About Me
Aspiring equestrian. Occasional writer. Perpetual workaholic. Eternal adventurer.
A child of two Motherlands (Russia and the US of A), I have spent most of my life between Moscow and the eastern seaboard of the US — New York City, Washington DC, Maryland and Rhode Island, with a year-long educational stint in Europe thrown in for good measure. Often I self-identify more as an American than a Russian, because of my general worldview, professional behavior, personal priorities and gender relations — romantic and otherwise. Yet I cannot imagine life without Gogol’s comedies, classical ballet, sour cream, birch forests, mushroom picking and dacha.
About Home & Away
Expat life. Destination — Moscow. A lot of travel beyond.
I started this blog to recount all sorts of socio-cultural oddities of living in Moscow, the pains and pleasures of returning to a country starkly different from the one I left in the early 1990s, and all things New York and America that I missed the most. From the Russians’ fashionable obsession with sushi to their medieval attitudes toward marriage, from extreme weather to popular tourist attractions, from personal struggles to national headlines, I attempted to chronicle the many things that baffled, frustrated and delighted me in this amazing country.
Then, just as I have settled into my Russian life, I have started to travel abroad monthly, sometimes more. I have gone to Asia and Africa, explored most corners of Europe and fallen utterly in love with France and the UK over dozens of visits. And so this blog has refocused too, chronicling my international adventures and what I learned along the way. I hope you enjoy coming along for the ride!
Cheers,
Anna.
Home & Away 
I just found your blog! Can’t wait to read more about life in Russia. 🙂 How are you preparing for 2018?
Phew, that’s still ways away, but Olympics frenzy is in full swing and it’s kind of fun! Glad to have you on board!
Hello, I nominated you for the Liebster Award, check out my post http://iloveairplanefood.com/2013/08/27/liebster-award-nomination/ and please answer my questions in a blog post of your own! xx
WHOA thank you! I am getting right on it 😀
Very interesting! I’m British and would love to know about all that sort of stuff! You can find me at:
blametheblogger.wordpress.com
Glad you like! Hope you come back for more!
I just did.
Thanks for your comments. Great blog you have!
Thanks – and likewise!
Hello Anna,
Your blog is exactly what I was looking for. I too am a blogger here in Russia, just not in Moscow. I landed in Kazan because my wife is from here. As I read several of your posts I understood your view point is very different, one my readers would very much appreciate. So you ask, why? I’ve created on my blog what I call Mirror Reflections – these were created to show the similarities between countries and also expose the differences. I hope you don’t mind that I’ve done a pingback to your blog. If you are interested you can come visit at: hague6185.wordpress.com
By all means, ping away! I look forward to checking out your blog – I cannot even imagine small-town life (in any country, except for my fantasy life on a farm in Scotland), especially for an expat in ‘middle-Russia’.
Hello Anna, just came straight from celebitchy to collect “a nice little bowl of Pimms” you promised me for getting the colour of Kate’s dress, but found something muuuuuch better – your blog. God works in mysterious ways … :-))
“getting the colour right”, obviously. Never drink and blog 🙂
Come on it, make yourself at home! Might be running low on Pimm’s but still well-stocked up on Stoli! Oh and if there was a ‘dont drink and blog’ rule, there might have be nothing for you to peruse right now — instead of this blog 😉
are you right or are you right? 😀 definitely drinking to that. Anyway – great to have found you!
Hi, Anna … I’ve just nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award, which you certainly deserve ! All the best, Mark
Thank you so much! So flattered 🙂
🙂
Are you an ethnic Russian? I’m curious. Nice blog, btw.
Lyudmila –
Yes, I am. Thanks for reading!
Hello Anna,
I saw your commentary on ladyofcakes’ Barcelona trip. You said you stayed there during studied abroad.
I am working on a music video for a song dedicated to Barcelona. I was wondering if you have any stock video footage left over from your trip that I could use in my music video?
I am in love with this city and am trying to make a video collage about it.
Here is the link to a tumblr blog with more details: http://shareyourbarcelona.tumblr.com/
Otherwise, I’ll be happy to answer any questions about the project,
Thank you,
Olga
Oh dear, as much as I’d love to help out, my study abroad was 9 years ago – when I didnt just not do video, I was still using a film (not digital) camera! Yes, a bit of a Luddite, this one. But your song is beautiful, and best of luck to you!
I absolutely love Russia. I am a huge fan of Russian history, architecture, culture, food…everything. It’s such an interesting place, especially Far Eastern Russia. However, my friends told me that I shouldn’t visit because I’m of African descent and there’s apparently a lot of inter-ethnic problems in Moscow and St. Petersburg. I don’t know what to do because I want to visit and learn Russian so bad, especially in Kazan, Tatarstan. What do you think? Is it safe for me?
Boy, that’s a tough one. Ethnic tensions are indeed on the rise in Russia, however the ethnic ‘Others’ in question are (predominantly Muslim) migrant works (some legal, some not) from the former-USSR republics of Central Asia and the Caucuses. In fact, the latter group is often referred to as ‘Blacks.’ It’s more about social and economic issues than skin color.
At the same time Russia has a long tradition of hosting foreign students from Africa, and the general attitude towards people of African descent is friendly and comfortable, with a doze of curiosity.
The Moscow/StP vs everywhere else split is interesting too. In these two very international, diverse cities you are much less likely to be gawked at (as you are almost guaranteed to, walking down the street in sleepy Kazan), however, because most of the migrant workers gravitate toward Moscow, overall tensions and hostilities are exacerbated here.
Another Moscow blogger had 2 guest posts by his black friend, on Being Black in Moscow. Maybe they will be helpful:
http://www.england-moscow.com/2009/10/being-black-in-moscow.html
http://www.england-moscow.com/2012/11/still-black-still-in-russia.html
Thank you for your helpful answer! I appreciate it. (And feeling better about visiting Russia sometime). Btw, have you ever been to Anadyr? I have a strange obsession with that place and want to visit. So many places to visit!
Goodness gracious, I’ve never ventured out so far from civilization! I am really a Moscow-St Pete’s kind of person – but can answer some Qs on the Astrakhan/Volga region, bc my sister lived there 🙂
Hi! You posted on Polly’s blog (A Girl and Her Travels) on the story by Deanna about a link to the story about dating French men. It wouldn’t let me reply on there, so here is the link: http://diariesofanessexgirl.com/french-dating-horror-stories/ Hope you enjoy it, and very nice to “meet” you! 🙂
Thank you, and nice to meet you as well!
My name is Chris and I am emailing from British Corner Shop which is the online supermarket for British expats, shipping over 10,000 products worldwide. I came across your blog when looking for expat bloggers, as we are looking for bloggers to write a post on why they left their country of origin to become an expat. Would you be interested in writing a blog on why you became an expat where you are?
Our Google+ page is: https://plus.google.com/b/117836621240166830995/communities/117088589711956513066
Regards
Chris
Chris – sorry for this ridiculously belated reply, which for some reason didn’t pop into my inbox (or I accidentally missed it) and I just noticed scrolling through the page. I am guessing you’ve had quite a number of contributors by now, but please feel free to reach out in the future. Your project looks very interesting!
Hi Anna,
I just wanted to give you a head’s up that I’ve nominated you for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award. I’ve also written a few words about you and your blog. Feel free to take a look. Thanks!
http://thebritishberliner.wordpress.com/2014/01/27/the-dragons-loyalty-award-my-second-badge-of-blog-honour-hurrah/
Thank YOU so much!
You’re very welcome!
You have very nice profile
Thank you!
WC 🙂
Hey Anna, hope you’re OK! Do you have a email or twitter handle I can contact you on? Writing a blog post in the coming weeks that I’d love your help with, if you’re interested!
belkina.anna at gmail
on twitter I think it’s anabelle10021 – I keep meaning to link it up to my blog. I am a bit of a social media retard.
I prefer gmail 🙂
No problem – 140 characters is too short anyway!
Dear Ann,
My name is Joyce and I work for ExpatFinder.com.
ExpatFinder.com is a free one stop website for people preparing to move or working and living overseas. We provide a myriad of services for expatriates and we have over 2,000 articles to help and support the people moving around the world and we are now creating an interview section to help the expats with real life experiences!
We quite enjoy your blog about living in Moscow, it is very interesting and informative. Would it be possible to interview you to further share some of your tips and feature some of your first hand experience as an Expat and your interview will be published on our Expat Interview section as a guide for our expat readers. The questions are mainly about the day to day lifestyle of an expat. If it would be possible, could you also send some photographs that we can use?
Of course, if you accept, we can add a link to your blog or some of your website.
The questions are enclosed, feel free to respond freely. You can return the doc with your answers if you accept this invitation.
Thanks in advance and do let me know if you prefer other means to conduct this interview and we would be happy to accommodate your terms.
Best regards,
Joyce
Dear Joyce – yes I absolutely would love to do the Q&A, however I do not see the questionnaire attached. You can email it to be at belkina.anna at gmail, and I will respond. And will send the pictures as well!
I am nominating you for a One Lovely Blog Award, to check out what to do to accept the award, click here: http://lesvoyagesdumonde.wordpress.com/2014/11/03/52/
Dear Anna,
My name is Joyce and I work for ExpatFinder.com.
ExpatFinder.com is a free one stop website for people preparing to move or working and living overseas. We provide a myriad of services for expatriates and we have over 2,000 articles to help and support the people moving around the world and we are now creating an interview section to help the expats with real life experiences!
We quite enjoy your blog about living in Russia, it is very interesting and informative. Would it be possible to interview you to further share some of your tips and feature some of your first hand experience as an Expat and your interview will be published on our Expat Interview section as a guide for our expat readers. The questions are mainly about the day to day lifestyle of an expat. If it would be possible, could you also send some photographs that we can use?
Of course, if you accept, we can add a link to your blog or some of your website.
The questions are enclosed, feel free to respond freely. You can return the doc with your answers if you accept this invitation.
Thanks in advance and do let me know if you prefer other means to conduct this interview and we would be happy to accommodate your terms.
Best regards,
Joyce
Dear Joyce, it’s too bad we haven’t been able to connect, because I would love to take part in this and share some photos, but unfortunately no questionnaire is enclosed. Should I reach out via your email address?
So happy to connect with you! It’s never too late to dream a new dream.
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
So glad you like 🙂
Of course!
You have a realy lovely blog. I’m delighted I came across your site and was wondering if you or any of your readers can give me some advice about recruitment in Russia. I’m working for a company that is looking to expand into Moscow and was wondering if anyone had any advice on the best places to advertise locally. We are looking for English speaking businessmanagers so any advice would be greatly appreciated. We’ve advertised on Linkedin and Monster.com but haven’t had much luck attracting the right applicants
Hi!
Unfortunately none of my contacts are in the relevant sphere of business, but I do know that there are a lot of executive search firms operating in Russia, and when it comes to managers for foreign companies, very often these are subsidiaries of European companies – so I would say a good bet would be to reach out to those. They would have local recruiters who know the market, the language, and talent.
best of luck!
Anna.
Hi Anna, what a wonderful and interesting life you’ve led and are leading now in Russia. We’ve always wanted to go and St. Petersburg is on our bucket list. Look forward to reading about your adventures 🙂
Thank you, and welcome to the blog! Being a Moscovite I will always be partial to my capital city 😉 but St Pete’s is great, especially all the palaces around it. I hope you get a chance to go!
Hey, not sure how you feel about awards but I nominated you for one on my blog 😉 You can read more here: http://themauritiangeographer.com/2015/02/17/a-couple-of-awards/
Cheers!
Thank you thank you thank you, I am so flattered! Sorry I am just getting around to this – and to checking out your blog, esp your posts on Turkey (such a beloved by Russians destination yet so unknown, really). Cheers!
Dear Anna, I would so appreciate a list of off-the-beaten path restaurant experiences for Moscow. It might be just for the Master and Margherita decor, or an invented dish, or some fusion which is not because of a trend but rather just an inspired fling with a vegetable. My husband and I are New Yorkers here on business – with only 4 more weeks remaining, and I am absolutely not interested in the TimeOut or Saveur recommendations of over the top dining, or fast slow food. If you could point me to old posts of yours or if you are inspired to put together a new list, I would so appreciate that. If you have a similar list or post for St. Petersburg, we’ll take that too, as we’re going there for a weekend. We should meet – I’m Art For Your Sake on Facebook. Nancy G
Hi Nancy, welcome to Moscow!
I always appreciate a fellow discerning NYC foodie 🙂 I am afraid I don’t get out nearly enough to have a really long list of recommendations (I actually have been making an effort lately to do more of that and not just go for my favorite pork shashlyk at a park all the time), but there are a few places that have caught my attention, most of which havent made it into posts (but a couple will be in the upcoming posts over the next couple of weeks).
Lavka Lavka on Petrovka is kind of a locavore’s dream, I mention it here https://gohomeandaway.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/moscow-a-perfect-summer-day/
Recently I had my best Moscow burger to date, at Lumberjack near Kitay Gorod. I’m going back for more soon.
I also like Grenuille at Tsvetnoy Boulevard, which is run by an Australian chef but is kind of a pan-Russian fusion place with a nice beer selection.
And Pinch at Patriarshie Prudy is brand new, on the pricier side (and cash only) but has great artisanal cocktails, especially the Cardamon.
But really, if you havent had a shashlyk outdoors at a park (I recommend Kolomenskoye) with a plastic cup of medovukha or cheap Russian draft beer, you havent lived :)))))
I did a sh*t job at eating well in St Pete’s, so no restaurants to recommend, but I had salmon cream soup at a few places there (and never seen it on a Moscow menu!) and it’s absolutely fantastic, especially in the winter.
And yes, I am absolutely up for meeting up – breakfasts and weekends work for me! I just followed you on FB 🙂
Dearest Anna, I am absolutely STUPEFIED that I did not see your message until now. I literally stumbled upon this reader by accident today, eek. Now am back in NYC. But if you come to these here parts, ping me and I will definitely do you the honors this time.
I was in Moscow 2 months only …. N
AWWW it is too bad! I do hope that we will have a chance to connect in the future!
Hi Nancy, welcome to Moscow!
I always appreciate a fellow discerning NYC foodie 🙂 I am afraid I don’t get out nearly enough to have a really long list of recommendations (I actually have been making an effort lately to do more of that and not just go for my favorite pork shashlyk at a park all the time), but there are a few places that have caught my attention, most of which havent made it into posts (but a couple will be in the upcoming posts over the next couple of weeks).
Lavka Lavka on Petrovka is kind of a locavore’s dream, I mention it here https://gohomeandaway.wordpress.com/2014/09/11/moscow-a-perfect-summer-day/
Recently I had my best Moscow burger to date, at Lumberjack near Kitay Gorod. I’m going back for more soon.
I also like Grenuille at Tsvetnoy Boulevard, which is run by an Australian chef but is kind of a pan-Russian fusion place with a nice beer selection.
And Pinch at Patriarshie Prudy is brand new, on the pricier side (and cash only) but has great artisanal cocktails, especially the Cardamon.
But really, if you havent had a shashlyk outdoors at a park (I recommend Kolomenskoye) with a plastic cup of medovukha or cheap Russian draft beer, you havent lived :)))))
I did a sh*t job at eating well in St Pete’s, so no restaurants to recommend, but I had salmon cream soup at a few places there (and never seen it on a Moscow menu!) and it’s absolutely fantastic, especially in the winter.
And yes, I am absolutely up for meeting up – breakfasts and weekends work for me! I just followed you on FB 🙂
Your blog is amazing!!! I totally love it! I would love to visit Moscow during June when it get’s warmer and your posts have some really helpful tips! I’m studying in Volgograd btw. 🙂
Diana, welcome to the blog, I am glad you like it! How do you find living in Volgograd? My sister lived in Astrakhan for a couple of years and she likes that area in general. Please let me now if you have any specific questions, or if you’ll be visiting Moscow down the like – I’d love to help out!
Just discovered your blog. I know very little about Russia & am interested to get a taste through your writings!
Welcome to the blog, very excited to have you! I am taking a short break from writing about Moscow to catch up on gazillion travel recaps, but there is plenty in the archives to keep you occupied, and I am happy to answer any questions you might have as well!
Hello Anna,
My name is Jan Cibula and I am project coordinator in Cyrillica in Moscow.
We looking for Americans living in Moscow, which could cooperate with us on a new project, Subtitling Russian news in to the English , which will be distributed in US.
If you are interested and have any questions do not hesitate to contact me. (jan.cibula@cyrillica.ru)
With regards Jan
Hi Anna,
I work for a website called Expat Arrivals and am currently in the process of updating our guide to moving to Russia. I came across your blog while doing research was wondering whether you might be interested in doing an interview with us about expat life in Russia?
Feel free to pop me an email if you’d like to talk more. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Contact me at claire@expatarrivals.com
Thanks!
Kind regards,
Claire Pearce
Hi Claire! I’d love to do the interview – if it’s ok for your site that I am indeed Russian, albeit often feeling like a foreigner (and very much in the expat circle still) Bc before moving back I spent almost all of my adult life abroad 🙂 you can email me at belkina.anna@gmail.com