Well Im out of here soon, this is why... (Phoenix: military, vacation)

[ComradeR]

Hi all.

Just read a few topics about life in Phoenix, and I must say there are few good ones.

Originally Im from Moscow, Russia. When I was 16 my mom decided that I shouldnt be going to Chechnya for avenging my friends who were taken by horrible war. I was young, stupid, and my time for mandatory Russian military service was creeping up. Plus all my life I wanted to be in the military. So where does my mom take me?

A r i z o n a hehehehe.


I went from one of the coldest cities, to one of the hottest cities in US. The allmighty Phoenix. The plane landed in September, and when I came out of Skyharbour, holly crap the hot air hit me. It was the weirdest feeling ever. I could actually feel the warm wall of air, and the heat from concrete was definately warping.

After living in Phoenix for a few months, I started to miss home. I spent 17 years in Russia, and I was use to a big cultured city like Moscow. I went back for a month, and than for another 3 months after graduating Camelback high. My friends couldnt believe the things I saw in Arizona hehehe, which is understandable.

I work as an artist for a company that develops video games, and I've been doing this for 7 years here in Phoenix. I must say there are actually a lot of things that I like about Arizona, but unfortenately for me personally, negatives outweight the positive.

I've been living in Phoenix since 1996, thats eleven years to say "well time to try a different city". On top of that my military dream was blasted when I was awarded with type 2 diabetes upon turning 18, so I couldnt join the US Army, and shoot for Rangers. Sigh, oh well life moves on, my job now keeps me happy.

Being diabetic, I have to watch my sugar, carbs, alcohol, and have lots of physcial activity. My doctor recomends to stay away from packed gyms, and just simply walk outside, bike, and hike. And I love that kind of life. Being Russian, and growing up in Moscow I didnt know what it felt like owning a car, or running an Air Conditioner.

Im an outdoor person, and I traveled AZ inside out. Flag, Sedona, Payson, Prescott, Tucson, Nogales, Jerome etc. Been there all, and many times. I actually have to get away each weekend to Payson, where my girlfriend's parents have a cabin. The cooler air, pine trees, ocasional snow in the winter, reminds me of Russia.

Russians dont complain, but the heat around Phoenix started to get on my nerves after 10 years. I must say for me the horrible heat starts at the end of April, and doesnt stop till end of October. It gives me headaches, raises blood pressure (which Im also diagnosed with since I was 14), and I cant be outside during those months to have a comfortable walk or a jog.

I've tried LA fitness, and other gyms. But the ammount of people there, and here we go with AC again. Thats not a type of exersise I want to do. So even at night, when the temperature drops to 92-94, its very hard to run 2-3 miles, and walk 6 miles to get a full exersise i need.

Another important thing for me is the lack of great cuisine. I love eating fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, quality meats, and cold cuts, but what we have here is not what I would call Good Quality. AJs doesnt count.

There are few nice Italian restaurants (I love Italian), but nothing compared to what I've tried in NY, LA, and Seattle. I respect Mexican food, but we have waaaaay too much of it here. I understand that we have a huge Hispanic community, not that there is anything wrong with it, but I trully miss feeling of Europe, home, walking, eating out, getting rained on, getting snow in my face.

But being a pro-military/pro-gun guy, I must give to Arizona. I love having a few AK-47s, M16s, Dragunov Sniper Rifles, and shooting machine guns with my friends. Love the privilages many people have here when outdoors away from Phoenix. But I must say good byes to the city that tried to comfort me as much as it could. I must say thank you to Phoenix, and big thanks to AZ for doing her hardest to keep me happy.

Im moving to Seattle soon, I find it to be more closer to home.

So to all of you moving or thinking about moving to Phoenix, dont be affraid. This is what's great about this beautiful country. With brains in your scull, and knowing how to use it, YOU SHOULD try living everywhere around US.

The worst part is being old, and saying "Damn it, I didnt see this, and didnt try that." Its just Phoenix is not the place for me to stop for another night, time to move on...

[HX_Guy]

Nice write up.

I'm originally from Bucharest, Romania so I can definately relate with a lot of what you've said. I go back and visit yearly and I love it everytime. Completely different style of life and each day seemed different...maybe rainy, maybe sunny, maybe some fog...things changed. Of course I was on vacation and anywhere you're on vacation is going to be nicer then your daily life.

[ComradeR]

Originally Posted by HX_Guy

Nice write up.

I'm originally from Bucharest, Romania so I can definately relate with a lot of what you've said. I go back and visit yearly and I love it everytime. Completely different style of life and each day seemed different...maybe rainy, maybe sunny, maybe some fog...things changed. Of course I was on vacation and anywhere you're on vacation is going to be nicer then your daily life.

Glad to hear from a fellow Eastern European.
Would love to visit Romania one day. Always wanted to.
Tell me what you think about food here in Arizona.

Cheers my friend

[cloud dweller]

From Arizona to Seattle ComradeR? It rains 300 days a year and Bronchitis is everywhere,the sun shines 50 days a year,I was forced to live there so I know.Wow.
Reconsider pal,move to Flagstaff if your work can be done there.
Listen,why not move to Pittsburgh here,it will remind you of Russia and Seattle combined?
For heaven's sake stay put and I have nothing to gain by telling you the aforementioned.
post script:Phoenix is not hot more than 3 months a year.Wait till you try walking in Seattle's humidity.Find a good doctor up there.
Save us from cloud cover.

[sablebaby]

Great thread! Your descriptions are right on. I hope you find what you are looking for.

[sheena]

Originally Posted by ComradeR

Hi all.

Just read a few topics about life in Phoenix, and I must say there are few good ones.

Originally Im from Moscow, Russia. When I was 16 my mom decided that I shouldnt be going to Chechnya for avenging my friends who were taken by horrible war. I was young, stupid, and my time for mandatory Russian military service was creeping up. Plus all my life I wanted to be in the military. So where does my mom take me?

A r i z o n a hehehehe.


I went from one of the coldest cities, to one of the hottest cities in US. The allmighty Phoenix. The plane landed in September, and when I came out of Skyharbour, holly crap the hot air hit me. It was the weirdest feeling ever. I could actually feel the warm wall of air, and the heat from concrete was definately warping.

After living in Phoenix for a few months, I started to miss home. I spent 17 years in Russia, and I was use to a big cultured city like Moscow. I went back for a month, and than for another 3 months after graduating Camelback high. My friends couldnt believe the things I saw in Arizona hehehe, which is understandable.

I work as an artist for a company that develops video games, and I've been doing this for 7 years here in Phoenix. I must say there are actually a lot of things that I like about Arizona, but unfortenately for me personally, negatives outweight the positive.

I've been living in Phoenix since 1996, thats eleven years to say "well time to try a different city". On top of that my military dream was blasted when I was awarded with type 2 diabetes upon turning 18, so I couldnt join the US Army, and shoot for Rangers. Sigh, oh well life moves on, my job now keeps me happy.

Being diabetic, I have to watch my sugar, carbs, alcohol, and have lots of physcial activity. My doctor recomends to stay away from packed gyms, and just simply walk outside, bike, and hike. And I love that kind of life. Being Russian, and growing up in Moscow I didnt know what it felt like owning a car, or running an Air Conditioner.

Im an outdoor person, and I traveled AZ inside out. Flag, Sedona, Payson, Prescott, Tucson, Nogales, Jerome etc. Been there all, and many times. I actually have to get away each weekend to Payson, where my girlfriend's parents have a cabin. The cooler air, pine trees, ocasional snow in the winter, reminds me of Russia.

Russians dont complain, but the heat around Phoenix started to get on my nerves after 10 years. I must say for me the horrible heat starts at the end of April, and doesnt stop till end of October. It gives me headaches, raises blood pressure (which Im also diagnosed with since I was 14), and I cant be outside during those months to have a comfortable walk or a jog.

I've tried LA fitness, and other gyms. But the ammount of people there, and here we go with AC again. Thats not a type of exersise I want to do. So even at night, when the temperature drops to 92-94, its very hard to run 2-3 miles, and walk 6 miles to get a full exersise i need.

Another important thing for me is the lack of great cuisine. I love eating fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, quality meats, and cold cuts, but what we have here is not what I would call Good Quality. AJs doesnt count.

There are few nice Italian restaurants (I love Italian), but nothing compared to what I've tried in NY, LA, and Seattle. I respect Mexican food, but we have waaaaay too much of it here. I understand that we have a huge Hispanic community, not that there is anything wrong with it, but I trully miss feeling of Europe, home, walking, eating out, getting rained on, getting snow in my face.

But being a pro-military/pro-gun guy, I must give to Arizona. I love having a few AK-47s, M16s, Dragunov Sniper Rifles, and shooting machine guns with my friends. Love the privilages many people have here when outdoors away from Phoenix. But I must say good byes to the city that tried to comfort me as much as it could. I must say thank you to Phoenix, and big thanks to AZ for doing her hardest to keep me happy.

Im moving to Seattle soon, I find it to be more closer to home.

So to all of you moving or thinking about moving to Phoenix, dont be affraid. This is what's great about this beautiful country. With brains in your scull, and knowing how to use it, YOU SHOULD try living everywhere around US.

The worst part is being old, and saying "Damn it, I didnt see this, and didnt try that." Its just Phoenix is not the place for me to stop for another night, time to move on...

That was a great post! I said my goodbye's a month ago, although I have my negatives of what the place has become I am thankful for all my years and will always hold my time in Phoenix near and dear to my heart.

[nevercoldcall]

Before you leave, you need to eat at Tutti Santi Italian restaurant. They have one near Northern and 16th St., and another at Greenway and 64th St. I'm from the NYC area and can tell you that even New York doesn't have better Italian food. My family from there used to visit me in Phoenix just to eat there! It's the one thing I miss having moved away from Phoenix after 7 years of living there. Several visitors from NY have agreed that it's the best Italian food in the world, and it's even in Zagat's Top 100 Restaurants in the world! Go there!!!!

[Robin Holland]

Originally Posted by ComradeR

Im moving to Seattle soon, I find it to be more closer to home.

I'm sure you'll enjoy Seattle, and maybe you'll consider getting rid of the guns. It's very liberal and anti-firearms there unlike in Phoenix.

[jco]

Many blessing to you on your new adventure north! I think you'll find some nice eats in Seattle to make up for what disappointed you here.

[moose168]

Originally Posted by ComradeR

Russians dont complain, but the heat around Phoenix started to get on my nerves after 10 years. I must say for me the horrible heat starts at the end of April, and doesnt stop till end of October. It gives me headaches, raises blood pressure (which Im also diagnosed with since I was 14), and I cant be outside during those months to have a comfortable walk or a jog.

I've tried LA fitness, and other gyms. But the ammount of people there, and here we go with AC again. Thats not a type of exersise I want to do. So even at night, when the temperature drops to 92-94, its very hard to run 2-3 miles, and walk 6 miles to get a full exersise i need.

You're absolutely right.
The summer heat is brutal here, and even the springs and autumns aren't too much cooler. It was already near 100 last month! If I were you, I would simply ignore the sun-baked mindset of those people who brag about how lovely the weather is here. It's not healthy when you factor in the high risk of heat-related problems, and skin cancer - which can kill you.
There's also a major drought going on, which people seem to be oblivious to, judging by all the water they waste.
I like warm weather, but not brutally hot like Phoenix. Try living in the Silicon valley, which is the San Jose California area. It's only 50 miles from San Francisco, so you have many amenities to enjoy in the entire area - including a variety of cuisine that you long for.
The career opportunities in Phoenix don't hold a candle to the money and success you can have in northern Cali. That's where I lived for 20 years, and I'm headed back there sooner or later - hopefully sooner!