work, I think it's very important.

[@tanyadolgovsky4234]

Rachel, you are experiencing what every person around the world does moving to a different country. And I am not talking study abroad or vacation type of travel. It’s lack of family and friends, it’s cultural differences… many factors add up and you happened to travel at one of most challenging times in Russia’s history. We watch you, your work is important. Looking forward to more content from you. You and Kim Iverson are the ones worth listening to. Thank you!

[@VHSKacceta]

Далеко не самый сложный период в России за её историю и даже не один из них, на данный момент. Думаешь сегодняшние события могут встать в один ряд с Отечественной войной 1812? Революцией 1917? Гражданская войной? ВОВ? 90-ми?

[@dmitrya9383]

@@VHSKacceta Они просто переживают СВОЙ самый сложный период за последние восемьдесят лет, и считают, что и в России должно быть так же.

[@БатырРаджабов-ю3ч]

Moscow is a city with a very rich cultural life, every day there are many various cultural events for every taste. Of course, without the help of your Russian friends, it will be difficult for you to sort out the events. There are also a large number of beautiful museums in Moscow. For example, the Diamond Fund and the Armory in the Kremlin, the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, the Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno, Kuskovo Estate Museum, the Cosmonautics Museum and many others. I am sure that in winter, when it is gray and cold outside, going to the museum is a good opportunity to get acquainted with Russian culture and have a great day. There are also a large number of good restaurants in Moscow, sometimes you can go there and enjoy delicious cuisine.😊 Greetings from Uzbekistan!

[@alinaalb1275]

You should visit Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk and places around since you are close by 😁

[@valdanilov]

Thank you for being honest and sincere! FWIW, from my own experience relocating to another county in my 20's, the very best thing you can do to improve the quality of your life abroad is to learn the language and mingle with locals. I wish you all the best! ❤

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you!

[@ИванЕмельянов-н4й]

Скоро Май! самый чудесный и приятный месяц в России) Солнышко, свежий тёплый ветерок, бабочки, цветочки и прочие краски) Эх скорей бы)

[@JIUNnF]

Главное на клеща не напороться в лесу лужайке лесистой местности(проверять одежду, быть привитым в феврале от заболеваний ими переносимых). Хотя парки Москвы от них должны обрабатываться от них а выезд на природу позволяет обследовать их отсутствие. Скоро берёзовый сок пойдёт. Белый гриб.

[@ernykei]

Ну не знаю, я с тоской провожаю зиму, и с ужасом предвкушаю жару, от которой никуда не деться.

[@ИванЕмельянов-н4й]

@@ernykei Я тоже, вот и пишу что май самый приятный)

[@ВольфМаксим-з3п]

Всё что ты перечислила не имеет значения. Самый чудесный этот месяц потому, что в этом месяце мой день рождения. 🤪😁

[@MishkoWtF]

@@JIUNnF Клещ в москве? ну такая себе гипотеза

[@learn-russian]

Hello Rachel, I subscribed to your channel a few months ago. You are a great journalist. I think the main problem of moving abroad is the lack of communication. If you could understand and speak Russian at least a little, then half of your stress would not even exist. By the way, you are a talented speaker. Good luck.👍

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words ☺

[@miloserneculaes3001]

She cant. She is an american. They speak only english.

[@erikbruner]

@@miloserneculaes3001 I'm an American, living in Australia and I speak English, Russian and Mandrin (that's Chinese)

[@miloserneculaes3001]

@@erikbruner and? give me some numbers, not your story. "Around two-thirds of Americans cannot speak a second language Nearly 40% percent of Americans don’t care about learning a second language. Only 23% of Americans speak one-second language. Just over 1 in 10 can speak 2 or more languages."

[@miloserneculaes3001]

@@erikbruner "The results reveal that a whopping 92% of European students* learn at least one language in school. Compare this data to the United States, where it’s revealed that only 20% of school-aged children (K-12) take a foreign language class. " Best country in the world, right? 😁

[@vladz6202]

Привет, Рэйчел. Мне нравится ваша искренность. Я бы с удовольствием помог вам адаптироваться, если бы жил рядом с вами в Москве, хотя, в школе я учил немецкий язык ) Моя мама работала в США два года и ей тоже было трудно приспособиться в другой стране. Она жила в семье выходцев из Ирландии и до сих пор с ними переписывается. Спасибо за вашу работу. Желаю вам успеха в работе и личной жизни. Большой вам привет из Ленинградской области! Вы молодец

[@DataJYdocs]

👌

[@ИмяФамилия-о6л5б]

Да тут не ты один, кто хотел бы её адаптировать.

[@EnRouteToMoon]

Of course I want to watch a Part III ☺ I live in Moscow almost all my life and it's fascinating to see the picture through the eyes of a foreigner.👀🤠

[@aak72537]

Thank you so much for sharing your story! You are amazing to be able to make it through that experience.

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words ☺

[@AHTOIIIKA]

Hi Rachel, hope you'll enjoy staying in Moscow, im also living here :) Thanks for sharing and true experience you had.

[@gabrieltreewolf4618]

Thank you for a real life share!!!! Rachel I have watched you on you Tube about the time you started. I am proud of you as a journalist going to Russia sharing your now! !!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much ☺

[@oldbagira2192]

Moving and working in Moscow is stressful even for us Russian citizens. Moscow is a huge city with a frantic pace. Russia is a large country with different climatic zones, and even we Russians ourselves need to get used to it for a long time in order to climatize in another region of the country. I live in the north of Siberia and the frosts are more severe here. But when I come to Moscow, I get cold because of winds and high humidity that are not usual for me.

[@antonborodin7383]

Привет сибирякам ) из Красноярска )) тоже сейчас в Москве))

[@AnnaK377]

Жила в Сургутском районе Тюменской области, переехала в Ростов-на-Дону зимой и чуть не околела 🤣. Вот где влажность и ветра🤦‍♀️

[@gorbachevaol]

Привет из Сибири, первый раз слышу, чтобы сибиряку было холодно в Москве. Здесь даже зимней одежды (по меркам Сибири) нет.

[@enevoldt]

You 're my hero!

[@RTYoda1979]

Great video, was really interesting! Good luck! Would be great to see more

[@Stairway666]

Following you since time ago, and I really appreciate your work. You're one of the best journalist around the world. This is one of your best videos. One of the most sincere... Congrats for that. I wish you all the best. You deserve it. And, believe it or not, you're an example for so many people who passed the same experience but aren't able to share this kind of experience through a video. I really hope the third part of this saga... You really earned the appreciation of many people and I'm glad you start to have a bigger community. Do what you do Rachel, we know you will do a great job... And for that, it worth to follow in any of your platforms. Keep going!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate it ☺

[@jelena526]

Dear Rachel, thank you for your honesty, you are beautiful person, stay strong and all the best for the future!

[@earlrasmussen4487]

Thank you!!!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thanks so much fro the tip, Earl! I really appreciate it!

[@aliceshorr]

After living for 3 years in California, I miss people in the streets, not cars 😊

[@Steal_ex]

I hope you manage to find friends here. Other foreigners noticed that our friendship is stronger. Relationships are deeper. We are responsive and will always help. And from your words I realized that you need it, so that someone would support, teach, motivate just to go out for a walk and keep company. Sorry for the software translation.

[@Ри.т]

@Казбек Аликов there are still differences in relationships in cultures, look into coconut and peach cultures concept

[@Ри.т]

@Казбек Аликов it's not my personal ”allegory", google it ;) From the first article that came up (Harvard Business Review): ”In peach cultures like the USA or Brazil people tend to be friendly (“soft”) with new acquaintances. They smile frequently at strangers, move quickly to first-name usage, share information about themselves, and ask personal questions of those they hardly know. But after a little friendly interaction with a peach, you may suddenly get to the hard shell of the pit where the peach protects his real self and the relationship suddenly stops. In coconut cultures such Russia and Germany, people are initially more closed off from those they don’t have friendships with. They rarely smile at strangers, ask casual acquaintances personal questions, or offer personal information to those they don’t know intimately. But over time, as coconuts get to know you, they become gradually warmer and friendlier. And while relationships are built up slowly, they also tend to last longer. Coconuts may react to peaches in a couple of ways. Some interpret the friendliness as an offer of friendship and when people don’t follow through on the unintended offer, they conclude that the peaches are disingenuous or hypocritical. Such as the German in Brazil who puzzled: “In Brazil people are so friendly - they are constantly inviting me over for coffee. I happily agree, but time and again they forget to tell me where they live.” Igor Agapov, a Russian colleague, was equally surprised to experience the pit of the peach on his first trip to the United States: “I sat next to a stranger on the airplane for a nine-hour flight to New York. This American began asking me very personal questions: was it my first trip to the U.S., what was I leaving behind in Russia, had I been away from my children for this long before? He also shared very personal information about himself. He told me he was a bass player and talked about how difficult his frequent travelling was for his wife, who was with his newborn child right now in Florida.” In response, Agapov started to do something unusual in Russian culture. He shared his personal story thinking they had built an unusually deep friendship in a short period of time. The sequel was quite disappointing: “I thought that after this type of connection, we would be friends for a very long time. When the airplane landed, imagine my surprise when, as I reached for a piece of paper in order to write down my phone number, my new friend stood up and with a wave of his hand said, ‘Nice to meet you! Have a great trip!’ And that was it. I never saw him again. I felt he had purposely tricked me into opening up when he had no intention of following through on the relationship he had instigated.” Others are immediately suspicious. A French woman who visited with my family in Minnesota was taken aback by the Midwest’s peachiness: “The waiters here are constantly smiling and asking me how my day is going! They don’t even know me. It makes me feel uncomfortable and suspicious. What do they want from me? I respond by holding tightly onto my purse.” On the other hand, coming from a peach culture as I do, I was equally taken aback when I came to live in Europe 14 years ago. My friendly smiles and personal comments were greeted with cold formality by the Polish, French, German, or Russian colleagues I was getting to know. I took their stony expressions as signs of arrogance, snobbishness, and even hostility.”

[@Ри.т]

Or from another one: ”People from Peach cultures are said to be “soft” on the outside: Friendly to people they have just met, frequently smile at strangers, chat, share information (not necessarily deep conversation), and even share pictures. They are very nice and helpful to strangers. However, when you get past the initial friendliness, you see a very private self that they protect for a select few. That is the hard pit in the middle of the peach. The complaint you often hear is that they are friendly when you first get to know them, but it is difficult to become real friends. In addition, this may lead people to assume individuals from a Peach culture are superficial, hypocritical, and fake. People from Coconut cultures are described as “hard” on the outside: Rarely smile at a stranger, do not engage in conversations easily, do not talk about personal information with strangers, and mostly keep to themselves or stay with their close friends and family. These people may be neutral towards you for a long time. However, if you manage to break through their outer shell, they tend to become loyal friends who will accept you as family. Words associated with people from a Coconut culture may include standoffish, hostile, and unfriendly.”

[@НиколайКленов-л1м]

@@user-mm5kj8iq2n Всё просто : кокос - твердый снаружи , но мягкий внутри ( это русские люди ) , персик - наоборот , мягкий снаружи , но косточка внутри ( западный минталитет ) . Если и это не понятно , то разжую : русские - неулыбчивые и сначало не контактные , как кожура кокоса . Но , как только вы сближаетесь и знакомитесь поближе , то становятся надёжными друзьями . Западные люди - мягкие и улыбчивые снаружи ( персик ) , но при сближении , вы наталкиваетесь на " косточку " и дружба , скорее будет поверхностная . )

[@earlrasmussen4487]

Rachel, you are an exceptional journalist with amazing insight and perspectives. Thank you for sharing your journey and emotions! Overcoming the challenges show the strength of your character and you as a person! Life is an adventure! Best wishes moving forward! Have an amazing day and week! Thank you!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much for your kinds words, Earl. That means a lot! I appreciate it ☺

[@ВадимКоролев-л9б]

Greating from Australia. Rachel, you are a grate person, your vlog is incredibly interesting, your diction and pronunciation is just perfect - such professional ! Take care of yourself .💟

[@tomvanmeurs4864]

You are doing a tremendously important job, Rachel by bringing people together, making friends instead of enemies. Your videos are going to be on my Facebook.

[@bittertruth3295]

Nice knowing that Russian 🇷🇺 people are very accomodatiing to foreigners. 😁👍🏻

[@horridohobbies]

Thanks for sharing your story. Much appreciated.

[@nastassiamikhailova]

I’ve experienced a lot of what you are talking about when travelling to the US as a student. Our journey lasted for about three days - overnight train from my hometown to Moscow, sometime there and a flight to Frankfurt, a layover, another flight to Chicago, a bus trip to Wausau, then waiting for the pick-up, a car ride. I couldn’t keep my eyes open when we arrived at the destination. I was exhausted, plus jetlag. Although I spoke English, it was hard to understand the locals. It took about a couple of weeks to adjust to the English spoken there. I think television helped me a lot with this. I also didn’t eat much the first days. Food was different. There was a lot of dry food, which was not good for my stomach used to soups and porridges on a regular basis. I also got sick upon arrival, because there were air conditioners everywhere. Culture shock, acclimatization, things you go through no matter where you are going… But those memories have faded away over time. I remember other things more - people I worked and made friends with, international parties, the flight over the lake country of Wisconsin, the boat ride on one of the lakes, the trip to Chicago, the dolphin show at Shedd aquarium, the view from the Sears Tower and many other nice things. I do not regret the time spent abroad!

[@letterbox203]

Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your difficult experience of your first year in Russia. Now I know almost exactly how I will feel if I move there for some months from New England. I think my biggest barrier would be the language and second is trying to do everything myself instead of asking for help, and third is the gray sky and cold winters - very unlike Texas!

[@ЕленаМрочко-г1ц]

1)Изучайте язык хотя бы на начальном уровне. 2)Изучите места, куда бы интересно было пойти.3) не бойтесь подходить и знакомиться с людьми. Русские очень общительны. Всегда помогут. 4) заводите друзей в незнакомой стране. Может даже заранее хотя бы за несколько месяцев до переезда , например, через интернет. Привет из Беларуси 🤗

[@loumcast]

It was very interesting listening to your struggles/adjustments with your new job and life in the Russian capital, glad to hear your ups and downs have helped you to grow internally and professionally, that you're in a better mood and that those initial frustrations/hardships are behind you now. Try to focus on the new positive things in life, your new job and new city. Looks like your efforts and perseverance with your KZbin channel are paying off, I have been watching you for a little while now and the number of subscribers keep increasing, must be because of your good reporting, truthful analysis and well thought out commentaries on geopolitics/world affairs. Most people like me tune into journalists like you because we are looking for honest unbiased reporting, something we can't get from the traditional news media outlets in the good old USA. You can criticize your country, and still love it/be loyal to it, criticism is good, especially when you see all the wrong doings/injustices and abuses being committed by your government and its elective officials around the world. Most times, criticism brings about changes, and that is the only way to proceed/change civil/democratic societies. Keep doing a great job with your opinions/facts about Ukraine and the rest of the world, we love listening to your analysis/commentaries. Good luck with your U tube channel, you deserve a lot more subscribers.

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the encouragement ☺

[@lewis4122]

Brilliant. So, interesting.

[@cougsjohnson1]

People have been very mean to me because they don't understand why I'm subscribed to a wide variety of Channels that are Conservative. I needed to see your video, because you just helped solved a huge debate. Just because people like you are critical of the US, does not mean that you hate your Country! I think this "Raw" video is really going to go a long way showing people who you truly are as a Person. Great Video!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much! That's it, exactly. I'm critical of the U.S. Government because I believe that they can and should be doing so much better for the American people.

[@noam3]

@@RachelBlevins And the U.S. Government should be doing so much better for people in other countries, especially in the Global South where U.S. foreign policy has been so brutal. Wherever you land, I hope you consider more KZbin videos. A Part Three of "Life In Moscow" would be awesome. You could make a career, and a schedule that works for you, out of the thoughtful analysis and heart you bring to social media. Maybe before you leave Moscow, you could do a vlog - not some big, time-consuming, polished production - but just some video snippets and comments from a place like the Losiny Ostrov National Park. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Losiny_Ostrov_National_Park Being out in nature can be so healing - especially with greener, sunnier days right around the corner.🌿 Thanks for all the intelligence (emotional and political), humor and soul you bring to this sometimes dreary and depressing world. peace kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIGbnpmseKx-r8k

[@Maks4511]

Incredibly exciting, touching and sincere video, Rachel! Very interesting, thanks!😊

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much!

[@videoalfer]

Rachel, your channel is the best discovery for me! You’re coming through tough times you will remember for the whole life, as I remember my trip to US back in 2000. Hopefully you will stay more and enjoy Moscow the best way possible. As a local person with fluent English I would be happy to help you. Feel free to message me.

[@stanleylaham8932]

You are an admirable young woman Rachel.

[@jgperez]

Rachel, having been a foreign correspondent many decades ago, so much of what you said about adapting to life in Moscow brought back memories and really rang true. But based on my experience: stay at least another year. Even make it open-ended, at least for a while, say to yourself that you might stay until the situation in Ukraine gets sorted out, or at least goes to a different stage. That's what I did covering the wars in Central America in the 1980's. I went down for maybe a year, in 1983 I think it was, came back in 1988, having decided to abandon journalism after all I'd seen, yet a few months later, I agreed to a three-week free-lance assignment from CNN, and stayed until they "restructured" me out of my job, more than two decades later. What made me valuable and effective at CNN was especially my years in Central America -- and how that made me critical of our own government but in a different way than I'd been before (I was a 1960's rebel but because of those experiences and others abroad, never made my peace with the status quo. And if there is any way you can possibly finagle it -- get RT to send you to cover something in the Donbas or talk to the refugees. Convince your bosses that it'll be unique -- a close up look at the human drama of those people through Texan eyes. Best of luck. You give me hope for the future of my craft (journalism), of my countries (especially one of them, the USA), and of my race (the human one).

[@ЮрийОрлов-ш9ц]

Great video! I've subscribed on your channel because of the previous video where you shared your experience about living in Moscow. It's always interesting how people from different countries see us Russians and our country. When you live everyday life it's very difficult to compare, but others fresh view helps to understand what we already reached and how we could make our home even better. Hope this comment would not look too official)) Hope to see other videos from you. For example when you will travel to other cities in Russia, not only Moscow or St.Petersburg. I think it will be very interesting content and help you to develop your channel!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you for subscribing! I will definitely keep that in mind ☺

[@Plushvelvet]

Nice video! Don’t stop, Rachel, your efforts and energy during the rainy or snowy Russian days will definitely be rewarded at least with our love and sending positive vibes to you 😊

[@andrewdawson6155]

Hi Rachel, great story of yours! Summer here in Moscow are closer than it seems now and everithing gonna be fine)). Keep doin' whatcha doin' and be honest and strong as you are. Waiting for another part 3 of your vlog! All the best! ; )

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you!

[@MugsMunny]

Thanks for the honest share of your experience. From my experience, what really makes the difference when I move to a new place is the ability to make meaningful relationships. I am sure when you will have good friends you will really enjoy living in Russia. In any case, as my father used to say, there is no bad experience unless you don't learn anything new from it. Best wishes for the future, I hope you never stop reporting the truth, wherever you are.

[@MrBoxer1200]

We need more honest journalists, from U.S and traveled to Russia, I hear you. Love your take on travel and how we are all the same in many ways with our interesting differences.

[@arseniy_viktorovich]

We're all here can't wait for the spring to come! The best season in Russia. Also, if you're thinking about visiting Saint P., I guess May or June would be best time for that.

[@andykho8952]

Your most difficult times is what a refugee goes through every day, and it will be especially harder for the women with young infants to care for. Thank you for sharing and it dies put things in perspective for me.

[@JaneJannie]

Your videos are interesting and you are very nice, I'm glad that your channel is doing well! 🤗

[@wilvanveen3290]

Thank you for your honest story and happy for you you feel better now. You for sure have a very valuable experience on age 28.

[@MikeOnkyo]

That was very funny: its 0C, so it's basically summer)))) nice! PS That was the best VLOG ever LOL)))

[@RachelBlevins]

Haha thank you!

[@_vld9502]

Молодец Рэйчел, ты на правильной стороне истории👌

[@_vld9502]

@@PaPyRene Yes, in Russia

[@terryivanov5435]

You been doing an amazing job, you are a great story teller, please keep this going, do not discourage yourself. Moscow is a great place to be, aside from the routine difficulties.

[@JaneJannie]

I think people just want to know more about your human side, personality and adventures in a new country because they want to get to know you better, which is why they often ask to make vlogs ☺ And why do you think that the fact that it was hard for you at the beginning (and still is hard) must necessarily cause ridicule and gloating in the comments? On the contrary, it is very natural to experience all these difficulties, and it rather causes sympathy and empathy. Even if it's just normal that you have a hard time getting used to other living conditions in another country, I still sympathize with you (especially because of the difficulties in communication due to the language). Poor thing 🥺 In addition, it is very common for Russians to rely on people around and ask about everything / ask for help, and Americans often try to cope with everything on their own, which makes life in a new place much more difficult (well, that is, it seems to me). But maybe you would ask for help if the people you contacted knew English? PS I think if I had to move to the USA (not for tourism, but to live there), I would have gone crazy...

[@СерхиоБускетс-ф7я]

you are confusing something. Russians never ask for help and don't help unless you ask for it yourself, in America it's the other way around.

[@RachelBlevins]

Those are good points to consider. Thank you for your comment!

[@gerardosaucedo1309]

Pro Part Three. Good luck!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you!

[@dropthumb2]

Thanks for sharing all of that, Rachel. I was spellbound the whole time...really feeling for your difficult hardships and also cheering you for having conquered them as well as you have. I don't recall exactly when I discovered you and your videos but I've been a big fan ever since. You've provided some great insightful, informed perspectives with your reporting as an American in Moscow. And being so open and generous about your personal journey is really appreciated and admired.

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much! I really appreciate the kind words ☺

[@konstantin7406]

Rachel, believe me, you will have a lot of friends in Moscow! 😊

[@x.3115]

Dear Rachel, a very familiar feeling of being extremely homesick, :) but just the other way around: I felt pretty much the same when after graduating from high school in Moscow I moved to Boston to study at BU. First couple of months were exhausting: it's all because of those little things that drive you nuts: bread and butter tasted differently, cheeses, even milk were not like in Russia. No classic cottage cheese, etc. ) Not mentioning that you bed clothes consist of 2 sheets instead of a sheet and a blanket case :) And your pillows were not square but RECTANGULAR! (that was back in the mid-90's, so Russians for the most part slept on traditional square pillows). So yes - first 4-6 months in an unfamiliar environment could be harsh. Godd luck to you, enjoy your time in Moscow!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much, and thank you for sharing! You're right... nothing tastes the same as food in your home country!!

[@thephillygirl108]

Hi Nikita! Do you currently live in Boston or moved back to Russia? I have lived in the US since 2010, my daughter was born here, we are Americans by citizenship,but sometimes I want to move back to Russia, to Moscow. But the weather is the main reason why I am not in Russia

[@x.3115]

@@thephillygirl108 HI, yes, I moved back to Russia after graduating. But I have visited the States many times since - we used to travel coast-to-coast by car almost every year. Now is not the best time to go to the US, as you know, although I hope this changes some time soon - we need to live in peace with each other.

[@Hella333]

There are Americans in Moscow. Here is the link to one of them. youtube.com/@expatamerican3234 I think he has a few friends from the US. It’s heartbreaking to hear you struggle. You definitely need friends. I get that it seems hard, but in Russia they don’t do superficial pleasantries, so those things that typically drain introverts are pretty much non existent - you can just be yourself. If you don’t feel well physically or emotionally you can just say so - no need to pretend that everything is fine. I remember my friends and I when we first came to US were so surprised how many Americans go to a shrink. We were like: “That’s what friends are for” :)

[@ДмитрийВолодин-о5е]

Сейчас я смотрю на сильную, смелую и красивую и умную женщину, у которой обязательно всё получится, удачи тебе Рейчел.

[@sergeischmakov1484]

Thank You Rachael for this segment! I don't know if you will read this or not, but I take a chance, just like you did🙂 Greatly appreciate your honest story. There are too many "soapy" fairytales in the media space. Step by step is a great strategy in life, especially during current global situation. I would add to that "seven times knocked down, eight times got up". Perseverance is a key. Russia is not the easiest place to live and work right now, but history is being changed through it yet again. Please continue your work and segments on media platforms. Your influence on peoples minds and hearts is boundless, please remember that! THANK YOU🙏🙏🙏🌹

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you so much for the kind words! You're right... perseverance is definitely key!

[@sergeischmakov1484]

@@RachelBlevins Good luck Rachel! Will wait for your new works. I'm pretty sure you already now some Russian. It's really peculiar tongue, very few speakers know it wel, Just like English it's

[@sergeischmakov1484]

Sorry I mistyped. Russian is very flexible just like English, no need to know it perfectly. It does make a BIG difference to know just few words. I truly admire your brave effort. Wish you good luck luck with new adventures🙂🤞🌹

[@olgaashcheulova915]

Omg I felt so sorry for you. I would love to be your friend here, at least somebody who can say where to take gluten free food (ozon;)) Take care, you are wonderful. Spring comes and it must get better ❤️ love

[@Dan-DJCc]

Keep your chin up, kiddo. You have developed into one of the premier world affairs analysts out there. All of us love the rigor and scope of research you bring to your reporting. Others ramble around or nip at the edges but unlike those you are able to robustly identify the facets of an issue and distill the essence into a concise, complete accurate analysis. That is a rare skill and you have it. And that is something everyone should be talking about!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you very much for the kinds words! I really appreciate it ☺

[@blakewillshowyou]

Super great video! Well done! You're a terrific person! Keep up the awesome work!! Thanks so much for sharing your story!

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you! I appreciate the kind words ☺

[@aleksandarzigic547]

Thank you Rachel for telling us about your experience in Moscow. One piece of advice, you should definitely come to Serbia, to Belgrade, to work in RT Balkan :D It's the same as Russia, only with a lot more sun, and we South Slavs love socializing, music, and you have direct flights to America and back. ;)

[@JaneJannie]

Oh well, it's understandable that you love your family, your country and you're used to life there, that you're an American who just wants the best for her country. I don't think that life in Russia will change your passions, values, or yourself that much (it shouldn't), but it can just tell more about the world around you, show a different perspective on things... on the other hand. I think it's just interesting and fun (though difficult). Well, just to better understand people from other countries and better negotiate with them, probably like that. By the way, we in Russia also do not agree with everything, especially in matters of domestic policy, but this does not mean at all that while criticizing we hate our country or wish to become citizens of another country. It's just sometimes difficult to remain indifferent to some problems.

[@Paul_delahaye]

Good for you Rachel! You are a courageous person . I also watch your reporting and you have a great style and content :)

[@ananke2104]

O God , I understand you so much Rachel . I went through very similar situation . Moved from Europe to North America . First 5 years I cried my eyes out . I don't cry anymore because I don't have any tears left . The difference between your circumstances and mine is , you always can go home . I can't because I don't have a country anymore . Some people easily adopt to everything and some people don't . I wish you all the best and hope you will have a good life in Russia .

[@JaneJannie]

oh, and all this homesickness and being in a completely different climate zone... poor thing, really... It's very hard. I really hope you're feeling a little better here now 🥺

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you!

[@subtlesubstance8084]

Brave girl! Good luck and surround yourself with good people and friends which u definitely can find here in Moscow. Tell more about yourself in vlogs please and yes, learn russian it will make your inner world twice volumetric. Like stereo sound comparing to mono. Knowing 2 or more languages enriches you👍🏻

[@operationzenith6030]

You are a great story teller. Enjoyed - thanks

[@stanspb763]

I am really surprised you had such a hard time way from family. Moscos is not my favorite city but I can't think of one now in my home country, USA that is a better quality of life, access to culture, safe, friendly and open. I have been in 92 countries and loved them all and could have easily lived in any of them. I have been in St Petersburg Russia 23 years and have loved every minute of it. I have returned every 4-5 years to California but the changes each span of that period is shocking to me and not in a good way. I am old enough to remember my favority city was the best in the US for culture, diversity, beauty, San Franciso is not a hollow shell that has been destroyed by wokism, dirty, homeless everywhere, stepping over human fecies and passout drug addicts all over the old city center that used to be the shopping and arts area. I stopped visiting Socal or Bay Area because it was too upsetting. I sensed what was happening to the US and although I had a few successful businesses, I abruptly gaved everything away in 2000, and left 3 weeks to the day from when the notion hit me. It took work almost 24 hours a day with lawyers and accounts to give everything from several business, many cars, a collection of restored classic Italian GTs, a horse ranch, plane, and several houses. Life had gotten so complicated and regulated I was working constant to just satisfying the thousands of regulations,filings, permits, licenses etc (for example when we had a drought in the Serria Nevada Mountains my 100 year old hand dug well had dried up so I tried to hire a drilling rig to go down from 30feet to 240. I drilled them before myself but not that deep. The drilling company said new regulations require I get a few permits. So I went to the country offices and started a 3 week process of satisfying 13 different agencies that claimed control of my right to drill a hole on my property. I never did get all the permits because some were in direct contradion to other state or federal agencies. The usual $400 fee for drilling and casing turned out to be $72,000. And no guarantee that water would be there. ( rented a drill truck from Nevada and didi it at night and got good water at 144 feet). That was just the start of over control by 13 different agencies. That was 12 years before I suddenly pulled the plug on a country my ancestors came to in 1723. We were the first Europeans living in northern California, before John Sutter and the gold rush, the only non-indiginous people in Northern California was the coastal settlement at was is now called the Russian River, when North America was claimed by the tsar. That community left thinking it was worthless land since they had trapped all the beaver. They left in 1842 just before gold was discovered. So I was the first in the family since 1736when a relative left the new world to return to Scotland. After giving everything away except for some electronic test quipment, a car thst was too complicated to give away, thousands of photo print, and RIAA gold and platinum album awards that were left in a storage unit. I landed and took a bus from the airport to the nearest metro station and ended up with 2 suitcases, and $6000 in my pocket, on Nevsky Prospect with no idea of where to life or how to support myself. Everyone must have thought I was nuts, a 51 yr guy standing there with a grin ear to ear. I have loved every minute of watching and participating in the improvements that happen every year here. It DOES improve constantly while the US has been in steep decline for the average person, since the mid 70s. Americans seem to not notice because it is gradual but not seeing it for 4-5 year is shocking how bad it has come since each prior visit. Every trait of collapsing cultures is present, aggression crashing birth rates, 55% of adults are single, the most regulated spied on and regulated people on earth. I have been all over and no country is subjected to the intense daily propaganda in society in recorded history. Living in Russia is like moving from a dusty dark coal mine to fresh air.. I had visited many time starting in 1976 and a lot in the terrible but exciting 90s that was living on the edge. After seen the serious attempts by the new president to tackle corruption, the US made Oligarchs, rise the life expectancy, etc from the new president, I felt like an explorer arriving in a new land. The changes from the 90s were dramatic. I had a great time, meeting new people, most of them pretty girls, exploring the culture options, and the improvements were seen constantly. I ended up starting a few small businesses, one became large, going from 1 employ to 68 in 18 months, another is one I run out my city center apartment, a repair shop for pro audio equipment for studios, venues and musicians. and a photostudio. The main business was incoming tourism until covid shut down tourism. This is the lowest stress, friendliest city, low cost of living highly cultured city in the world. I still do not have or ever will have TV, I do not even know anyone under 65 yo who watches TV, there is far much real life to engage in daily, fun, exciting and safe... To see some who is not old and set in their ways be so depressed by and stressed by living in such a vibrant active cultured city like Moscow or St Petersburg is really surprising, You are too young to be so clinging to habits. Depressed and stressed are two words I would not associate with any of my young friends here. Most of my friends are 20-40 year old, because we have so much in common, and very little in common with people my age. Good luck, I hope you come out of your shock and embrace the very rare opportunity you have been given, and dive into the culture and vibrancy of the society. Russia is on the upswing, a key member of BRICS++ and right in the heart of the new pole of a multipolar world that is shifting the economic and innovation center of the universe from the 400 years of domination by Europe then US empire. Europe grew rich by colonizing Asia, Central Aria, Middle East, Africa and South America and exploiting their resources. That is ending, those countries are becoming independent ot the collective west and the decline is accellerating. Being in the heart of this once in a thousand year event should my any news oriented person to be giddy with excitement.

[@user-anadgob]

Интересный рассказ, спасибо!

[@Andrey_Bodrey75]

Stan, thank you! Your comments about Russia and your experience of comparing Russia and America are always interesting to read! Good luck to you!👍✌️

[@Iz_Belgoroda_user-nx5ie4hu9u]

Классный комментарий, спасибо

[@ALVARA80ify]

A very interesting informative comment !👍

[@YvetteB-kd5lv]

Hi Stan from Yvette in Canada! I read with delight your wonderful, insightful post and I wanted to thank you personally for your sharing your experiences and deep knowledge. it is a pleasure to learn from you and from Rachel, thanks again, Yvette

[@kapk]

Wouldn't have guessed your troubles settling in. You seem completely at ease and professional on air, and are very effective in presenting the news. It would be great if you could return to more regular scheduling like before. To be in Russia/Moscow during this tectonic shift in world affairs is an amazing opportunity, and much more interesting than anything else at home, honestly. Hope you can persist taking the gauntlet and forge through. There is so much you can do and show the world.

[@the_thtp]

You are awesome and brave, that really impressive! About doctor: I bet, he was just checking if your symptoms was coused by stress)

[@Minato_Tendo]

What you have done alone is admirable, and even more so in the current circumstances, it is a very big change in all aspects. You have been very brave and I think that when time passes you will value that experience even more. Wherever you go, there will always be things that you like more or less, but the important thing is to find, above all, what really excites you, and with that, any little bump in the road feels more and more insignificant. As an emigrant too (I write from Spain, but I am from Eastern Europe), I can fully understand how you felt at the beginning, because you really leave a whole life, your family and friends, your house, everything that was your world and you leave to adventure, to a country with a different culture, other customs, even a different lifestyle and at first when you don't speak the language you feel a little lost, nostalgic, even scary, and at other times a little lonely because we are human and we need to socialize. But that is an initial stage that happens to all of us who change countries, but life does not stop and at a certain moment without realizing it turns out that you already have your circle of friends, you already enjoy the city in which you live and you assume it as part of your life, not as a huge and foreign place, and when you look back is when you really begin to be aware of everything you have experienced, lived and all the new sensations that your adoptive country has brought you . You seem like a charming person and also in Rusia there is many people who speak english, so do not think too much about that, before you know it you will meet people who are equally worthwhile and little by little you will enjoy more and more of everything that it offers you your city, and why not, the whole country, where there is a lot to see without a doubt. It is a pleasure to watch your videos and the first-hand experience of a person, who comes from so far away, and that you share your feelings and impressions in such an open way. Since you have finally found the stability after a complicated start, I hope that from here on you will gradually manage to get used to Moscow lifestyle and with that you will soon fully enjoy your stay there, and it does not have to be going out to bars, but rather exploring the city, enjoying its rich culture, meeting other compatriots and emigrants with whom to share impressions... Good luck in everything that is to come Rachel, and never give up because even if you are far from home, everywhere there are people who will make you feel at home, it is only a matter of time to find them!

[@dennismuk5809]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@elmukaltino]

Thank you so much for sharing your story, Rachel! I am Russian and I also took a chance to push a career in a foreign country for a couple of years. I resonated with almost anything you’ve shared with us about your expat experience. I can absolutely understand your of point of “I rather die here in a bed of this rented apartment than waste my last energy to deal with a language barrier at a clinic”, this is SOOOO true. Things that helped me to accommodate quicker were friends and traveling. I wish you make as many new friends as you can here in Moscow, and take all the possible travel options in Russia and elsewhere. Even if your adventure doesn’t work out, you always have an option to leave it behind and move over, but those challenges matter. I moved back to Moscow after 3 years working abroad, it simply didn’t work well for me. But I have never ever ever felt like it was a give up. Would I take this opportunity again? Absolutely! Oh and yes, jet lags coming from the US to Russia during the white night are the worst things ever. Your body clock is just going insane for a week. I absolutely recommend you try Melaxen or a similar medication. Just taking a pill for 2-3 nights prior to your eastwards flight made SUCH A BIG difference. I wish I knew about this earlier, honestly.

[@Inferlogist]

Rachel, you have an analytical mindset, and this is your lifeline, you're really great , All the difficulties that you mentioned when you moved to another country are familiar to me, but with Canada , Australia, New Zealand, etc. , I think you will agree with me , if these difficulties did not exist , then looking back at our past , we would feel that life had passed us by , and so we are lucky because we had it 🙂

[@adrenalineorthodox3794]

Thank you for the pleasant and truthful words about my country and city. Let's have a coffee and walk around the city together, I'll show and tell you so many more amazing things.

[@Skelterer]

It cannot be said that this is FAQ part 2, it is rather material for a personal psychoanalyst. Honestly, Rachel, it's clear that all it was very hard for you. Moving to another country without knowledge of the language, without friends - it's always hard, no matter where you moved from and where you moved. In my purely Russian opinion, a simple thing will help you... If you have moved to work in Russia, just become more Russian - make Russian friends, communicate more, be more open, be more social, do not hesitate to ask for help, big or small... anyone you meet on the street will help you with a very high probability. Why are you fighting alone? Change the mentality. For example, well, if you were given a room without curtains, you're hot, you have jet lag and you can't sleep.... well, why not go to the lobby and ask to change the room? Are you going to get eaten for this? What, no one at your job for 10 (!) days could help you with this? If so, call me next time... I'll help you.

[@blackcreekorganicfarm296]

Keep up the good work

[@tkosse]

Rachel, it's okay to criticize our country if what it is doing is not right. If we're not strong enough to handle that, we have bigger problems. Keep doing what you're doing.

[@karregor]

I was feeling the same way while studying in Paris in my early 20th. It is not so far from Moscow so I had an opportunity to take a flight to go home for a weekend almost every month. But anyway I felt so lonely and so homeless there! Things had changed after I made some friends. So I sincerely wish you would find some people who can fulfill your emotional life here ❤ Hold on! You are very strong young lady!

[@domovoy_sych777]

весьма правдиво, так держать!

[@littleclay5875]

An actual genuine journalist Very grateful for you and all the voices of reason I've found Thanks for your work!

[@laug66]

This was revelatory Rachel. Sorry your first year in Moscow was so often so difficult for you. You have grown and have the correct attitude to be able to see that. From what you said I sense that you are ready to call it a day after your 1-year, but I would recommend you seriously consider a 2nd year, you've been through a lot, but I can't help thinking the 2nd year is bound to be a lot easier, you have done most of the hard work in terms of adjusting, but of course, if you are projecting forward in your mind and do not envision your well-being improving then you can return to Texas having achieved a lot : )

[@RachelBlevins]

Thank you for your kinds words! I appreciate the encouragement ☺

[@denisbaribeau1812]

It was clearly a TEAM efforts Congratulations ! Never forget who is # 1 in your journey . Cheers

[@Niko-ds6wi]

The US is much closer than the UK to Russia. THE DISTANCE between the US and RUSSIA border is less than 2 miles. from my region a couple of years ago there was a direct flight to Anchorage it's only 3.5 hours flying. And also in the Northern States of the USA the weather is the same as in the same Moscow, so you just love the heat and desert and winter without winter too much

[@Verrmani22]

I'm new to this channel...My Dear Sister❤, it's nice to see you here and I found all your vlogs interesting and informative 😊. You're Kind hearted and Well Determined. I'm coming to Russia this year for my higher education 🇷🇺 in Moscow University. Take care and stay safe 😇 I wish,I can meet you once in my life.its so calming to meet person like you; who always inspire by knowledge and there's alot to learn & take advices for a better life.😃

[@DartXL]

What a horror--an introverted foreigner in a different country and climate, and so lonely. You really touched me with your sincerity. But you're doing a great job - after all, the iron curtain of media and the threat of mutual annihilation is probably the worst thing that can happen between our countries... And all this has already happened and it's as if it's coming back again. That's why people here still remember the American girl Samantha Smith, who broke through the Iron Curtain with her sincerity.

[@henningbartels6245]

introverted and working at a TV station in front of camera seems contradictive to me.

[@Inferlogist]

Мне нравится такой формат , без купюр , как есть так и говоришь , тактично но без фальши , пожалуйста продолжай такие видео , это поможет не только нам понять западный ум но и тебе Рейчел быть услышанной , к тому же ты сказала что ты интроверт , это значит что мы нужны тебе не меньше того как ты нам 🤗🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@inalinarokov8643]

0:20 мороз и солнце; день чудесный!

[@realDahenzi]

Hi, Rachel! Thank you for sharing. I'm really sorry it had to be such a struggle for you. You are a good person, you have integrity and dignity in you. The best part of your video for me was when you said you got to appreciate your home country even more. I had a similar experience when I was 20 and traveled in the US, that's when i got to know my mother Russia and fall in love with it. This is the best thing a person can gain from travelling. No matter how much you disagree with the government or whatever that your country is doing, I always find it inherently sick when people shit on their own country. Love for your home is the most natural and beautiful thing. I am so happy for you! Keep up the great work and I sincerely wish you restore your comfort zone back as soon as possible. ❤ love from St. Petersburg.