Happier Abroad Forum Community

I am not an expert in theology, but I tried to read Quran, so that to find out firsthand, what's really written there. I will share my impressions. First of all, I must say, it is quite difficult book to read. The narrative style is very special. Actually, that is a mix of different styles: a descri...

I wonder of you guys, why all of you are so self critical towards your native culture? Maybe it is one of the traits of American culture to be self critical? You know what, every culture consists of both negative and positive features. Russian culture is not an exception. For an instance, Russians d...

In the English language, the word heart can have different meanings. It can mean the physical body part, but it can also indicate deep feeling (You have touched my heart), and finally it can indicate deep effort (He worked his heart out). This third context you also have in Russian, (Я работал усер...

Contrarian Expatriate, You have quite interesting observations. Being a native Russian, let me comment on that. The Russian Orthodox church is a pillar of Russian morality and if you want to understand the Russian mentality, look into the conservatism of Russian Orthodoxism. It is not politically c...

I would recommend Yanni.
His music embraces full spectrum of symphonic orchestra mixed with bits of electronic music. One of his best live concerts was in 2006:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VppUsXzbUkY

his description of fuel consumption is high. like huge amounts. then again his speeds are far above a sail boat. 3 litres per hour is nothing. I can burn double that or more on a bike. he has 2 boats but I have only seen this rubber duck looking thing with twin motors and a console. his other boat ...

I am just grinning. I won’t comment on the conversation, please proceed.

Once thing about sanctions is that it also boosts the local economy. Sanctions against SA led to a whole host of new industries, which today are world class, like arms, oil from coal, offshore gas etc. Yes, you are right. In long-term perspective sanctions boost local economy. Outwest and Russian, ...

This pleases me. I really want to go to Russia in the near future; I'm particularly interested in the Black Sea coast. By the way, how do you manage with the sanctions (from a business perspective). My business field is affected by sanctions just indirectly. I have slightly less margin, simple as t...

You are quite right, there is the cost of maintenance. If you are able to do your own work, these costs can be greatly reduced. There are two reasons this is a good idea. First, you save quite a bit of money, as marine services and parts are typically overpriced. The second good reason to do it you...

No, I am Russian. No worries, most Russians treat Americans well, because politics and interpersonal relationships are two different things. If you are a good guy, nationality doesn’t matter. Really? Your command of the English language is outstanding. What is the general sense among Russians when ...

Is 80k the cost of a brand new one? No I will not ask Outwest. When he speaks he will get me hooked on sailing and I will start making plans to buy a yacht :lol: Of course not! Kradmelder, yacht is not a car to buy a brand new one, unless you really can afford it. To start sailing is easy. First yo...

That lump some of cash would get you a nice yacht and maybe running costs for at least a year? What yacht could you buy for like R2 million? That would be like $150 000. I think, a decent 40+ feet blue water yacht costs starting from USD 80 000 and up to infinity. A yacht is not like a car, which d...

That is really quite cheap. Cheaper than a bike. Can buy it with just spare cash. The only problem is I am not close to the sea. My home town was close to the coast, and I really liked it there but my ex hated it. She wanted to be near her family. So we moved. Now I am a bit trapped until kids are ...

I won’t post any pictures on here, since I want to keep incognito at this forum. Enough Yick & Ghost stories. :lol: I have some other hobbies too, but I won’t tell about it. Are you American? If so how are you treated in Russia? I want to go there but wonder if the aggressive foreign policy of my g...