I haven't posted here in a while but thought I'd give a quick update. I'm still not full time after a few years on HRT which is probably best at the moment since I'm running a project in Russia, Just north of Hokkaido, Japan.

It's a lot different than I expected. Most of the guys are much smaller than Americans and I really expected them to be more on the "manly man" side. Lots of guys wearing skinny pants and carrying purses. They may call them, "man bags" or something else but they look suspiciously like purses! lol The Russian people are very friendly once you stop and talk to them but they generally will ignore people walking down the street and NEVER smile or make eye contact with strangers.

This is far from a tourist area so its kind of dumpy and bleak but I guess this is a taste of the REAL Russia. I've been here for about 10 days and I'm not sure how long I will be here but it's very likely that I will max out my visa at 90 days before heading to Tokyo then the US. I will try to post some pics later on this thread if anyone is interested in seeing pics.

Sure, sounds like an interesting trip.  A couple years back I ordered the best version of Russian available from Rosetta Stone, although I have had so much work around home, I have yet to start (also bought one for Greek).  Not crazy about their politics but the people, architecture, and culture is interesting.  Have fun.  Dani

I'd love to see pics. I always wanted to visit Russia, but my distaste for the government and general poverty has kept me from every visiting.  Hope you have a good time there!

Love pics, please do!