We left Russia. (Long journey!)

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We left Russia. We said an emotional goodbye to my family, left Siberia and traveled for two days, first to Saint Petersburg, where the plan was to catch a bus and leave Russia through the Russian / Estonian border at Narva and continue through Estonia, onwards to Tallinn. The land border crossing was a long, stressful and intense process. This journey turned out to be one of the most emotional and physically draining we've ever had. This will be a day we will never forget for so many reasons.
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We left Russia. (stressful border crossing!)

[@karenanddanvillines3410]

I want to thank you for your videos that highlight your family visits to Russia. As someone who raised in the 1970s, my perspective of Russia (USSR) was molded to be distrustful. I eventually grew up to recognize the irrationality of this feeling. But still, I never had any real sensory proof of how genuinely human the people of Russia actually and truly are until stumbling across your channel. Thank you.

[@ТатьянаСемёнова-г8в]

Congratulations! You have grown*)

[@michellhuber3397]

I wish you would have told us the border crossing story, since you mentioned it in your title.

[@brett8680]

For clicks

[@vaporizewise9064]

Thanks for that comment, so no reason to watch.

[@Maebbie]

and another channel to put on "dont recommend again"

[@KohaAlbert]

For those to whom to cross that border is relevant, one might want to think trice prior publishing anything, as diplomacy is rather dense between Russia and it's western neighbors - and ability to travel either way is rather clearly easily loosable privilege of a few for now. If you followed enough of their videos, you'd understand that they have their interest at both sides of the border. I do agree about click baiting - they're going to loose more followers for misleading titles like that. If the video doesn't contain the topic, it acts as a lie and people don't like being lied to.

[@Jasoos_Jasonda]

Listen here vlad, do you really not know why it was so stressful?

[@emrk6517]

How did Estonian and Finnish come to be? In the simplest of terms we (I'm Finnish) belong to an older layer of people/languages stretching from Norway and Sweden across Russia towards the Pacific Ocean. Russia/Russian is a newer layer that exists on top of these older cultures. Russia conquered these people, but some Finno-Ugric languages survive in pockets in what is today Russia, including for example the Mari and the Komi that are ethnic minorities in Russia. Many languages in our family have gone extinct, those also include Finno-Ugric languages that were spoken south of Estonia. Hungarian is our furthest linguistic relative in the south.

[@dennyschillings6]

I love your videos. We are from Chicago and have been lucky to travel the world extensively. I laughed out loud with your comments about going from St. Petersburg by bus on your way to Tallinn. We had EXACTLY the same experience at that crossing, which I recognized because of the medieval fortification at Narva. I can't wait to see your video about the crossing to compare your experience with ours. Keep up the good work.

[@matthewmatthew9485]

Can you tell me about your experience because it could be many months until we hear there story.

[@soniaclarke1171]

I really dont know how you both manage to keep travelling.I understand how hard it must be for you leaving your gran each time and it must get more painful the more you do it. Safe journeys. From UK

[@lindauhrig1513]

Hi, guys! Julia, I totally understand how hard it is to leave your family, especially your gran. I have/had relatives that live in ex-East Germany. They were caught behind the wall when it was built. Until the wall came down, we were allowed to visit them and it was sooooo hard to say goodbye and cross over the border to freedom at that time. It broke my heart. I think it is especially hard when your loved one is older because we don’t know how much time we have. It’s still hard for me when I say goodbye to my 88-year old mother. Many big bear hugs to you! I know the feeling, sweet Julia!

[@DianneDuggan-j9x]

I love watching your videos. It brings back so many memories and emotions of when we were traveling and adopting our children from Russia. So grateful for the family I have and the support I’ve had along the way.

[@joandeigan7826]

I once visited Talin, Estonia back in 2018. Beautiful city. I just loved it ❤️.

[@eksiarvamus]

*Tallinn

[@joagate3259]

Always happy to see you both. Hope your well. You show the world how people should be. Kind and caring no matter who we are. Jo

[@Dungshoveleux]

The route via Tallin has cheaper air fares back to the UK, but the border control is much worse (friends told me) Finland is much easier (our family use this route). We are using the Turkish route via Istanbul for speed but it is more expensive.

[@christianlibertarian5488]

Thank you for your video. All of us in the audience feel like we are part of your family, because of your warm personalities. Such a pleasure traveling with you two.

[@janxwazul1180]

Pretty cool couple , God bless both of you always .🙏👌👍

[@Cowboysfan40]

Loved the video! I can't even imagine how hard it was for you to leave. It is so cool to get to watch your journey. I always look forward to your videos. I'm glad you are safe. Look forward to hearing about the border crossing. Stay safe!

[@deborahhovan6464]

It’s so wonderful sharing your journey! Please be safe! ❤! Beautiful bus!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Deborah! We will 🥰❤️

[@priestessthea]

@@MattandJulia Very much looking forward to receiving your post card!

[@annecaunce]

Oh sweetheart, sending you a great big hug. You'll see your family again in no time. Remember how much you are loved and how proud they are of you. Xx

[@kazkazimierz1742]

I wish you had posted something on your border crossing problems.

[@davef.3034]

Exactly!!!!

[@tzrider....7586]

LOL! I didn't watch the video and went straight to the comments for that very reason, figured someone would mention it in the comments. Thx! I bugs me mostly because they don't really need to do that but since they do, I've stopped watching a loooong time ago.

[@Ролтун]

they used click bate

[@doninmichigan]

I figured that's what was going on, never heard of these guys, but the video popped up in my feed, and the title said it all.

[@fredfred2363]

Yeah, why the fake clickbait?!

[@o2bnov0307]

I enjoyed a two-way contact with an amateur radio station in Tallin. I'm happy you included the map. It makes the world seem like a smaller place to live.

[@williamralph5442]

Your travels are very interesting. Tallin was a gorgeous city. Thanks

[@bdmmanbdmman3526]

"parting is such sweet sorrow".......Shakespeare said it so well. I could feel the emotions when you were saying goodbye to your family. Never easy! But, keep in mind the times you spent together. Memories can not be taken away. Really curious to hear about the border crossing. I had been worried about your movements, given the state of affairs these days in that part of the world. the 28 hour layover in England is about like a Nascar pitstop. (wash your face, get some clean underwear, and your off) so glad you made it 'home' safe and sound. Can't wait for new adventure you are taking us on. Be safe. Wish you well, Chris from Ann Arbor. 💙💜💚

[@freeplace5243]

It is really nice to see how close you and your family are and how hard it was to leave, brought a tear to my eye. Matt and Julia, all the best!

[@stevechilders2624]

Love your videos! Sorry my super thanks couldn’t be bigger! Love you guys!

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Steve!!! Really appreciate it, honestly!! 🥰❤️

[@Dungshoveleux]

When my wife moved with me back to the UK, I still remember her saying goodbye to her Mother in the airport. Emotional.

[@fredbaritell3336]

Nice job on editing the video. Nice pictures and good transition. Made watching your trip enjoyable. Please add a video with details of the border crossing. Glad you made it.

[@MrSparkyjnr]

Love watching your videos guys. I was frustrated that you didn't tell us about the border crossing! Looking forward to the next adventure.

[@virgiliustancu9293]

The stress was only in their head. Clickbait.

[@hsaurid]

Concerning the very difficult border crossing, the most important thing is both of you made it out. Hold on to that thought and on your next journey, may you find time to de-stress and re-balance yourselves to go on to further travelling adventures. Thank you.

[@joannmcgowan9394]

I can’t even imagine how hard it had yo leave your family Julia, I was sad for you and I could feel the emotion. That bus looked so amazing , I’m so sorry you had trouble at the border - how stressful ❤ I loved Tallin it is so beautiful I can’t wait for the new adventure ! This is for all the complainers out here - I have been following these 2 since just shy of the beginning / this is my favorite channel ! I have learned so much from Matt and Julia! Quit your complaining and move on ❤ life is too damn short to complain ! They are awesome people ! Just enjoy the beauty ! I don’t believe for a minute they are click bait / Love you both ❤

[@philipmulville8218]

Dear Matt and Julia, I found this video very, very sad. My family has had a similar experience. I love Russia - it changed the direction of my life and enriched it in so many ways. I hope things work out for you.

[@JosetteThompson]

Oh Julia, I felt it when you were leaving your Gran and your sister. I have done it so many times and it is such a heartbreak to go so far away from your loved ones ! Looking forward to see your next adventures. Best wishes. Jos

[@TonyPeony]

Thank you for sharing your adventures. I enjoy them ❤

[@henaaabdulmajeed8934]

Enjoy your time we love you ❤️❤️

[@lindseyhauk4140]

If you are traveling to the USA, and want to visit the St. Petersburg we have here in Florida, you are welcome to come stay:)

[@michaelscottcutler3627]

The traveling looked so involved. But... Think what that same trip would've been like more than 100 years ago. I'm certain a few people made that trip, but it would've taken weeks, if not months. Once again, guys... Thanks for sharing this extraordinary video.

[@kolikoputasiljubilastranca5246]

There is constant confusion in emotions, when we love in the same way different places and people, i can to understand that so well. You make me feel better with your love and i sending a big one support from Serbia💌

[@NicolasValentinScotland]

Beautiful video , informative , fun , scenic ,interesting , young ,fresh , friendly . Well played both .

[@mikerundle6014]

Thanks for sharing g your experiences, love to Gran! ( she is special)!

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Love video to watch. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. Stay safe.

[@afcgeo882]

Estonian and Finnish are closely related to other Finno-Permic languages like Karelian, Sami, etc and more distantly related to Hungarian, Komi, Udmurt, and Mari languages. They all have common roots in the Ural mountains. These groups are separated today, but about 1500 years ago they were not separated. They were all inhabitants of the northern tiers between the Urals and Norway. The Slavic migration north killed off many tribes and turned others into Russian speakers.

[@siren369xstar8]

Thats true thats why the Russian languages (vocals not meaning of words) sounds like Finnish. You can’t hear it in other slavic language! even Moscow & the name of so many places & rivers are Finnish names. Russia is a very interesting land ,land of the Rus viking mixed with european slavic people & Finnic people.

[@afcgeo882]

@@siren369xstar8 Yeah, no. There are no Finnish influences in the Russian language, sorry. That’s just your untrained ear. There are many influences from Swedish, German, French and English, but not Finnish. Even in St Petersburg where I grew up, there are only a couple of Finnish words used as slang, but only a few people use them or know them.

[@rupsikas1950]

Neither Karelian nor Sami is a Finno-Permic language, Karelian is Balto-Finnic and Sami (language(s!)) are Finno-Samic

[@emrk6517]

How did Estonian and Finnish come to be? In the simplest of terms we (I'm Finnish) belong to an older layer of people/languages stretching from Norway and Sweden across Russia towards the Pacific Ocean. Russia/Russian is a newer layer that exists on top of these older cultures. Russia conquered these people, but some Finno-Ugric languages survive in pockets in what is today Russia, including for example the Mari and the Komi that are ethnic minorities in Russia. Many languages in our family have gone extinct, those also include Finno-Ugric languages that were spoken south of Estonia. Hungarian is our furthest linguistic relative in the south.

[@afcgeo882]

@@emrk6517 That’s absolutely correct. Hungarian has a different history though. Their language comes from the same Ural mountain area, but their tribes migrated South into the modern day Kazakhstan, then the Caucuses, then Turkey and West into Romania/Hungary. The tribes, which were nomadic, eventually united and settled in modern day Hungary. Hungarian thus has a lot of borrowed words and structure from Turkic languages.

[@KimClark61]

I know your Gran and family miss you very much. Safe travels!

[@virginiaechavarria107]

I enjoyed your video, well done, I intend follow you, good luck on your adventure, that is what life is about.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

When I was in St. Petersburg, Russia, I met a professor from Estonia. Very kind man. He gave me a chocolate bar from his home country. I’ll always remember that. A good memory.

[@peteryellowcloud3018]

Woohoo0!!! Awesome adventure😎😎😎 I can't wait for the next chapter and the big news💌 Thank you for sharing your adventures ❤

[@loboblue5441]

The suspense of your videos, is too much! Lol! Love you, guys, so much. Can't wait till the next surprise. Safe travels❤

[@peterbushby9009]

Visited Estonia back in 2014 ...June it didn't get dark untill around 23.00 ..

[@siren369xstar8]

In sankt Petersburg , Helsinki , Stockholm & Oslo this phenomen is even more. The Russian Arkhangelsk is the the extreme one:)

[@SarahSmith-di4mo]

Awe my heart broke when saying goodbye to your family 😭 so very hard for you both. Stay safe guys and safe travels ❤️❤️

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Sarah ❤️❤️❤️

[@pricelessppp]

Better that then Being k-lled or beaten by FSB.

[@Wildboy789789]

Estonia is a gem

[@shafit4046]

"...a pearl" in a used American diaper.

[@Lantanana]

I always feel so grateful to be able to watch your videos. You are a charming couple, and you are showing me places I would never see any other way. God bless you!

[@jaimhaas5170]

I will never forget my first and only visit to ST Pete in Nov of 91. I was dressed for fall and I paid the price. My entire adventure my feet were wet (my timberland boots couldn't handle wet snow) and the temps were far below avg. I know how the German army must have felt back in WWII. Never March on Moscow.

[@beckypetersen2680]

Wow. What an emotional video. Thanks. It feels sad, melancholy, happy and interesting - all in the same. Maybe I can feel your loss every time I leave my mom back in the USA and fly to cold, gray Poland. I hope you all do tell about the border crossing in more depth. Please?

[@flashcoda8655]

Personally i find some part of US much greyer than Poland imho.

[@davidparker4652]

What a lovely set of video's, really enjoyed them and thank you for sharing them, enjoy your next trip

[@edstahl8705]

I feel your anxiety brother and sister. I feel what you're going through. Been there. Never lose hope. Never give up. This life is worth living. Even if you have nothing.

[@HaleyMary]

It's really nice to see video of the bus ride. Happy to see you made it to Estonia safely. Had no idea the history goes back to 1154. That's cool that Skype got its' start in the country. I love Skype for keeping in touch with family.

[@vanallen9453]

..please keep em coming..and as a new subscriber..from the states..welcome back to England..just as I felt..on that very nice summer day..as the first of my family..to make it back there..from America..all the way from NYC..to England..where I was actually born..right there in historic old Northampton.. and where I was finally re-united with all my jolly relatives..and my cute little grandmother ..as well as all my uncles..and my blonde-haired cousin..the actor..better known now as Marc Warren..who now plays this Dutch detective.. Van Der Valk..solving crimes..while living on a houseboat.. in Amsterdam harbor..and driving an old Jeep..so..what a small world.. we now have ..to live in..and best wishes..

[@markdouglas8073]

My ancestors left Germany for British America in 1751. Holland gave free passage to Protestants and they received free land in South Carolina. But they lost their daughter on the voyage, had to build their own house, and there were “Indians.”

[@msmith5030]

Such an emotional video. Leaving family behind. ( Never seem to see mum and dad) nice to see you’re now back in the uk. You probably need a break. I look forward to seeing your next adventures. Take care.

[@APlusRussian]

So hard to leave loved ones behind 😐 But at least the two of you Brave Travelers are in it together 💙

[@MattandJulia]

Lots of love to the both of you!! 🥰❤️

[@jeremyclutson8244]

Brave travellers? A subjective view of modern Russia. No political commentary. No comment on the monstrous activity in Ukraine and Georgia. They are both far more concerned about a future visa approval to visit than they are in giving an accurate portrayol of the country. A wasted opportunity. Are they scared of something?

[@jeremyclutson8244]

@Cu6upckuû Oh dear. Another Putin propogandist/apologist. I know you have no access to a free press but I'm sure the Wagner Group are in the midst of destabilising Sub Saharan Africa and the Assad regime in Syria is propped up by the Kremlin. Correct me if I'm wrong. You're allowed!!

[@robertdevos5478]

@@jeremyclutson8244Have you ever heard about the 14000 civilians deaths since almost 9 years in the Donbass because of Ukrainian militants shootings, even up today (with “Himars”, etc.) look de video’s f.i. by Patrick Lancaster, an American living in the city of Donetsk ?

[@maktarwade754]

​Lol

[@andrewscoggins4747]

I'm envious of the close-knit relationship you have. Unfortunately, my former wife from Belarus could not overcome the differences, but a lot had to do with her family. Safe travels, you two.

[@henrysupercharge6378]

Is that you Mr Bald?

[@andrewscoggins4747]

@Henry Super Charge I am going bald!!! Hahaha! But I think I've got a whole one, maybe two followers ;) My only video is of a cruise missile flying over my apartment in Odessa, March 3, 2022. My partner Inna was very sick. Our unborn son was very sick, and two days later, we lost the pregnancy. Anyway, I watch these videos because they seem to have an almost unspoken communication at times. It took a long time for Inna and I to work that out, but we got there. Sorry to give a whole long story, but the video does deserve some description. I've been asked many times why I had my partner in a war zone. I really didn't. I flew home(USA)for five weeks on December 7, 2021, and flew back because war was on the horizon, and because we found out she was newly pregnant. The plan was always to leave, but the invasion sped things up. We fled through Moldova, then to Bucharest after 49 hours(collectively)in traffic at the borders of both countries.

[@henrysupercharge6378]

So that's a no then,lol.🙂👍

[@andrewscoggins4747]

@Henry Super Charge safe to say that. His Russian, and other Languages is way better than mine ;)

[@eddykont]

Greetings from Tallinn!!!!

[@SEED_FF]

Is there Russia??? I am an Iranian 😊😊😊😊😊❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Merike7173]

​@@SEED_FF no. It is not Russia. Watch the Map!!!😅

[@SEED_FF]

@@Merike7173 😅😅🙏

[@MattandJulia]

Lots of love to beautiful Tallinn! ❤️❤️❤️

[@elizabethbogard7568]

Estonia is very beautiful and so sophisticated technologically. I was surprised but I’ve never been to the Baltic area. I enjoyed the video very much. You are intrepid travelers! 😊

[@pduperron]

I really enjoyed watching your journey. I am now curiouis to learn more about Estonia. I love the music you choose, very soothing. Stay safe ♥

[@maxplanck9055]

A strange route from Kemerovo to Gatwick London via Tallinn,at least the hand warmers were nice! Much love looking forward to your next adventure ✌️♥️🇬🇧😊

[@racebanning6390]

ALWAYS WONDERFUL TO WATCH YUR JOURNEYS. I CAN ONLY IMAGINE HOW HARD IT IS TO LEAVE FAMILY, AND GRAN. I MISS MINE. I NEVER HAD THE FINANCIAL MEANS TO TRAVEL, SO MY ADVICE IS TO GRAB LIFE , SEE THE WORLD, LEARN THAT SO MANY OF US SEE THROUGH SIMILAR EYES. WE WHO ENJOY LIFE AND SEEK PEACE ARE THE HOPE OF THE WORLD. AND GOD WILL DEAL WITH THOSE WHO STIR STRIFE. GLAD YOU ARRIVED SAFE AND HOPE YOU ARE GOING TO WARMER WEATHER TO ENJOY SPRING. ITS SNOWING AND BLUSTERY TODAY IN IDAHO, WHILE THE TREES ARE BLOOMING IN THE SOUTHERN STATES. BE BLESSED.....

[@teresahild]

Wishing you all the best.

[@contactsuzi7096]

I'm willing to bet that you're going someplace warm. Have fun my friends, it was sad leaving behind family, it always is and I think you can use a distraction. Love to You Both, Suzi

[@lelandhaskins5207]

Emotionally intense! I wish you both excellent fortune upon your new endeavour :-)

[@lauriebecker36]

Leaving family is so difficult. It tugs at your heartstrings. But now you’re off to another exciting adventure! Safe travels!

[@northernlights6984]

Don’t bother to watch it. It’s a clickbait. As she said “it’s a story for another time”. It’s a second video I have watched on this channel and a second clickbait. Bye forever!

[@SuperYankis]

we have to understand and forgive ruZZians...

[@alexleibovici4834]

> Bye forever! Then you will never know what happened at the border...

[@MrKuti89]

Yes they still like the city of Tallinn!! It's only because as far as I know they haven't seen Tartu witch is the real gem of Estonia.

[@silencestation557]

Well, I think they'd still like Tallinn after visiting Tartu (which they'd love, too ofc) but yes, there's SO much more to see here in Estonia besides our capital 🙂.

[@RetosSpace]

Wow, Awesome, the way you guys film this is amazing, its like im there with you!!! Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa

[@realhawaii5o]

Luxbus has honestly AMAZING service.

[@cougsjohnson1]

Matt we are dying to hear your Estonia Bus "Border" Story? I hope now that it's over, you can share it with us! I know some of us are thinking about traveling to Russia, & need advice on how to deal with the Border Logistics.

[@Jasoos_Jasonda]

Uh, yeah…. Don’t go now….

[@Dungshoveleux]

So the comments confirm this video was clickbaited. That's not good, folks. However, the border unpleasantness could have come from either side, and until its clarified precisely what happened, you have to hold off giving them a hard time. I have arranged trips for my wife back and forth at least 5 times since covid, and 4 times since the SMO started. My family has not used the Estonian bus route because we heard of friends who used it and had a crap time. We have used Finland by bus and Turkey by air. Apart from the cost, you lose time on either route. Before Covid, I have used flights direct to Moscow and the land border in Latvia. The main pain in the ass now has nothing to do with border control. Its the fact that western credit cards cannot be used to pay for trips within Russia or to/from Russia. Western debit cards can pay for buses to/from St. Petersberg. To smooth the way, ideally you need access to a Russian bank account. In the worst case you need to take cash with you for your trip.

[@adcatman]

Thank You for sharing your journey...

[@alejandroheld9527]

And yes, the more time passes, the harder the goodbyes become! I am left intrigued by how your grandmother had fared in the Hospital... I hope she was doing well, she looked very good in the video. About the trips......I know where you went after 28 hours! haha I look forward to the videos of that trip. How beautiful Tallinn hopefully soon you can come back and make several videos of that city. I had planned to visit it in 2021 but since the Covid continued I had to cancel those plans. greetings to both

[@MattandJulia]

Thank you so much Alejandro! Hope you are well! 🥰 Can’t wait to share the next videos!! ❤️😍

[@jens7898]

Yes the "covid" military op will continue until the people put a stop to it.

[@olallaeddy]

I live in the US and am 67 yrs old. I have always woke up before 6am even if not a work day. Some days leave my home around 4 AM for a 3 hour drive to go on a charter fishing trip or some jobs are 3 hours away. So glad my parents made me get up early as a kid. Now the traffic jams start at 5 am so need to leave home early when going to work

[@JM-vh7oc]

New to your channel - loving it so far. REally like the background music you have - not overpowering... calming. Very insightful as well.

[@leifsonoferik]

I had to leave my Gran in 1978 and my other one in 2006. I have faith I will see them again one day. I do know how hard it is to leave loved ones behind. My only child is still in the States while I am here. I hope your next trip will bring you for a few days to Batumi. There are many Russian expats that are my students, that would love to meet you. Wherever you are off to, safe travels.

[@taumygilbert9279]

I'm so sorry you had to leave your family. Such hard times at work in the world. Stay brave we're rooting for you ❤❤

[@siren369xstar8]

Russia looks so much like Scandinavia specially the cold & dark winters & of course the short but very beautiful & green summers. Ethnic Russians are nordic people with Scandinavian blood in them, The Rus✨ Vikings came from Roslagen region From sweden.the Rus Vikings even gave their name to the land. Me as a Scandinavian love the history & culture of Russia. The bad karen America media & news will never stop me from loving this interesting country ❤️🙏

[@UnCannyValley67]

I failed to see any stress in your video Traveling from California to NY is more stressful than this!

[@RW4X4X3006]

I've bounced around the world a good part of my life. There's something about Russia/Sibir. Irrespective of politics or the situation today, to leave Russia and my friends there, was always heartbreaking. Just something about Russia and the folks.

[@Regina-xk6os]

How sad one man has managed to bring this beautiful country to a shameful disgrace and disrespect by other nations. Hard to comprehend why the people there can't see what is going on or they just don't want to see it, are they in denial, like a gravely sick person who doesn't want to know the truth because he doesn't want to die? Anyway, life goes on.

[@bertibear1300]

@@Regina-xk6osYes, Joe Biden has a lot to answer for or do you mean Zelensky.

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

@@Regina-xk6os You are so right, Regina! It took one very small - he is just 168 sm - and old - he is 70 y.o. - jerk with "imperial ambitions" to destroy a big country. Feel pity for normal Russians. Many of them had to emigrate from Russia in 2022 just to save their souls from being destroyed.

[@peppermint2552]

@@Regina-xk6os stop watching cnn!

[@RW4X4X3006]

@@user-oj5bw7sl8p The Russians I know are a proud, strong, independent, educated and openminded people. They're survivors, more so than most of the developed world. They're in a BOHICA situation, just like the rest of us. Just like to point out; When a Russian family invites you into their home, that's a very serious - deep form of regard, unmatched by anything in the west.

[@realhawaii5o]

I'm really glad that you ended up going with this recommendation (maybe my tip from a long time ago(?)) I hope you enjoyed the city.

[@judithlaine8812]

Look forward to wherever you are going!

[@alireza_adventure]

I wish all the best for you BIG love from IRAN

[@leonardovillanueva4870]

Желаю вам двоим быть в целости и сохранности и отличного путешествия🙏🏻❄️💙🩵

[@nickwilkinson75]

What you're expecting; Stressful border crossing What you're getting; Oooh, isn't Tallinn really nice, we've been here before.

[@jlpack62]

@14:10 I've been in that very spot, though it was Summer and Sunny! Tallinn was a lovely discovery.

[@mynameispaul0530]

Enjoyed watching videos of your trip. 👍

[@cnz0]

Including "Stressful Border Crossing" in the title and not talking about it AT ALL in a 21 minute video. Wow.

[@mayukhpurkayastha2649]

Love from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 or India 🇮🇳.

[@SEED_FF]

Is there Russia??? I am an Iranian 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@MattandJulia]

Love to both ❤️🥰

[@rbevans2393]

My heart ached for you Julia, when you left your loved ones 🥰 I couldn't imagine what you two went through crossing the border but I truly feel for Matt 🥰 . When you two jumped on the bed together I had to bust out laughing 😂🤣 it was perfect and easily moved the bed at least a foot! Wishing you safe travels, Love from SC ❤❤

[@lokmanmerican6889]

Must have been intense. Hope you get to do the reverse trip sometime soon. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrb5491]

Glad you enjoyed your time back at home in Siberia. I am surprised that you took the chance bringing Matt (a Westerner) into Russia, especially given the geo-political tensions of the war in Ukraine and Britain being an ardent supporter of Ukraine militarily. It could have gone so wrong at any point, and from the sounds of it, getting out might have been a challenge. Had things not gone well, Matt could have easily been locked up and found himself to be a pawn in the international "cold" war that might one day turn hot. In my unsolicited opinion, the trip for Matt was at best reckless. Count your blessings that it all ended up ok.

[@Pythoner]

don't be ridiculous. He'd only become a pawn if he breaks the law

[@shafit4046]

There is a proverb in Russia: "Whoever has what hurts, he talks about it." It is not necessary to shift from a sick head to a healthy one. Apparently, you study the geopolitical situation in the world exclusively by the pro-fascist propaganda of the Western media. Chatter for the sake of chatter.

[@CaptainKremmen]

@@Pythoner Don't be ridiculous. Authoritarian governments use foreigners as pawns all the time.

[@dfhwze]

Don't mistake British people for British gouvernement. Many people in the West are critical to their gouvernements and refuse to get infected by Russofobia.

[@zlo333]

ah british media, nothing happens unless u break the law, i'm planing on viziting ru soon

[@phongkanphay]

Question for Matt: How did you learn to speak Russian so well? Question for Julia: where in Siberia are you from? Hoping to make my way up to Russia after improving my Russian.

[@isbjrn358]

Julia said it in the beginning of the East Russian series. Just watch it because the series is gorgous ;)

[@adelbertlundberg7411]

😎👍 Glad you had a good journey home. I think like Bilbo Baggins that you guys will be off on another adventure. Leaving love ones behind is the hardest. Enjoy your videos.

[@RockmanDash]

I want to hear the border crossing story. I assume it had something to do with the war in Ukraine 🇺🇦.

[@robertdevos5478]

Russia ❤🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺❤🙏🌹🍀

[@freddiekozlowzki5697]

Thank you for showing us your family S life the love was so real and warm lcried when you both left l don't think could leave home is where the heart is be careful have fun new adventures ahead always Freddie ❤️😀👍👍😎

[@stevedeakin1883]

I really enjoyed the video as usual . I think I commented before to you that my wife and I have been to Tallinn for the Christmas market via Helsinki . We actually stayed in a youth hostel for 4 night's and it cost us £94 with our own private bathroom . It was a bargain . Both Tallinn and Helsinki are beautiful cities . Looking forward to the next video ☺️☺️ .

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

Would it be possible to tell, which hotel it was? It really sounds great!

[@stevedeakin1883]

@@user-oj5bw7sl8p Old Town Munkenhof Guesthouse . We thought it was really nice 😊👍

[@user-oj5bw7sl8p]

@@stevedeakin1883 Thanks a lot! I will go & find them online.

[@davidmaclachlan]

Oh and you got to fly on the Canadian-built Bombardier C series, now A220, jet. Is English common in the Baltics? Thanks for sharing.

[@genes.3285]

I was to Saint Petersburg only twice, but I would certainly like to return again. One time was in 1992 at the end of a Volga River cruise and another time was in 2005, when I was TDY there, visiting the science institutes. It's a beautiful city. I bought my favorite Russia souvenir there. It's a white plastic model of the Cruiser Aurora, encased in a plastic bubble, mounted on a wooden frame.

[@SuperYankis]

yes, that city in Florida is very nice, contrary to the one in ruZZia.

[@siren369xstar8]

Gen s yes me as a Scandinavian i love visting Russia too. I have been in both SInt petersburg & Moscow & i have been in Arkhangelsk too✨ may Odin bless our Russian brothers the Rus🙏✨

[@marycooch7075]

Love all your Russian videos - especially the very cold ones :) I know that St Petersburg coach station so well these days - since March 2022 I've been using Lux Express via Helsinki to come and go (from England) every couple of months to visit my son and his family- very comfortable bus. Though still stressful going through border control even when you have all the correct documents :)