Quote Originally Posted by Hanna View Post
In case Dmitri doesn't want to respond to this question, I'll tell you about another example.
I met a woman from Minsk who had a job as a chief accountant at a small state run enterprise. She told me that she made $800 and felt that this was rather crap - she had had a better paid job previously but she was due to retire, so she had to settle for this other job instead (she needed to continue working).

I might remember wrongly but I think this is what it was - Dmitri, please correct me if this sounds totally off the mark.

Anyway Eric, a lot of things are very cheap in Belarus - the salaries are only a problem with foreign-produced goods and for going abroad. They make some really nice products in Belarus that are amazingly cheap. I bought some childrens clothes for my niece that were funky, cute and stylish, very cheap. I bought a jacket for USD 25 which I had lots of compliments for in Sweden. Made in .by! Another thing is, people get a lot of things for free that they would pay for in other countries. It's quite common that they get a 2-3 week holiday practically for free from their work. That is the positive side of Belarus. Again, Dmitri, please correct me if I am wrong, this is my impression after spending a bit of time there.

But remember, this thread is suposed to be about flats!
It certainly is. Just a few words on your encouraging anthem. Since having gotten back from there, have you come up with the idea that:

a) Chief accountant is considered to be a rather well-paid job, above the average level...
b) Their currency has been three times devalued over this time compared to its level the last time you were there... (sure, the salaries haven't been evaluated in anything but it)

?