Summer18
The World Cup has come and gone, and it was the best thing to happen to the people of Russia. It was an all round success, for the Government and for the people as well.
There were no major incidents, it was smooth and the positivity and love it brought with it still lingers.
The one month the World Cup lasted was like a big celebration of happiness, Russians welcomed everyone with opens arms, the hospitality for visiting fans were nothing short of amazing.
The World Cup, brought unity, love and happiness. No matter where you are from, the color of your skin, or our language. football united everyone. From streets of Lubyanka, to the Fan Zone center at Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills), to luznhiki stadium it was all round love and a celebration of happiness.

Personally, my World Cup Buddy Business didn't do as well as I expected, I was inexperienced with handling a project of such nature and I made so many mistakes along the line.
I underestimated what running something like that would take, and I made so many regrettable mistakes.
I accepted too many sign ups. I accepted more people than I could handle and I got overwhelmed and the whole thing became a nightmare.
I was able to resolve most of the issues I had but it meant spending more money than I initially budgeted for. I'm just happy they were very understanding about the whole situation and it’s behind us right now.


Summer Holidays! Besides the issues I had with my world cup buddy business, this summer has been good to me.
B and her parents invited me to their summer holiday trip. B’s vacation from work started towards the end of June and that's when she and her parents started their summer holidays, they first flew to Krasnodar, then Sochi.

I could not join them immediately because I still had exams and my world cup business to run. Immediately after my exams and the all guests that came through my business had returned to Nigeria, I told B was ready and her mom sent me my electronic flight ticket to join them in Sochi.

I packed and left for Sochi, B's mom already planned all the activities and trips we would be taking during the holidays.
They rented a big apartment, B and I had one room, their Grand Ma who is staying with them for the summer had her own room and the parents had the 3rd room.

I arrived Sochi airport around 11pm, B was already waiting for me at the airport, she wore a beautiful green dress and she looked so effortlessly beautiful.
Immediately I exited the arrival lounge, B ran towards me, we hugged and kissed; I really missed her because we have not seen each other for a few days. We called yandex taxi and went home and that was the start of the summer holidays.

Sochi is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia, with beautiful beaches and really nice tourist attractions.
We spent 10 days in Sochi and everyday we went on one adventure or the other, B's mom meticulously planned all the activities and we had the moments of our life.
The 10 days I spent with B’s family was unforgettable, it's the best holiday of my life.

Sochi is a very hot city, the climate is like that of Nigeria, very hot summer, lots of rainy days and even during the winter, Sochi is still warm and it rarely snows in Sochi.
The first thing you notice immediately you arrive Sochi, is how different the city feels, the mood is more relaxed and it feels like a city that is constantly partying, Sochi does not feel like a city to me, but feels like been invited into a very big unending party.
The population of the city is around 300,000 and everyone there is mostly a tourist. I think it’s the only city in Russia with a beach and it’s warm enough for people to swim and rest at the beach side.
I really cannot find enough words to describe how amazing this city is so I’ll just proceed and post pictures. But one thing is for sure; Sochi is a city after my heart.

B’s mom already planned out all the activities we would engage in Sochi so every morning during breakfast, she’d tell us the plan for the day and we’d proceed.

We visited so many lovely places and I can’t remember the names of all the places so I’ll write the ones I can remember.

Our first activity in Sochi was a cruise ship trip across the black sea; we sailed into the black sea, aboard the Дагомыс.
I really don’t know how to describe this but it was an experience of a lifetime.
We all boarded the Дагомыс and sailed into the black sea, beautiful sunset and great views of the surrounding mountains. It was really magical and I honestly don’t have the words to describe the feeling.

To experience such beautiful moments with someone you really love also makes everything even more special. B sat next to me, while her parents and Grandma were also seated in the same row with us. It was a memorable evening.

There is something I have noticed about love, when you love someone, you always want to experience and feel everything with them, sometimes, memories are all we all we will have left so it’s always good to live your best life and experience and create amazing, unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

The following day, we went on our first road trip, the whole day, morning to evening was spent on the road visiting so many amazing places.
We started with Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Cluster, and then we visited Roza Khutor, a ski resort in Sochi. Then Riviera, we visited all the beautiful and historical places in Sochi during the road trip.

On our way back, we went to The Singing Fountains, the Singing Fountain in Sochi is this magical place just beside the Fisht Olympic stadium, the fountain sings all types of classical music, and people and their loved ones just hold hands, sit, lie down and enjoy the fountain and its music. It was amazing.

The next day, we went on another road trip to a country near Russia called Abkhazia, the country is situated on the coast of the black sea between Russia and Georgia.

We spent hours driving to the country and when we arrived, our tour guide joined us and took us around the beautiful country.
Abkhazia is a very small country of about 200,000, that day was the first I heard a country called Abkhazia, probably because it’s only recognized by only Russia and a few other countries.
The country is beautiful nonetheless and they were all fascinated to see a black man, I received lots of gifts from people living in the country and people kept asking to take photos with me, which I always obliged.
We literary visited all the tourist attractions in Abkhazia, we also went wine tasting because Abkhazia also produces very fine wine and vodka.
Some of the places we visited in Abkhazia are the Waterfall of Lovers, Alpine meadows of Abkhazia, Lake Rica etc.
Lake Rica is surrounded by beautiful green mountains, which results in the best views one can ever imagine, it’s truly a beautiful place. We continued on similar adventurers everyday for 10 days, and honestly, I can never forget this summer holiday with B and her family.
On our final night in Sochi, B’s dad took us to a nightclub a few meters away from the beach. We had cocktails and Hennessey and danced all night. B’s dad looks very young and people were confused as to who her boyfriend is, I’m sure none of the people in the club thought he was her dad, and we intentionally made things difficult for them because one minute she is dancing with her dad and the next, she is dancing and kissing me and that confused so many people hahhhaha.

Around 5am, we left the club and the 3 of us went to the beach straight from the club, and we all decided to swim and bath for a few minutes. I really don’t know how to describe this moment but it’s such an unforgettable moment for me, we all jumped into the black sea by 5am and had a swim and played games till we got tired and went home.
That was our last day in Sochi and in the afternoon, we all packed our bags and went to the airport for our flight back to Moscow.

Whew! So that’s how my summer holidays went. The summer isn’t over but for me the holiday is over because I have to work, I did not make enough money from my world cup business so I have to work to save money before school starts in 3 weeks time.
Right now, I’m working on some web dev projects, a friend of mine from Iran gave me some web design jobs which I hope to finish and make some money from before school starts, right now, that’s what I’m dedicating all my time to, so I will be a bit busy till I’m done and then I will know my next step. Here are some pictures from my summer holiday trip with B and her family.

First picture is B and I with her dad, 2nd pic is B and I with her mom and Grandma, then B and I aboard the Дагомыс and then me and some kids playing football at the beach in Sochi.

Good evening my people! First I want to ask you guys to forgive any grammatical errors or mistakes you will encounter in this post. I think I’ve lost my writing flair, I had a very difficult time juggling my exams, handling the world cup business and some other engagements, and these affected me physically and mentally and also affected my writing flair, so please forgive me in advance for any errors.

Also, I'm sorry for the lack of updates, I know promised I would be actively involved in my thread after the world cup, and I'm genuinely sorry I did not keep up that promise, you guys should forgive me please.
The lack of updates is not because I forgot about you guys, I got really busy and I’ve not been able to get myself to write.
One of the most crucial thing about studying abroad is to know how to manage your time.
Like I said in the past, we all think we have time to while away or engage in frivolities, but a time would come in your life, when you'd realize, the importance of every second and how you have to make it count.

It's so easy to get distracted, to get lost in Social media, Netflix etc. You want to go to IG or Snapchat or Twitter for a second and before you know it, you're down in that internet rabbit hole and you've spent 3 hours, and these are hours and minutes you can't get back, time that you would have used to do something more productive. Don't get me wrong guys, I use social media as well, but I try to minimize the amount of time I spend on these apps because it's so easy to get lost in the rabbit hole called the Internet.

Even though I don't know many of you on a personal level, I think about you guys and my thread often. I might be in the metro sometimes, and I'd remember there are people waiting for me to update my thread, I really wish I'd be able to update my thread more frequently.
I want you guys to know I appreciate each and everyone of you who visit and read my thread, I know how important this thread is for so many of you, I remember before I left Nigeria, I usually frequent the travel section of nairaland, and I religiously read all the travel diaries, and the threads and stories on here encouraged me to start my own journey of seeking a better life abroad, so I understand how important threads like this are for so many people, and I will do my best to keep updating my thread. Hope can be dangerous, but sometimes, hope; no matter how little, it's all we have, and it is hope that keeps us going. So if there is someone out there, hoping, dreaming and praying to God for an opportunity to go abroad, for study or work, basically seeking a better life, I want you to know one day, your prayers will be answered.

Now back to what I’ve been up to these past few weeks.

Suplexx:


I am here for the world cup. How can I apply to study Masters here in Moscow. Before I leave?

Hi bro, sorry for my late reply. You have to leave Russia (I assume you have already) then apply to your preferred university, after you've been admitted, your school will send you an invitation, and you'd proceed to the embassy for visa.

remi1444:
Can you gift me the bolded, I'm salivating to own a DSLR camera, i find solace in photography but per being a student (100level) i cant seem to get fund to purchase one.

Chai bro, no vex but I sold that camera 3 years ago lol. All the best man.

My people, how are you guys? It’s been a really long time, I’m sorry for my lack of updates, I’ve been inundated with work. I’ve been busy handling all the guests that came through my business, it’s been so overwhelming and I’ve barely had time for anything else.
I will write a more comprehensive post about what I have been up to these past few weeks later, right now I will share just pictures from the World Cup.

I was in Kaliningrad to support the super Eagles against Croatia, unfortunately we lost. I Will be in Volgograd on Friday to support against Iceland and I hope we have a better chance this time around.

See guys soon.

All pictures from matchday against Croatia.

Back to my diary,

The cold has been brutal, sometimes I sneeze and instead of mucus, a little blood comes out from my nose. Only thing I hate about Moscow is the cold. My World Cup Project has been good, I’m really grateful to God the project took off really well even after all what happened on here. My partner and I were able to fill the slots through word of mouth and twitter.

School has also been good but stressful, I hate that no matter how cold it gets, someone cannot just miss class unless you have a doctors reporting showing that you are sick.

Dating someone from a different culture is not easy to be honest, and my relationship with B has not been a bed of roses. We have issues like in every relationship but I often feel that the things that usually cause our issues are usually trivial but she disagrees. All the problems we usually have in our relationship is always about me not spending enough time with her, jealousy and the most annoying one when is when she always gets jealous and angry when my female friends from school or the girls working on my project with me text me or take pictures together. Like if I’m showing her something on my phone and she scrolls up and sees a picture of me and any of my female friends or classmates she will get moody etc I tell her constantly that I do not want anything with those girls, they are just my classmates, friends and some we work on my project together, she knows some of them but still she still gets upset.. The biggest problem we have is her constant complain that I don’t visit her often. I’m usually busy on weekdays but on weekends I go to their house on Friday, then go to my dorm on Saturday evening and each time she tries to make me stay till Sunday but I tell her I have to do my assignments, go to Church, and work and she gets angry and say that I don’t care about her.

It’s not been easy mehn, we have our up and downs but each time we always try our best to understand the situation and make things work. It hasn’t been easy but to be honest I won’t trade our relationship for anything.

On February 14th Valentine’s day I took her on a dinner date, it was a memorable night. The dinner date was on a cruise ship aboard the RDN Royal Flotilla, and for 3 hours we cruised and sailed on the Moskva River, aboard the RDN Royal Flotilla. It was really a magically night, a night. Before we went to the dinner date, we exchanged gifts. I gave her flowers and bought her a jacket and she bought me some clothes, and a gift pack with men’s cream and some other stuff.
Then her dad drove us to our date. We wanted to take the metro to our date but her dad didn’t want us to walk in the cold to the metro and he drove us for over an hour to the city center for our date.

One good thing about Moscow is how inexpensive things and experiences are. The tickets for the cruise ship on the Moskva River were less than 5 thousand naira and I’m sure if it were in Lagos, it would cost more than 20k.
Moscow have so many memorable places and things you can visit for wonderful experiences most are free and the other fee paying ones are so inexpensive. Only thing I hate about Moscow is cold.

On the 23rd of February Men’s day in Russia. It is a day women celebrate the important men in their life. Women usually buy gifts for the men they love on this day and do things for the man. I didn’t know about this holiday till B told me to get ready and come to her that she’s taking me out. When I arrived she gave me some gifts she bought for me to celebrate men’s day. She bought me some clothes. It is customary for women to buy the men they love gifts on this day. Then we went to a bar in the city center and danced and drank and because it was men’s day she said we didn’t have to share the bills because it’s her treat for the man in her life. It felt really good, we danced and danced, and she said so many good things to me. We got drunk then went home late in the night and slept off, we didn’t wake up till Saturday afternoon with a heavy hangover lol.

Another important holiday in Russia is March 8th. Women’s day. This is one of the most important holidays in Russia and on this day women all over Russia are celebrated. March 8th is also a national holiday and men are expected to give the women they love flowers and gifts. It was a long holiday, the holiday was 2 days Thursday and Friday + the weekend so I went to B’s house to spend the holiday. I gave her a flower (A Tulip flower) it’s spring right now so it is the best flower to give. I also gave her a perfume then we went to out. The holiday was on Thursday and Friday so were all at home.
On Saturday the parents wanted all of us to do something together so they took us to the Aqua Park. The Aqua Park is big and it is indoors obviously cos of the cold lol. We went there in the morning and returned at night. There was so much to do, we played in the water slides, we went to the Sauna and had lunch and dinner their lol. I was the only black man their and so many kids were looking at me as if it were their first time to see a black man. It felt weird sha but I always smile at the kids. It was a really memorable day then the day drove us home and we had a large dinner then called it a night.
It was a really memorable day for those on my snap, I posted videos and pictures of the trips on my snapchat.

I have an exam in 2 weeks and I really hope it goes well. Also my special and wonderful friend S helped me find a Nigerian store where I can buy Nigerian food ingredients. She’s my best friend and most important friend I have, she calls me her son and is like a mom to me. She is an absolutely wonderful woman with the kindest heart, I will tell you guys about this my wonderful friend later. I went to the store and I bought yam, garri and pepper. I will buy egusi and cook when next I go there.
My Russian friends kept asking what yam is when I was cooking in the kitchen, apparently they don’t know what yam is lol. I cooked my Nigerian yam and ate with sauce and now I’m enjoying my ijebu garri with sugar and cold water.

And here a few pictures of the trips. 1st 2 pictures Valentines day (Moskva River) 3 and 4th With B (Aqua park) and with B's parents and B.

Take care guys, later!

My people, how una dey? It’s been a while and I hope everybody is good.
A lot has happened these past few weeks so let me bring you guys up to speed with what’s going on with me.
I will start with some useful information for prospective students who want to study in Russian universities. I get emails every now and then, from people who want information about the admission procedures in Russian universities, I believe there is a dedicated thread for this somewhere but let me still add the little I can.
Right now, admission has started in every university in Russia, admission procedure varies from one university to the other so I’ll recommend every prospective Master or Bachelor's Degree seeking student visit https://www.bachelorsportal.com/ and https://www.mastersportal.com/ and then search for their desired course while ticking Russian as destination country. Visit the school’s website and then get all the information they need.
Here is the step to apply to my University.
Visit hse.ru then go the apply for admission link and create your student APA with all the required info. For Bachelor's degree you need to write an exam in Mathematics and English, some Masters program too or if your masters program does not need an exam, then you need to pass an interview. Also note that to study in Russia you first need to go to Ministry of Education in Abuja and certify your WAEC result and your BSC cert if you are going for masters, then proceed to Ministry of Foreign affairs to Legalize the waec and bsc and you also need to legalize those documents at the Russian embassy in Abuja before applying for visa.

Trust me the process isn’t as hard as you might think and you don’t need any agent to do it for you, when I applied, I did everything myself and you too can do it. All the information you need is on the school’s website. Russian student visa application is transparent and DIY friendly so don’t fall victim to agents who will charge you exorbitant rates to do this for you, as long as you’re not lazy, all the information you need is ready available online and you can process everything yourself.

justwise:


I get your point but let me say this without biting my tongue..

I'm not here to be insulted by random nairalanders just because they disagreed with my decision. I don't do the diplomatic thing when dealing with people who deliberately refused to be reasonable.

I don't expect people to support my decisions or like my posts but at the same time i will not take insult from anybody.


Tochiphoto was not banned or asked to stop writing his dairy, he decided to stop because he was not allowed to advertise his business.

Starting a diary is not an exchange for free ad, tochiphoto is not new here because he has ran a successful thread that ran to 30 pages 3yrs ago here and there was no problem.


This thread was created as a backdoor for world cup package ad, i say this because before this thread he started two other threads advertising world cup packages as well, when that was removed he started this thread and within days he started the same world package thing with a new website.

Smh. So this is what you think? now it all makes sense to me. To be honest I really expected much better from you, you are way better than this, or maybe I gave you too much credit.

I accepted your verdict regarding my promoting my website in good faith, I did not contest your decision, and I only simply said, I will not continue my thread because it will be impractical to do so right now. My whole life revolves around this project right now and you really can not fault me for talking about it once in a while. You don't really expect me not to share important details about my life just because I might have to reference my website.

You are intentionally been malicious and spinning this thing, so I'm going to explain this whole situation to my readers once again. I owe it to them.

You said I created this thread as a backdoor to promote my website. This is false and a simple whois domain lookup would have set you straight. Or maybe you knew but insisted on been spiteful.

I started my thread on the 17 of Nov 2017, and back then I honestly did not know I will end up starting the current project I'm working on. My intentions for the World Cup; were to try and get Media accreditation as a photographer and cover the matches, that has always been my dream but I was denied accreditation because FIFA only gives out accreditation to a few select and known media houses. My fall back plan was to work with the Super Eagles Media team and help them in any way I can and I already talked out to Mr Toyin ibitoye the super eagles media office and he said he will do something. This current project was started because of demand and inquiries by people. The domain of my website for the project was registered on the 10 of January and I did not start building the site till after you closed my first thread. You said I created 2 threads before this one. This is a big lie Justwise, My last post before starting this thread was on 18 Nov 2015. The threads you are talking about were created this January after you hid a post I made. Then I created a dedicated thread in the travel-ads section but you closed it. SMH.

The day my thread was moved to the frontage, was the first day I posted the website url on nairaland. The website wasn't even ready that day but I hastily posted it because I wanted to take advantage of the exposure.

Yes Justwise, I will admit, I tried to use the exposure of this platform to promote my website and I cannot deny that. Do you really blame me. I usually see many links on threads and I thought it was normal till you started hiding any of my posts. What did I do after you hid my posts? I did not argue or fight you, I know ignorance of the law is not an excuse so I reached out to you, apologized and wanted to set things straight. I simply asked for the best practice about posting such things so I can make amends but you did not reply.

I know it's not personal and I'm not angry, neither do I blame you for doing your job. When you hid my posts, I knew I must have broken one rule or another and I asked to be set straight but you ignored that and instead preferred to hide my posts.

People that know me personally, know I don't like to fight or quarrel, I do not like confrontations and I believe in having good relationships and peaceful coexistence.

I don't blame you for doing your job, I'm certainly not angry. Rules are rules, but I just feel you could have handle this situation way better. It's all good tho.

To all my readers, I'm really sorry about this whole situation. To say the truth, my website those not really need the exposure from nairaland anymore. My project only has room for 100 people and after just a few tweets last week, 36 places have been taking so far. And I haven't even started to promote it. So it was not a do or die matter because I know with or without nairaland, the project will thrive.

I apologize once again, like I said before I can't write my thread without talking about my project every now and then because my life right now is basically, attend lectures, come back and work on it. And all the places I have been to, all the people I have met and all the photo shoots I did these past few days had to also do with this project. So you see, it will be impractical for me to continue.



I'm afraid but this is the end for now.

So justwise hid my last post again, Well this is it. Let me focus on the project since I'm not allowed to mention it in my diary.

Like I said in my last post (hidden by justwise). Right now, my life and daily activities revolves around my current World Cup Project and it will be impossible for me to write my diary without mentioning it once in a while. It's such a shame this diary had to end this way.

I tried to reach out to him and on more than two occasions, I asked justwise what the best practice for talking about stuff like that is and Justwise refused to answer or set me straight.

It's so unfair that he will rather hide a lengthy post I made in my diary, just because a part of it talked about a shoot I did for my project and included my website link.

I no get strength to fight anybody. Nairaland is his turf and here, he is king. So to avoid issues I'm taking time off.

Such a shame it had to end like this.

Thank you Justwise.

I just remembered my first day working for mr Agbaje. Lol this is a really funny and embarrassing post lol.
I started working for him as cleaner. I was 17 and just finished waec and I got a cleaning job through cleanway. A cleaning company in Lagos. They usually post their workers to banks or companies they partner with, but luckily for me I was posted to Mr Agbaje’s company. On my first day, I cleaned his office tables with water. Lol the cleaning company provided mr sheen cleaning spray and other stuff but been an inexperienced young boy, I used water instead of the cleaning materials provided and I ruined the expensive tables in his office lol.
I was so sure I was going to get sacked but God had other plans. My time working there is really long story with happy endings so let me just summarize it.
When I was working as a cleaner for him, I had access to the internet and one of his employees (Jumoke) lets me use her laptop. So I took advantage of that and started learning how to build websites and also photography. He bought me a laptop when he noticed how passionate I was about learning and he told me he will stop at nothing to make sure I go to back to school.
I remember the joy in his face when I got admitted into Unilag a few years ago (I didn’t finish because it was not the course I wanted)
While working for him, I went from Cleaner to office assistant, to a full time employee and it was while there I started doing photography.
I worked for him on weekdays and did my photography on weekends.
The time I spent working for him were the best moments of my life and I owe everything to him and the wonderful colleagues who became family.

This is a story for another day and I can’t wait to share it with you guys.
Just put this tiny bit out there to inspire someone. I had nothing, I came to Lagos with just N300 (three hundred naira) when I was 17 to stay with my Uncle and now look at God. I am not where I want to be yet but I can’t deny the goodness of God.

Last night was really interesting. I heard a knock on my door by 4am, I have 2 roomates and one of them is Enzo, he s from Mongolia and has been n Canada since Christmas for the holiday, so I thought he just returned from his trip and was the one knocking.

I went to open the door and next thing, waaaaam!!!! Someone threw up on me(Inserts I never expected it meme lol) I was still trying to rub my eyes and make sure this wasn't a dream and next thing dude fell on the floor.
That's how I carried a dude twice my size to the toilet to clean him up, then took him to his room and tucked him in bed. Then started mopping my room.
By the way, this wasn't Enzo but the Russian guy that lives opposite my room. I think he went for a party or something and got really drunk.

We often exchange banter whenever we meet in the kitchen or hallway and I guess he mistook my room for his when he came back from the party.

After 10 minutes I went to check on him to see if he's already asleep, then I saw him sitting in his bed with more vomit on the floor and his body.

I took him to the bathroom again to clean him up then went to clean his room and vomit. I don't really drink so I don't know how to get him to stop throwing up.
After he threw up a few more times, his eyes cleared a bit and he was so shy and embarrassed but I told him not to worry that it's nothing. I tucked him in again then left. His roommates were not around so I kept checking on him to make sure everything was fine.

In the morning, he came to thank me and made me a delicious bread and meat breakfast. I can't remember the name he called the food but it's some traditional food and it was nice. He didn't remember most of what happened last night, he said he just remembered me cleaning him up and washing his face with water lol

Russians love to drink!!! an average Russian man drinks beer and vodka like it's water. It's common to see people drunk very early in the morning. You go see big man with better suit and shoe and he's reeking of alcohol very early in the morning lol.


About my weekend, I just sent an email to my former boss in Lagos Mr Agbaje (I worked for him for 5 years and those were the best 5 years of my life.) and also sent a message to Enyimba's media officer Farriel A. Over the last few years, I've worked on photography projects for Enyimba chairman Felix Anyansi Agwu and I wanted to reach out to him and all the people I have personal relationships with, to know their plans for the summer and pitch an exclusive world cup package to them since I cannot do that on nairaland. I hope for the best. I've decided to make it an exclusive premium travel and hospitality package strictly for a select individuals I have personal relationships with.

Went to the gym to workout. The gym was closed for 2 weeks because of Christmas and new year and just opened. I did 6 sets of bench press, push ups and ab exercises. Attached a few pics

Have a lovely weekend everyone!

justwise:


That is regarded as an ad here and this is not what the thread is about.

Please stick to your diary and not advertising any package.

I created a dedicated thread about this in the travel section and it was closed.
I thought maybe, it was because I posted in the nairaland.com/travel section, instead of the dedicated nairaland.com/travel-ads section for travel agents.
I then created a new thread in the travel agents section and was surprised to find out, the new thread I created in the /travel-ads section was also deleted. I don't know why it was deleted, because I thought that was a dedicated section for people and travel agents to advertise such offers.

Well, thanks for clarifying this for me. Now I know it is prohibited and I've promptly removed my contact information and won't promote such offers again on here.


I'm sorry to all those that already contacted me and showed interest in the the world cup package. After much thoughts, I've decided to discontinue this offer to Nairalanders.

TheManOfTheYear:
She's got blue eyes. Is she also blonde?

Ahn ahn look her hair na lol.

Fwesh101:
Hello fam
i have bachelor degree in political science and international relations
Been looking out for schools I can opt in for masters program in international relations,criminal justice (social sciences)
Is there any less tuition school in Russia?
Look forward to your reply
Thanks

Tuition here ranges from $2000 to $5000 depending on school. I did not go through an agent when I applied, I just went to 4icu and searched for the top 3 schools in Russia, then I applied to one of them. Just dedicate an hour to go through each school's website. It's not difficult and you can do it easily.

BlueScholar:
Very interesting thread I tell you, thank you for sharing your story. seeing all these beautiful people and places makes one forget the problem over here; it's more like a therapy and an increase in knowledge knowing about this places.

Thanks bro!

TCD:
Hi TochiPhotos,

It's really nice com ing across yuour thread. I plan to visit Russia with a tour group from Nigeria for the world cup and stay for and attend all Nigeria's group games which should be about 11 days.

accommodation and transport is already covered by the tour company what is left now is feeding. What is feeding like in Russia how much do you think I'm to budget for feeding in dollars ?

also might do some shopping, are there nice things in Russia to buy and affordable too?

Thanks for your response.

Food is not expensive if you plan to cook yourself. I just started a tour/package service for a few individuals who will come to Russia for the world cup. Check my last thread and hit me up on whatsapp make we relate. Thanks bro.

Kimsunh:
. Hi bro pls I am interested in the World Cup package. Where do you reside and how can we link up? Thanks

I'm offering something similiar and even better because I will take care of your accommodation and feeding. Check my last thread and hit me up.

I like that there are so many places one can visit in Moscow without spending money. Students do not need a ticket to visit the zoo and almost all the historical places, are free to students. And students also get discount in every other thing, from shopping to buying groceries etc.

We visited the Moscow zoo over the weekend, it was really lovely. Unfortunately most of the animals were not available because it’s winter. We were told to come back again during the summer, which is when all the animals are usually available.

Thanks for all the wonderful advise and contributions, I really appreciate and it means a lot to me that you guys, take out time to try to set me on the right path so I don't lose focus or forget why I'm here. Trust me, I really appreciate.

Jigba:
You two look good

The dashiki looks good on her too

Thank you!

edehgeorgeC:
Nice one. She is beautiful.Nice one. She is beautiful.

Thank you my man!

edehgeorgeC:

How is Christmas celebration over there?

They actually don't celebrate Christmas like that, because according to the Orthodox calendar, their Christmas is on 7th of Jan.New year is what is more widely celebrated.

Yhemzylee:
Wow she looks good on her ......nice thread and God bless your journey....

Thanks bro.

Fish123:
Amen and welcome back man, merry Xmas to you and miss B bro
nice local outfit broda......

Thanks and happy new year bro!

Jorussia:
In my personal opinion, i think its too early for the op to get entangled with a Lady.Anyway,i wish the op well in mother Russia.

Thanks for your nice advise big bro.

imconfused:
Congratulations Op,
Ideally,The advice would be to refrain from romantic entanglements until you get your bearing.
You need to focus very well to be able to excel..A relationship at this very early phase may derail you because in terms of any plans now you’ll start thinking ‘we’ instead of I and start compromising in terms of things that would benefit you if you were alone.
Even common argument,you won’t be able to read or concentrate.
You are quite young now and you need to buckle down and make your mark..this is your chance.
I appreciate that you are lonely and the weather is cold ,try and network with other responsible Nigerians / immigrants/ people with exposure who will show you the way and how best to make use of this opportunity.
A lady you pick now you are still fresh off the boat may not be the lady you would pick like 1 year down the line when you are absolutely self aware and settled because by then you would also be considering that you would want a partner who shares common goals with you,has a career ,you would also know the peculiarities of the culture that you’ve just landed in then also get to meet more people.

However, this may be fate I don’t know..I wish you the best and will look out for your pictures.

The outfit you gave her is lovely good luck

This is a an incredibly good advise. I really appreciate you taking your time to advise me, really means a lot to me. Thank you big Sister.

jesusdiedLOL:
Who dey barb your hair?

I been scrape everything comot but e don dey grow back small.

Inkredible:
Op you know you are still broke o.

Keep the girl but focus!!!

Ejekwana wuoo mmadu aka n'ala ebea o. Uche go di ya o.

Legit Malo nogere o.

Cheers mate!

Thanks!

Happy New Year everyone! May God grant all your heart desires this Year.

I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year celebration? Mine was pretty good.

On the morning of New Year's ever, I attended Holy Mass at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Moscow.
It is one of the only 3 Catholic Churches here in Moscow. I met a few Nigerians and most importantly, I spent the day in the presence of the Almighty God.
When I was living in Lagos, I wasn't really active in Church and I can count the number of times I went to Church in the last fewyears. But since I arrived in Moscow, I've decided to draw closer to God.
I don't know if this just happens to me, but whenever I attend the Holy Mass. I feel so at peace and so fulfilled, like been in the presence of God makes me feel, I'm ready to tackle anything or handle anything life throws at me. I always feel a great sense of Peace and completeness, whenever I attend the Holy Mass.

About my New Year.

I had a minor quarrel with my gf on the 30th of Dec, she has been complaining I don't have time for her because I've been busy with the app, and website I'm building.
I keep apologizing but on the 30th she visited my dorm and we had a heated argument because I told her that right now work and my school are my priority,
I told her even though I love her, right now, the stuff I'm working on is more important to me than anything. She misunderstood what I said and we argued for over 30 mins. Which was basically me sitting in my bed while she ranted.

This was the first time we would engage in such a heated argument, I was calm all through but I was seriously considering breaking up because I really do not need any form of drama in my life right now.
After 30 mins, I apologized, hugged her, and told her everything will be all right. I told her I understood how she felt, and I will try my best to make out more time for her.
The bad thing I think I told her during the argument was that, she was been dramatic and she should start acting her age instead of acting like a silly over pampered baby. She told me those words really hurt her and I apologized again. And we settled our fight.

Dating a woman from another country and culture isn't as easy as it appears, it's true she does not ask me for anything and isn't materialistic. She just wants my time and attention, but I feel time and attention in itself is a price too.

On the 31st, she told me to come to her house by 11pm, I was in my dorm with no idea how to spend the new year because her parents were back and that means I can't sleep in her house till they travel again.
I came to her house and she told me to come upstairs, I asked if her parents were around she said yes and I was like ‘wtf? I'm going home, I don't want your dad to shoot me.’ She told me not to worry that they want me to join them for New Year.

It was cold that night but I was sweating like Ewu Gambia, I didn't know what to expect and I just did sign of the cross and followed her upstairs.

Her father is 2 times my size, and he has really huge biceps and chest. I was so nervous when I met him.
They invited me to the dinner table and we all started talking and waiting for 12:00 the parents told me they made this dinner specially for me and wanted me to not feel lonely since my family is thousands of miles away in Nigeria.
Her parents are very wonderful and nice, I think the noticed I was nervous and tried there best to make me feel comfortable.
We talked about life in Russia, Sports, weather, life in Nigeria, football, gym, music etc
They gave me papers t write my new year wishes, and we all did and exactly 12:00 they burnt the paper and poured the ashes nside the wine and we all drank the wine and ashes.
I think it's some Russian tradition. Then the parents kissed and of course me and B too lol .

We all went to the balcony to watch the fireworks and later B told me of a really nice bar she wants to take me to.
We left their house around 2am and went to the bar/club and danced and drank into the New Year. I only drink occasionally and that night was the first time I got drunk in a very long time.

We danced and danced, I gave them a mixture of Atilogwu, Ogene, shoki, shaku shaku, alanta, azonto etc lmao everyone was just watching and clapping as I was dancing on the floor. I even had a dance off at some point with one Russian guy. The whole bar circled and was clapping for us as we had a dance off lol

We met another couple in the bar, a Russian guy and his gf, and we danced together and all. I was bonding with the guy while my gf and his gf were getting along too. The couple invited us to a Sauna and indoor pool place. The guy paid and told us to order anything we want.
When we got the Sauna place we all changed into the towels and the guy's gf literary shouted 'wow, look at your figure' in Russian of course lol. Lol I have small 6 pacs sha and I work out so that was why she said I have a nice body. My gf just jokingly told the girl 'He is mine' lol. we all joked and had a good time.
Later the guy started asking me, how long I've been working out and if I can give him workout tips which I was of course happy to.

It was a magical night and it was the best new year of my life so far.

We left the sauna house around 9am all drunk and wasted and I took her home and handed her over to her mom then I went back to my dormitory.

It was a really memorable and unforgettable new year for me. I slept for like 7 hours and woke up to a text from my Ex gf in Nigeria telling me that my closest/best friend while I was in Naija, asked her out. 'He apparently said he wants to have a private time with her etc lol and she was reporting it to me lol'

I told her to do what's best for her, and whatever decision she's takes is fine as long as it’s what she truly wants. I told her I know she’s a smart and wise girl who knows what's best for her.
I told her I really do not care who she dates or decides to have a se-xual relationship with because I have more important things to think about and I don't have time to know who is doing my ex lol. She's apparently pissed off with my response and wants me to stop her and tell her not to date anyone smh. Oyo lo wa lol.

Spending New Year with B's parents was such a beautiful moment and words enough cannot describe how amazing it was.

I really don't know how far our relationship will go but one thing I know is, I really like her but if for any reason, the relationship ends. I will forever cherish the good times and beautiful moments and memories we created. Meeting B has been the best thing that happened to me in Moscow and I really want this to continue for as long as possible.

One more thing, B later told me she was jealous the way Sauna guy's gf was talking with me. I hugged he tightly and told her not to worry that it meant nothing, that my heart belongs to her and no woman will take her place because she's special to me.

Below are pictures of B’s parents.

First picture, me and B's parents. 2nd picture, me, B and her parents.

Happy Christmas everyone! May the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ bring peace, blessings, love and happiness into our lives. Seasons greetings form me and B and have a lovely Christmas and new year celebration.


I’m sorry I have not been updating my thread, I have been really busy with school and other side projects. So much has happened in the past few weeks. My school is on a 2 week winter break now but I’m still not free because this is the only time I have to dedicate to an app I’m working on.

It’s so difficult dating someone who doesn’t speak your language and my relationship with B has not been a bed of roses because we misunderstand each other some times and disgreee and have minor quarrels once in a while mostly because of the language barrier because my Russian is still not as good or near fluency.

One thing I really like about her is she’s understanding especially about her expectations from me. She knows I’m a student and I’m not able to buy her anything or provide because my school is priority and she understands that but the problem now is she often jokingly tells me I will leave her later when I am done with school and I start working because I will go and look for a more beautiful woman. That I am dating her because I don’t have money, it pains me when she says this even tho I keep reassuring her I genuinely like her. I confronted her about this and she said it was because her friend told her African men are fond of abandoning their white girlfriend when they start making money. Our relationship hasn’t been easy because of the language and cultural difference but we try our best to make it work.

For Christmas I don’t have money to buy her any gift so I gave her a Dashiki I brought from Nigeria and she loved it so much. Even her mom loves the Dashiki. It feels so good when someone truly appreciates your gift no matter how little it is.


I’m spending Christmas and new year in her place and we plan to go skating soon because I have not experienced ice skating before and I look forward to doing that.

Have a happy holidays guys!

See you guys soon and I’ll try and make out time to update my thread.

It's getting colder and colder these days, it snowed today and everywhere was slippery.
I don't have winter boots yet and I was advised to get one because the snow has some salts and they damage ordinary shoes so I need to get a new shoe specifically made for winter. As I no get money, I have started searching online for second hand winter shoes but if I don't find I'll have to manage the shoes I have till the winter discount sales begin next week.

I haven't really been feeling too well; I've had cough and catarrh for the past week.
Mucus are kinda normal here and everyone is always snorting in mucus when outside but these past few weeks mine has been excessive and it's really annoying because you can't just blow your nose on the floor like Nigeria because everywhere is clean and no gutters so I always have to wait till I get to the restroom before I can blow my phlegm.

My cough and catarrh got worse and my Vietnamese classmate gave me one very strong essential balm so I put a little inside hot water, covered my head with towel and inhaled the vapor from the hot water and I swear that thing worked like magic cos it cleared my noise instantly. This was what my dad usually did for us when we were kids so I quickly thought about it and put that essential balm to good use

I'm increasingly starting to feel like the days are shorter here in Russia. I always start off my day with a list of things to do each day etc. and since I arrived here it has always been difficult to complete each task I have on my to do list because I always run out of time.
Wake up, go to class, eat do assignment before you know it's already 1am and you have to try and get some sleep before preparing for your 9am class.
I'm really not happy because I haven't been able to make out some time to start working on an app idea I've had for a while and I'd hate to wake up one day and see someone else already beat me to it.
There is so much going on right now and 24 hours isn't enough for me and I hate always going to bed knowing that I wasn't able to accomplish all I set out to for the day.


I really miss the days I had lots of free time in my hand, to be honest if you have free time right now better start using that time to do something useful instead of waiting and procrastinating.
Put that free time to use right now and do something productive because a time will come when you're realize you don't have that luxury anymore.


I woke up to a really beautiful message yesterday morning from B, she said she's been thinking about me every min and she wasn't able to sleep cos she kept thinking about us and she really wants to see me soon cos she can't wait till Saturday when I told her I would have time for us to see again.
I missed her a lot too so I told her we'd see in the evening when I come back from class.
She hasn't been to my dormitory before because I stay in a tiny dorm with 2 other roommates and she said she would feel uncomfortable having my roommates around so we decided to see in her place since her parents wouldn't come back from work till much later. She lives with her parents and her house isn't far from my dorm but unfortunately her dad was home early so she texted me and we decided to hangout in the park in front of my dorm.

When she arrived, we had a long warm hug for a few mins and kept telling one another how much we've missed ourselves.
Then we played in the park, I carried her and spun her round and round and we had lots of fun in the park.
We got so cold and decided to go to my room in the dorm cos it was freezing outside and luckily when we got to my room none of my roommates were around so we had some privacy to talk.

I spent most of the time introducing her to Nigerian music, started with mad over you by Runtown. Simi's Joromi etc and she's already in love with Nigerian music.
She said I make her feel how no one has ever made her feel before, her past relationships have been with Russian guys and guys here are always serious and I'm someone who plays a lot especially when I like someone, so she said she likes how impulsive and full of energy I am and she's finally getting to experience the kind of love she thought only happens in movies.
We held each other and slow danced to some cool John Legend and Adele then called it a night.

To be honest I don fall yakata for this girl, I'm so happy we both feel the same way about each other cos if I start saying how she makes me feel no be today e go end I swear. I call her Olanma and yesterday I was teaching her how to say Olanma and it was so so hilarious; D

When she got home last night, she texted me and told me the most beautiful moment she's had recently was when she finished asking me some questions about how I feel about her, and I looked her in the eyes and reassured her I genuinely like her then brought her in for a hug then kissed her forehead.
She said when I kissed her forehead, it was the best feeling ever and she felt so safe and so loved and didn't know if too cry or something because she felt so good in a way she hasn't felt before and it was the most beautiful thing ever and she still thinks about it and she misses how I whisper sweet things in her ears and kiss her neck when we were slow dancing.


She told me she's the only child of her parents and I just found out she told her parents and friends that I'm just a new acquaintance that wants to teach her English.
I'm actually legit feeling sad cos I already know her parents won't approve of our relationship cos they'd want her to marry a Russian man obviously and continue their family line. Whatever to, meeting her has been the best thing that happened to me so far in Moscow and even if it ends today, I'd forever cherish the little time we spent together. But I hope it doesn’t cos I really don’t want this to end.



About to have dinner, study then get some sleep.

See you guys later.

Ajibesin:
Hello Bro,
I'd like to make some enquiries about master programme in Russia in PM.. thanks

In as much as I'm willing to answer any questions and be as helpful as I can, I really do not want to turn this thread into a question and answer or Russian visa enquiry thread, there is already a thread for that from a few years back on the travel section but if you must ask, I'd also prefer you guys post any questions you have on here instead of mailing me privately, if it's something I can answer, I'll answer it on here so it would also serve as reference and help other prospective students. I'll try and post the link of the other thread if I find it again cos it helped me.

BenNash:

I want to ask a question. How easy is it to visit other European countries from Russia??

I haven't really been here long enough to know this but I think getting Estonia visa here is the easiest and fastest and getting other European country visa is easier than from Nigeria as long as you have the necessary docs.

Freshemzy:

Do you have Contact to anyone who's study medicine over there

Most Nigerians studying medicine are in Siberia and other far cities and I'm new and haven't been able to get acquainted with them but will def try and reach out to them and get a contact for you.

MCzubby247:

please @tochiphoto, how easy is it to get English teaching jobs and temporary resident permit in Russia?

Like I said earlier, jobs are not readily available and combining study and work is very difficult but it can be done and people are doing it. About RP, No idea yet, I just arrived here recently I never tey for here so I never know all these things.

BlowJobs:




Maybe it has something to do with people living in America. Make una no cast us.

Nice thread OP. Your pictures are amazing.

What should i look out for when buying a digital camera?

I assume you'd be shooting mostly landscapes and people right? I'll recommend an entry level dslr Nikon D5200 with the 18-55 kit lens and the 50mm 1.8 prime lens would be perfect for landscapes(kit lens) and getting beautiful bokeh when shooting people (50mm) The combo would set you back under $400

The Camera I'm using right now is a 6 year old Canon 7D, before that I used the D5100 and I will strongly recommend the Nikon D5200 if you are on a budget and the D7300 with the lens I mentioned if you are not on a budget. If money no be problem lol then go for a full frame the Canon 5d mark IV and the 24-70 f2.8 mark ii is every serious photographers dream combo for all round shooting (landscapes, portraits etc.)