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Life in Russia vs. Brazil: A Personal Journey of Adaptation

Introduction

In this article, I share my experiences and reflections as a Russian who lived in Brazil for four years and returned to my homeland two months ago. My journey has been a blend of nostalgia, adaptation, and discovery as I navigate life in a small Russian town after enjoying the vibrant lifestyle of Rio de Janeiro. Join me as I explore the positive and negative aspects of living in Russia, share glimpses of my rural hometown, and reflect on the contrasts with Brazil.

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Returning to Russia: A Challenging Transition

Coming back to Russia was not an easy decision. I had built a fulfilling life in Rio de Janeiro, living in a great neighborhood with friends and a sense of belonging. The only reason for my return was to accompany Thiago, my partner, to show him Russia and its diverse cities while creating content for our YouTube channel, “Aim Russian Language.” However, the transition was stressful. The harsh Russian climate—cold, snowy, and dry—contrasted sharply with Brazil’s tropical warmth. The time zone changes, different food, water, and even air quality took a toll on my body, a process I call acclimatization. It’s a slow adjustment, and I often find myself missing Brazil’s sun and vibrancy, sometimes watching old videos to relive those moments.

Despite these challenges, I believe that difficulties make us stronger. As I adapt to life in Russia, I’m rediscovering my roots and learning to appreciate the unique aspects of my small town, nestled near a forest and a river called Yosânia—our version of Copacabana, complete with a cycle path for pedestrians and bicycles.

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Positive Aspects of Life in Russia

Living in a small Russian town has its charms, and there are several positive aspects worth highlighting:

Safety

One of the most striking differences from Brazil is the level of safety in Russia. In my small town, and even in larger cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, I feel secure walking alone at midnight with my phone or camera—something I couldn’t imagine doing in Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. This sense of security is a significant advantage, especially in smaller towns where life feels calm and protected.

Infrastructure

Russia’s infrastructure is another positive surprise. Over the four years I was in Brazil, my hometown and cities like Moscow have become more beautiful and well-maintained. The streets are clean, and public spaces are well cared for, reflecting a commitment to urban development that I deeply appreciate.

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Nature and Rural Life

My town is surrounded by the Siberian forest, where houses are literally built within the trees, creating a serene and refreshing environment. Walking through the forest, where I spent time with my grandmother as a child, is rejuvenating for both body and mind. The area is rich with flowers, fruits, and, in late summer, mushrooms and wild strawberries. The prospect of picking strawberries with Thiago for our next video excites me—it’s been four years since I last tasted them!

Challenges of Living in Russia

While there are many positives, life in Russia also comes with its challenges, especially after living in Brazil’s warm and welcoming culture.

Harsh Climate

The Russian climate is unforgiving. The cold, dry air and lack of sunlight make it difficult to adjust, especially for someone who thrived in Brazil’s tropical environment. This harsh weather affects not just the body but also the mood, and I often find myself longing for Brazil’s sunny days.

Social Differences

Russians and Brazilians have distinct social cultures. After adapting to Brazil’s warm, open, and quick-to-friendship vibe, I find Russians to be colder and sometimes less approachable. While I’ve met Brazilians in Moscow who enjoy living in Russia, they too miss the Brazilian way of forming fast, heartfelt connections. Reintegrating into Russian social norms has been a challenge, requiring me to readjust to a more reserved demeanor.

Impact of Sanctions

The ongoing war and resulting sanctions have added complexities to daily life. Accessing the internet, particularly platforms like Instagram and YouTube, often requires a VPN, which can be unreliable. Posting videos or stories is frustrating when the VPN fails, making it harder to stay connected with my audience and share my experiences.

A Glimpse into My Town

My small town, far from the glamour of Moscow or St. Petersburg, has a rustic charm. Old wooden houses, some over 100 years old, resemble Brazil’s favelas in their simplicity and age. These houses, part of an area called “Colony” due to its historical ties to French factory workers, are a mix of occupied and abandoned structures, often with small saunas and fruit gardens. The town’s French-built bridge crosses the Yosânia River, adding a touch of historical beauty to the landscape.

Trains, including the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway, pass through, connecting my town to Moscow and beyond. Watching a double-decker train head to the capital reminds me of Russia’s vastness and connectivity, even in its quieter corners.

Exploring the Siberian Forest

One evening, I ventured into the forest near my town at 9 p.m., a testament to the safety I mentioned earlier. The forest, where I walked as a child, is a place of peace and natural beauty. Houses nestled within the trees, surrounded by bushes and wild strawberries, create a unique rural vibe. While I didn’t encounter the wolves or bears I jokingly set out to find, the experience reconnected me with nature and my childhood memories.

Reflections and Future Plans

Living in Russia has its highs and lows, but it’s a journey of rediscovery. The safety, infrastructure, and natural beauty are undeniable strengths, yet the harsh climate, social differences, and technological challenges due to sanctions pose difficulties. Compared to Brazil, where life felt lighter and friendships formed quickly, Russia demands resilience and adaptation.

As I settle back into my homeland, I’m excited to share more of Russia with Thiago and my audience. From picking strawberries in the forest to exploring other Russian cities, I look forward to documenting this chapter of my life. I also plan to return to Brazil one day to visit other states and cities beyond Rio, eager to explore more of its diverse culture.

Conclusion

Life in Russia’s countryside offers a unique blend of safety, natural beauty, and simplicity, but it comes with challenges that require patience and strength. For those who’ve followed my journey, I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you prefer the vibrant energy of a big city or the quiet charm of a small town? Share your comments, subscribe to my channel, and join me in the next adventure. Until then, goodbye from the Russian countryside!

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