[color=#006600][/color]

bayocanny:
Lol, don't get tired ok..I pray you get admitted

Amen nd tnx

Hey guys, I'm back! I'm sorry I did not update my diary during the weekend, to be honest I don't know what's up with weekends these days, person go close eye to sleep small on Friday, next thing Monday don reach Lol. Weekends really go by so fast

My weekend was pretty good. Moscow is an expensive city and if you don't know how to manage yourself... your own don be lol. Eating out costs a lot, so what I do is cook enough on weekends that would last me the entire week, and that way I don't spend a lot on food.
I mostly cook Stew; tomatoes and chicken are cheap here so na full pot I dey always cook . To be honest Moscow in itself has a way of teaching one to be frugal, nobody has time to babysit anyone, na you go use your head get sense.

I'm a people's person and it's always a ceremony whenever I'm making my Nigerian magic in the kitchen on Sundays. I always invite anyone around to share in the greatness of Nigerian jollof rice or stew and everyone in my dorm floor loves my Nigerian rice Sundays lol. The last time I was broke, I didn't spend a dime on food for one week cos everyone kept inviting me to come and eat lol

As a Russian man or man living in Russian, you're not supposed to be weak or show weakness in any aspect of your life. Men here are taught to be strong and fearless and to not be effeminate in any way.

Some times I feel the reason why Russian people appear unfriendly towards foreigners is because they can't speak English and would rather keep quiet and stare at you than look vulnerable and appear weak in your face by attempting to speak to you in terrible English.

This is just my personal theory because when I first arrived, I thought the guys that always looked grumpy in school were unfriendly but now that I can speak to them a little in Russian language, I've discovered they avoided talking to me because they don't know how to communicate with me in English and it made them feel bad.
To survive in Russia and see the happiness and smiles hidden within that grumpy look of a Russian, learn how to speak Russian and they will like you a lot.

My Russian is still pretty bad but them seeing me attempt makes them happy and gives them a sense of pride and the super nice ones always offer to teach you and help you learn faster.

About Racism, I honestly haven't personally experienced any form of racism or discrimination since I arrived here, in the subway I haven't been stopped for a minute by the police to check the contents of my bag, maybe I don't look threatening or something.
I see them stop others but only smile at me whenever I'm passing or just straight ignore me. Funny enough the people they always stop are people from the poorer countries of the former soviet union and Asians (except China), I don't know if they have beef with them or but in Russia, blacks have more respect and get better treatment than people from smaller Asian countries and former soviet union countries.
There are many people from the developing Asian countries and the former soviet Union countries who come to Russia in search of a better life just like us and they are usually the ones who get discriminated the most and always stopped indiscriminately by the police. The last time I wore my customized Arsenal jersey to a mall, some people thought I was a footballer and asked to take pictures with me.

I finally bought a camera. I haven't been shooting for a very long time, but I finally bought a camera and I can't wait to start my upcoming street photography project in Moscow. I will basically go out every weekend, explore the city, talk to people and take pictures and share their story just like hony.
To be honest, I'm a bit scared, this is going to be the most difficult project I've done and I don't know how it's going to be out there. I'm going to go out like I've never done before, talk to random people, explore and visit places I have not.
I don't really know what to expect when I go out on the street, asides the cold and my terrible Russian language, I hope I will be safe. I'm excited about this and it would help me assimilate and learn Russian language faster.
A few friends have offered to follow me and translate cos my Russian language is still basic. I'm going to hopefully start this weekend or the next.

I spent Sunday evening at my friend's place, she's helping me with my Russian language, Russian girls are really nice and most of them are happy to teach you the language and you in turn help them with English.

Back from class, tired and about to boil macaroni and eat with my stew. I have an upcoming test on Friday so have to start my revisions tonight. Take care guys and I can't wait to share beautiful pictures of Moscow and it's people with you guys. See you!

OP more pictures as you talk.. Na wetin go ginger the thread abi u no know

TochiPhotos:
I finally bought a camera. I haven't been shooting for a very long time, but I finally bought a camera and I can't wait to start my upcoming street photography project in Moscow. I will basically go out every weekend, explore the city, talk to people and take pictures and share their story just like hony.
To be honest, I'm a bit scared, this is going to be the most difficult project I've done and I don't know how it's going to be out there. I'm going to go out like I've never done before, talk to random people, explore and visit places I have not.
I don't really know what to expect when I go out on the street, asides the cold and my terrible Russian language, I hope I will be safe. I'm excited about this and it would help me assimilate and learn Russian language faster.
A few friends have offered to follow me and translate cos my Russian language is still basic. I'm going to hopefully start this weekend or the next.

I spent Sunday evening at my friend's place, she's helping me with my Russian language, Russian girls are really nice and most of them are happy to teach you the language and you in turn help them with English.

Back from class, tired and about to boil macaroni and eat with my stew. I have an upcoming test on Friday so have to start my revisions tonight. Take care guys and I can't wait to share beautiful pictures of Moscow and it's people with you guys. See you!

Hmm, Russian girls. No dulling.
Please no dissapoint me o lol.

following bumper to bumper

When you talk of former Soviet poorer countries, are Bulgarians included?

TochiPhotos:
I finally bought a camera. I haven't been shooting for a very long time, but I finally bought a camera and I can't wait to start my upcoming street photography project in Moscow. I will basically go out every weekend, explore the city, talk to people and take pictures and share their story just like hony.
To be honest, I'm a bit scared, this is going to be the most difficult project I've done and I don't know how it's going to be out there. I'm going to go out like I've never done before, talk to random people, explore and visit places I have not.
I don't really know what to expect when I go out on the street, asides the cold and my terrible Russian language, I hope I will be safe. I'm excited about this and it would help me assimilate and learn Russian language faster.
A few friends have offered to follow me and translate cos my Russian language is still basic. I'm going to hopefully start this weekend or the next.

I spent Sunday evening at my friend's place, she's helping me with my Russian language, Russian girls are really nice and most of them are happy to teach you the language and you in turn help them with English.

Back from class, tired and about to boil macaroni and eat with my stew. I have an upcoming test on Friday so have to start my revisions tonight. Take care guys and I can't wait to share beautiful pictures of Moscow and it's people with you guys. See you!

You reminded me of my life in Ukraine, that was exactly how I hustled to learn Russian. My program was in English medium so I started it without learning Russian but what helped me then was that after morning classes I usually go to the male's and female's hostel to mingle with them and to learn the language.
It was a bit complicated but because I needed to speak with their girls so I had to, their guys can be so funny sometimes, they were the one that taught me bad words in Russian and how to drink vodka but their girls were so interested in teaching me and I as well taught them English.
it was a very interesting memory though, but it was later that I dated an Ukrainian girl that could not speak English I was able to learn it very well but can't write it, as time goes you will be accustomed to the people and learn it very well. also try to attend their international conferences,it's another great thing to experience, where other European nationalities will come to mingle and express their cultures.
Wish you all the best in your studies and enjoy your stay.

Nice write up bro, I dey follow una. fish123 were una dey.

Mehn i dey here o
solidly behind you like female a*s o

solidmyk:
Nice write up bro, I dey follow una.
fish123 were una dey.

Fish123:
Mehn i dey here o solidly behind you like female a*s o

Aha. Okay na.

TochiPhotos:
As a Russian man or man living in Russian, you're not supposed to be weak or show weakness in any aspect of your life. Men here are taught to be strong and fearless and to not be effeminate in any way.

Some times I feel the reason why Russian people appear unfriendly towards foreigners is because they can't speak English and would rather keep quiet and stare at you than look vulnerable and appear weak in your face by attempting to speak to you in terrible English.

This is just my personal theory because when I first arrived, I thought the guys that always looked grumpy in school were unfriendly but now that I can speak to them a little in Russian language, I've discovered they avoided talking to me because they don't know how to communicate with me in English and it made them feel bad.
To survive in Russia and see the happiness and smiles hidden within that grumpy look of a Russian, learn how to speak Russian and they will like you a lot.

My Russian is still pretty bad but them seeing me attempt makes them happy and gives them a sense of pride and the super nice ones always offer to teach you and help you learn faster.

About Racism, I honestly haven't personally experienced any form of racism or discrimination since I arrived here, in the subway I haven't been stopped for a minute by the police to check the contents of my bag, maybe I don't look threatening or something.
I see them stop others but only smile at me whenever I'm passing or just straight ignore me. Funny enough the people they always stop are people from the poorer countries of the former soviet union and Asians (except China), I don't know if they have beef with them or but in Russia, blacks have more respect and get better treatment than people from smaller Asian countries and former soviet union countries.
There are many people from the developing Asian countries and the former soviet Union countries who come to Russia in search of a better life just like us and they are usually the ones who get discriminated the most and always stopped indiscriminately by the police. The last time I wore my customized Arsenal jersey to a mall, some people thought I was a footballer and asked to take pictures with me.

Man keep it up, i am enjoying your diary, are you on a scholarship? if no, how did you get it to Russia please? and how much does it cost you with tuition fee, trip and all? Thanks in anticipation.

I have always wondered, all these non English speaking countries like Korea, Russia, China, Philippines, Egypt etc with lots of Nigerian students there, how do you guys cope, do they use English language in lectures or their official language??..

Please explain to me!!

Cc TochiPhotos

jaykaylegend:
I have always wondered, all these non English speaking countries like Korea, Russia, China, Philippines, Egypt etc with lots of Nigerian students there, how do you guys cope, do they use English language in lectures or their official language??..

Please explain to me!!

Cc TochiPhotos

They have courses that being are taught in English and local languages. In fact some will even demand that you take English proficiency test before you can be admitted into English-taught courses.

The reasons why, in my opinion, Nigerians go there is that the admission is easier to secure in those countries than the First world English-speaking countries and the tuition fees are waived for international students.

jaykaylegend:
I have always wondered, all these non English speaking countries like Korea, Russia, China, Philippines, Egypt etc with lots of Nigerian students there, how do you guys cope, do they use English language in lectures or their official language??..

Please explain to me!!

Cc TochiPhotos

Someone with no travel experience would always think like that,it happened to me before I travelled to Ukraine.
Everyone can't be in Canada, US, Uk or Australia because of standard of living and tuition fees and visa difficulties that's the reason why most people travel to other part of Europe and Asia.
It's quite cheap to study and live in these countries and talking about the English proficiency, they do have programs in English and well in their native languages depending on what you want,about 70% - 40% of people living in these countries speaks English fluently and as well speak their native languages but mostly they do encourage foreigners to learn their native language so as to be able to communicate with everyone and as well understand things in the store or supermarket.
No big deal in it, when you are traveling to a non speaking English country, bear in mind that you must learn their native language and know how things are in that country before traveling. I must say that I enjoyed my stay and study in Ukraine,it was such an unforgettable experience in my life.

benebaby77:


They have courses that being taught in English and local languages. In fact some will even demand that you take English proficiency test before you can be admitted into English-taught courses.

The reasons why, in my opinion, Nigerians go there is that the admission is easier to secure in those countries than the First world English-speaking countries and the tuition fees are waived for international students.

bbwollex:


Someone with no travel experience would always think like that,it happened to me before I travelled to Ukraine.
Everyone can't be in Canada, US, Uk or Australia because of standard of living and tuition fees and visa difficulties that's the reason why most people travel to other part Europe and Asia.
It's quite cheap to study and live in these countries and talking about the English proficiency, they do have programs in English and and well in their natives language depending on what you want,about 70% - 40% of people living in these countries speaks English fluently and as well speak their native language but mostly they do encourage foreigners to learn their native language so as to be able to communicate with everyone and as well understand things in the store or supermarket.
No big deal in it, when you are traveling to a non speaking English country, bear in mind that you must learn their native language and know how things are in that country before traveling. I must say that I enjoyed my stay and study in Ukraine,it's such an unforgettable experience in my life.

Thanks guys, now I understand completely..

so @tochiphoto, have you got a job yet there to sustain you, I have a brother who lived and studied I think Belarus or so wants to go to moscow and teacher English how's it like?
he knows Russian but I don't know to what extent

jaykaylegend:
I have always wondered, all these non English speaking countries like Korea, Russia, China, Philippines, Egypt etc with lots of Nigerian students there, how do you guys cope, do they use English language in lectures or their official language??..

Please explain to me!!

Cc TochiPhotos

English is spoken in the Philippines.

MsNgo40:
Very interesting indeed....
Russia is not on my "bucket list" of places to ever visit....for several reasons.
Praying for your safe keeping and wonderful experiences there.

Americana...

It's your media I guess.

They've made you "hate" Russia right?

Ranchhoddas:
Americana...

It's your media I guess.

They've made you "hate" Russia right?

Umm... what could possibly make you think that?...
Sorry brother...can't say much here.
Don't want to derail the thread.

By the way...long time.

ferhyntorlah:


English is spoken in the Philippines.

I never knew o, I even had to confirm from Wikipedia!!

I've learnt a new one today!! Thanks

Yayyyy!!! TGIF! Shakes bum bum lol. Hope everyone had a nice week?

Finally wrote the assessment test I've been preparing for all week, the results would be released on Tuesday. I tried my best so fingers crossed lol

This week has been one hell of a week, I told you guys I bought a camera right? I purchased a used canon 7D from avito ( avito is like OLX and is Russia's biggest classified ad website) in the ad the seller said the camera had under 5,000 actuations (shutter count) which means it's basically like new.

When I met her at KFC, I checked out everything in the camera and the body and everything worked fine. There was no way to confirm the shutter count in her presence because unlike Nikon, you can't do that only with just a picture but have to use the cable and some 3rd party software since Canon doesn't write the shutter count on the EXIF file. When I met the Lady, we got talking and I found out she's one of Russia's best Fashion photographer's and was selling the canon because she already has 3 other cameras. Knowing she's a public figure made me feel more at peace and I paid her and went home.

On getting home, I quickly installed the software to check the shutter count and to my surprise, it was 20 x more than what she told me. I was so angry and disappointed and I immediately sent her a message on whatsapp registering my displeasure and told her I'd like a refund.
She didn't respond for like an hour, I started panicking and thought I had been scammed because it was my first time of using avito. Even though I was previously relaxed cos she’s popular , I started feeling uneasy and my roommates were making matters worse, it was that time they remembered to tell me stories about people getting scammed on that site, instead of to trying to calm me him dey make my blood dey pressure dey rise more lmao and he went on and told me to forget it, that she has probably scammed me because avito like olx has lots of fake adverts etc.

I was really angry and disappointed because the money I used to purchase the camera was all I had and I've been saving up for it for a while and I really needed a reliable camera for my upcoming project. I just said a little prayer and handed everything to God and went to sleep.

The constant buzzing on my phone woke me up some minutes later and I saw lots of apologetic messages from her, on how she genuinely didn't know and didn't intentionally try to deceive or lie to me. After some back and forth she told me I could return it or she could send me back half of the money I paid while I keep and use it like that.
I went for the second option because giving me back half my money no matter how high the shutter count was, is a really good deal so I took it. My roommates were surprised because they had already concluded she scammed me. Lol after 2 mins I got an alert and got half my money back.

She called and apologized again then we talked further and I told her about my upcoming project, she liked it and gave some advise and asked me to keep in touch and always reach out whenever I need help with my photography


In more good news, I have this 2 Sisters in my class N and N. The older Sister is my closest friend in school and we do everything together. This week was really tough for her cos her mom had some medical conditions and had to be hospitalized for a few days, I haven't seen her this way before, she was so depressed, cried all night and was such a wreck.
She's a really amazing individual and it hurt me to see her that way because she's one of the strongest woman I know, and seeing her like that affected me as if her mom was someone I knew personally too. To the Glory of God her mom has fully recovered and is fine now.

Let me tell you guys a bit about N. She has the kindest heart of any lady I've met in Russia, she and her sister are the most amazing individuals I've met since I arrived and from the first day we had class together, we've been inseparable and always do everything together and they help me a lot in with my study.
I remember when I was broke and depressed and she would always be there for me and send me uplifting songs and words of encouragement all night.

Not only does she bring food from home to share with me in class, she was supportive emotionally as well and always reminded me I was never alone.
She's such an amazing lady and whenever I see her, no matter how angry or sad I am, I always forget whatever it is bothering me within a few minutes, cos she always brings out the happiness and peace in me.
Whenever something is bothering me and I come to class looking sad, no matter how much I try to hide it she always knows something is wrong and she gives me a hug each time and tells me not to worry that everything will be all right. There is something so peaceful about her hugs, whenever she hugs and holds me, I usually feel time stop, as if I’m floating into a different universe where everything is perfect and peaceful.
I gave her an even longer hug today after our test cos I knew she needed a hug too after the difficult week she had. Let me stop here before una go begin think say na another thing lol

And for those who are planning on asking, No we are not dating, she's a bit older than me even tho that's not really a problem but she has a BF she's serious with and I too met someone so we decided to be friends because we both cherish our friendship and to tbh I'd rather be her friend than date her, we might break up later and I'd lose out on a great friend so I'm content with just been her friend.

Bottomline I'm so happy her mom is okay now; it was the best thing that happened this week not even the camera lol.

Whew! Just finished working out from the gym now (my dorm has a really nice gym and I workout there on weekends.)
About to boil macaroni and eat with my Nigerian stew lol

I have a date tomorrow, I haven't been to red square since I arrived so my potential bae (we've been talking for a while) is taking me to Red square and to see Justice league later.

I haven't really started using the camera because I was really busy this week but I took a few test shots so will post that and some pics I took with my phone. Haven't really done much photography and I have not actviely used a camera in almost 2 years and I can't wait.

1st pic, KGB HQ in Luyanka. My school is in Lubyanka street so KGB HQ isa few meters away from my school. I walk past the building everyday.

2nd pic, One of my schools building

3rd pic, Moscow towers/biz center

4th picture, I, N and her younger Sister N, in class.

The rest are I and some of my friends in the canteen. And the rest are random pics from my school’s street and a picture of some cakes.

I will make out time soon to go out and take more pictures.

Take care guys and have a nice weekend everyone.

The rest are I and some of my friends in the canteen. And the rest are random pics from my school’s street and a picture of some cakes.

Following. Kindly include pictures from your school and streets.

Lubyanka street,
N's younger Sister.
Tretyakov gallery
working out in the gym

mrLj:
How much is ur tuition fee?

In my school between $2000 - $4000. The double degree programme with one london school (you start in russian then do last 2 years in the UK school) is around $10k but I think is for Econs dept alone. Tuition is yearly. Check my school website for more info hse(dot)ru

cowleg:
When you talk of former Soviet poorer countries, are Bulgarians included?

No bro.

olahero:
Man keep it up, i am enjoying your diary, are you on a scholarship? if no, how did you get it to Russia please? and how much does it cost you with tuition fee, trip and all? Thanks in anticipation.

There are lots of scholarship opportunities from Russian govt and many Nigerians are in other cities, you have to apply from Nigeria, I don't know the process cos I found out late. Do a quick google search. Tuition is around $2k-$4k yearly depending on course, there are discounts up to 50% if your gpa is on point. Russian Govt are actively trying to improve their international image and open it's doors to other countries, the govt gives out lots of scholarships and so many people from different nationalities are studying here. Try and make google your best friend believe me you'll find lots of useful info.

jaykaylegend:
I have always wondered, all these non English speaking countries like Korea, Russia, China, Philippines, Egypt etc with lots of Nigerian students there, how do you guys cope, do they use English language in lectures or their official language??..

Please explain to me!!

Cc TochiPhotos

Bbwollex and Benebabby77 thanks a lot for answering Jayjaylegend in my absence. I believe you guys have said it all.

MCzubby247:
so @tochiphoto, have you got a job yet there to sustain you, I have a brother who lived and studied I think Belarus or so wants to go to moscow and teacher English how's it like?
he knows Russian but I don't know to what extent

If I anyone tells you there is a job readily available and waiting for him, the person is lying. There are English teaching jobs but it's competitive and it's time consuming so if he's coming just to work and have the right documents it's good but if planning to work and study it will be difficult because them no dey take their school play for here. I personally do freelance webddesign jobs and I'll be doing more photography as well. a next year world cup I dey plan to work like donkey lol.

[quote author=TochiPhotos post=62688586]
In my school between $2000 - $4000. The double degree programme with one london school (you start in russian then do last 2 years in the UK school) is around $
w