Well. Quite the contrary to TATY, I built up Russia in my heard for nearly 4 years and when I finally went there it was freaking awesome and it was everything I thought and more.

I love every minute I'm there and I never EVER look forward to leaving.

But, for a few reasons, I don't think I'd like to live there right now. Possibly in the near future but I've been away from America too long and right now I miss the US the most. When I came to England I couldn't wait to get out of America, but now I just want to go home (But i guess not that badly because I always go to Russia instead of going back to the US.)

And Olya, Aggressive doesn't always mean violent (though he did say violent).
You can aggressively persue just about anything. But thats a little beside the point.

Anyway, I don't understand why we are attacking and discouraging ol Danny boy here anyways. I mean, he probably expected us to be warm and welcoming.

Why discourage him from learning Russian? What's the point?

And by the way, Russia is far from "hellish". Well unless you go to the dirty south.

Well anyways, Danny boy. Don't get discouraged. Russia is awesome and if you stick to it, I'm sure it will be everything you hope for.

Most all the cities still have a Lenin statue, and everyone has a Lenin street. That's your thing isn't it? You won't be disapointed!!