Back to Moscow, inside the Kremlin palace, Swan Lake ballet 

Dear Eli, My wife passed away six months ago. After five decades of having meals that she cooked for us, I'm now alone eating while watching your videos. I lost count the last six months of your videos I've watched, and your effervescent and pleasant personality and interesting subject matters take some of the sting out of my loss. My mind goes with you as you explore and describe your surroundings in Russia and you are a wonderful representative for your people, culture and those elements that connect all of us on this beautiful planet. Please continue to take us on your journey and stay healthy and happy.

As someone that lived in several countries, including Italy, I must agree to what you just said in the beginning of the video. People forget that "a bigger salary" comes with bigger expenses. Salaries in London are good, but rent price is awful. Same in New York, same in L.A. One of my friends complained how expensive is to go to a concert in London. People don't realise, but regular people live paycheck to paycheck. This is the reality, saving money is hard and comes with great sacrifices. I know plenty of people that came to a country having big hopes, but returned to their homelands after they worked like slaves for foreigners. Once you get abroad, after the novelty wears off, you have to face same problems. People are the same everywhere in the world. Every country has richness, poverty and corruption.

If you leave your country you think that all your problems will magically disappear. From the first to fourth minute it's the best speech ever. I just recently discovered you and watching you every morning on my commute to work.

I like the people who love and respect their own countries without hating and putting down others. You are one of those so you have my respect.

The enormity of civic spaces in Russia is unique in the world, from what I've seen having never been. I was fortunate in having some success in production and design for ballet. Love Russian Ballet - it's so graceful and un-robotic. Your videos are wonderful, thank you.

Everything is so beautiful. The people, places, events. Much love from America.

The Motherland needs me. Nuff said.

Eli, you are a beautiful person inside and out. Welcome home!

Hello Eli, I really love the way you present your videos as it is the real thing about Russia, the good and not so good. My life's journey took me to Krasnoyarsk where I lived for a year in 2004. it was a real eye-opener regarding the culture. I was born in The Netherlands but moved in 1982 to New Zealand. Later on, I lived for a short while in Tolyatti and Samara and spent quite a lot of time in Moscow and St Petersburg. I fell in love with Russian architecture, the food, the people, the small but cosy apartments, the Dasha's and the metro in Moscow, Tsaritsyno Park, especially in winter. I was in Moscow during Xmas time and New Year and could not get enough from the beautiful decorations around the city!!! For me, it was an experience I cherish for the rest of my life, Sadly Covid is putting a stop to travelling, but when we can travel freely again my first stop will be Moscow!!!

This was delightful. Anything that YOU think is important and relevant and interesting is what I want to see and hear -- nothing less. Eli, you have such a good heart and sensible mind. Albert Einstein once wrote: "The only source of knowledge is experience." Through your showing us stuff and sharing of your thoughts I am experiencing Russia. I am grateful. You are a treasure. You are priceless. Your channel is not just a show to me. It is a life experience -- because you are who you are. God bless you. Take care of yourself. You are doing a beautiful thing. Russia does need you. The rest of us appreciate you.

I went to see the Swan Lake Ballet a few years ago. I'd heard so much about the Russian Ballet, and had dreamed of one day watching a live performance. When I finally had the opportunity to go, I took it without hesitation. I even dressed up in a full White-Tie ensemble for the occasion. I am so glad I went. I was absolutely stunned. The dazzling costumes; the grand backdrops; the dancing; the music; the whole performance was beautiful and thrilling from start to finish. I loved every second of it, and am hoping to see another Russian Ballet some day. Love from New Zealand ))

You have revived my love of Russian culture. In college i took Russiaan language.Rima Palangian, my teacher, was my only Russsian aquaintance. She was precious and opened my heart to the fact that Russains are like us. They love family, natural food, and Tolstoy.

I've always had a thing for Russia ever since even childhood. The music probably. This soft spot has grown even more in the last year has I have started the study of the Russian language. Seeing these beautiful scenery from Moscow had my eyes already in a wet spot but the Chaïkovski got me to the core.😭

Great videos ELI I wish I was younger to travel to all those ❤️ beautiful places 😊😂 where you have been , I admire you a lot.. 😉 Thank you , 🙏 for all those beautiful videos,,,God Bless You Always ....

Wow that park is amazing. So cool with the skyscrapers around it

"The Motherland needs me." This is so unpopular in the modern Western world... But we are so happy when НАШИ ЛЮДИ come home..

Hello Elina, You are absolutely beautiful. You speak so well. The reason You have come back to Russia is so touchy. I had the same feeling when I was working in the USA as a Computer Programmer. So after 5 years there, I came back to my home Land India. I felt that I belong to my homeland. Thanks.

I love your vlogs in general but I especially enjoyed this one for all your joy and good vibes!! It was amazing to see Swan Lake and the beautiful Kremlin. Moscow looks like a really vibrant city and is now on my bucket list. Thanks Eli!!

Thanks again Eli, for your positive Russian vibes and awesome scenery.

Very beautiful video as usual. Coming back home, after a long period abroad, is always moving. In Italy we say " Casa dolce casa" (home sweet home), that is the place where we were born is the best. Thank you for showing us the beauties of your country

Moscow is a beautiful city and clean. will visit after the pandemic. Thank you

Just saw this video and it has reminded me of a good time in Moscow, I could really love to visit again. I hope things will get back to normal soon.

I am hooked on all your videos, Emily. My wife, Penny and I watched 3 last night on our tv screen. So enjoyable. We live in Cape Town, South Africa. Lots of love, John.

Eli Dear you are a multi talented girl. It accentuates your natural beauty and charisma. Really love to watch more and more of your video. - Love from Mumbai, India 🇮🇳 ❤ ♥

How truthful and quite refreshing was your monolog; some introspection is healthy and would bring much-needed balance in one's life. Thank you for sharing it with us. Pozdrav od Makedonija.

You're ahead of the curve Eli, the quality of life has been declining in most western countries, while Russia is improving. For one, the culture in Russia is being preserved, with traditional ballet and literature still being valued at home, while in the West we are tearing down our heritage... There is a good case for staying at home and helping build the future of your country!

I had very extreme experiences in Russia from amazing to disastrous for like 2 years, but watching your videos really makes me miss Moscow and Russians so so so much. I swear, you shoot some of the scenes and I feel like I can smell the air where you are)))) I haven't been back since 2015, and suddenly the nostalgia is setting in.

I love yur videos about Russia. I'm in US and love seeing your country and people. Thanks for all you do. God bless

What a beautiful city🏙️❤️ Thanks for walking me around your stomping ground, Eli! The murals and architecture are stunning🖼️ Swan 🦢 lake looked divine, I'm sure that was so much fun! You have excellent posture🏋️‍♀️ Here in Seattle people have been wearing their masks in the stores & on the transit, but have been taking them off outside :) I'd love to see more street art, parks, & buildings 😄

Both Eli and her subject matter are compelling viewing. Such an intimate guide through a land that is so foreign and opaque to me, at least.

J'adore cette femme, elle est fraiche et souriante... Elle parle de son pays avec amour...

Very interesting and fun - my dad loved the train episode I recommended to him. Thanks!

It looks a very beautiful interesting city, I hope to visit some day!!! & my GF introduced me to Tchaikovsky music which is superb!!! Thanks for your video!!!

I am so happy. I love Russia and i cannot wait for your videos, showing us the beautiful country ❤

That Tchaikovsky performance was awesome, more of those !!!

I watch 1-2 YT vids on my lunch break at work. This was a great surprise for my day! Congrats on finding your way back home. I started learning Russian just 3-months ago and I’m doing well, with a LONG way to go. Your channel + 3 others on Russian culture and travel have kept me motivated and passionate. As a westerner who’s never been to Russia, I’m always curious what cities and life are like further east and central Russia, away from Moscow and St. Pete, which always garner the most attention in movies and travel videos. Anything you can do to cover some of that would be great and appreciated! The one you did about hiking in the Ural mountains was excellent. Mnogo lyubvi iz Tekhasa. (Much love from Texas - how can I get the Russian alphabet on my phone!?) 🇺🇸

I’ve always been curious about Russia and never really learned much until I ran into your channel. Love your content

Good episode. Thank you

In my opinion, what Eli says at the beginning is very true. Back to the roots is always good! I'm overwhelmed by all what you disclose in your fantastic video. Tks so much Eli. Tks for presenting us the amazing Kremlin Palace, an excerpt of the most famous magnificent Swan Lake (top ballet) with music composed by Tschaikowski. Red square is magical. Moscow wow. A great capital to be, to knwo! All these lovely church buildings symbols of Russia. Finally i hope you don't mind if i dare say: Eli, you look beautiful! Best regards from Switzerland!

Thank you Eli, this is a happy and lovely video!

You make really excellent and exciting videos.Please make videos showcasing Russian theatres,Russian circus,and other important facets of Russian cultural heritage.

When you feel good in your videos we all feel good. Yes it is a very special feeling coming home. When you smile I can't help smiling too.

Thank you for another beautiful video. I would like to see more of Moscow. I love Russian architecture.

Beautiful ballet shown to us, Elina. You look wonderful in everything you do.

You looked sooo beautiful going to the Kremlin!!

Most enjoyable. Thank you and take care!

💬...Dear ELI 😊👋 ... Uuuuiiiii... really nice and wonderful video about Russia Region ❣ Eli, thank you sooo much for sharing 😘💓

ive binge watched all your shows, very interesting and intriguing

Hi Eli, I know this is an older video but I think one of your best. Loved your happiness for being back in Russia. Moscow is a beautiful city. Best regards, Gene

Eli, totally agreed with you. That where you're from its still the best.

Eli you remind me of the fable of the country mouse convinced to come to the rich life in the city by his cousin who lived there. He went to his cousin, & the cheeses & cakes were great (i.e., the high salaries in the West). But then a cat came, and bit the tail off country mouse. So he decided to return to the country (Russia), having learned that the cheese & cakes weren't worth it. Maladets!

Great episode, thank you

Russian music and language are beautiful

Russia has beautiful architecture and women; always great to see. You have amazing red hair.

Thank you Eli. i really enjoy your vlogs.

You are stunning Eli!

Lovely video of the beautiful buildings of Moscow & the ballet. Thank you! Would you please make a video about Christmas in Russia?

Oh, I'm so glad that your are home and feel more comfortable. Good luck.

I saw Swan Lake performed by the Kirov Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburg. Mesmerisingly beautiful. Eli, I am SO envious of your beautiful red hair. ❤

I really miss your country. Swan lake is also my favorite. I will keep following you. Good luck!

Wonderful you’re a yoga practitioner, as I am as well. Wishing you peace and light

Thanks aunty for HAPPY VLOGS FROM RUSSIA .Thanks from INDIA .Life is normal again IN RUSSIA. So happy to know Aunty

you are very inspiring Eli! much love from Philippines ❤

It's nice seeing you happy in your own country again

So true...wherever you go, you take yourself. Beautiful sights from Moscow.

Great video Eli

Hi! Are you finished with your studies, or is school out for summer vacation? I really enjoy your videos. It is nice to see what Russia is like other than the political news we see on TV. You are a very interesting woman. You are right about moving and finding that no place is free of problems.

Great video 👍🏼 I hope we will be able continuing living like this and enjoying cafes and restaurants in the near future as well 🥲

Thank you for wonderful, beautiful video with so much great information.

This was such a great video - thanks. I really like the travel ones - but this one was so great just seeing a day in your life.

Welcome Home Eli! We missed you in Russia. It is so common that young people are so anxious to leave and move to other counties.. Usually they have no clue about the other countries except for movies and assume that everything they have in Russia will be there in a different country and that they will be rich. When going on vacation to these other countries they only see the tourist spots and never see what life is like for everyone else who is not wealthy.. They assume that if they get sick medical care is free and immediate, or that it will be crime free like in Russia, and that education is free like in Russia or how most people own their home free of debt like Russia and they assume culture is available to all like in Russia. By the time they learn the difference between their dream and their new reality they are stuck with high debt and can no longer have the free time and travel like they had in Russia. Maybe it is western social media or movies that have them so sure that their life is so bad in Russia. They usually say they want to move but when questioning them about their own direct experience they can't name a single incident where they had to deal with corruption. They tell each other that everyone is corrupt except all their friends and relatives. After living in Russia =for the last 21 years I have never seen or heard of an instance of corruption, never paid or even hinted that a bribe was needed for some official to do their job. In my own home country, local corruption is low but on a national level it is so normalized people think it just how congress works, vast sums of money paid to elected officials for them to grand favors to wealthy individuals or corporations or else no law or bill can be passed.. From my experience policies in Russia most often are focused on the people and real improvements in quality of life has been experienced.. Not many in Europe or North American would say they have seen any improvement in their quality of life and for the bottom65%, there has been a dramatic drop iin quality of life, and security over the last 50 years. There is a lot more unity and tolerance for different views, races, religions, social strata here in Russia than in Europe or the US now. There is so much more regulation of normal life activities now with the EU and certainly more restrictions and limits in the US but it has been so gradual that not many complain but ex-pats returning after a few years away are shocked by the greater control, lack of privacy, layers of security to protect the government from the people. The nature of corporate media aligned with security agencies means news in the US and UK and all over EU, it total propaganda so the people are intentionally very misinformed. Nothing reported on about other countries or people is true in North America and UK.

Best of luck to you Eli we wish you true success

Greeting From Afghanistan :) i love your video because u make for us amazing videos and Russia,Norway , Switzerland is my favourite country and i love travel video THANKS

I loved this video Eli! Good photography and you have no accent in your English so I could understand you very easily. I have been gone from my home country for to long and am to old now to ever go back.

"Any video shooting is prohibited" proceeds to record video 😅

What a wonderful series of your blog,I have literally found your site by accident, but as I watched your videos, I realised that three or four ours had passed away just watching the natural way you got back to your roots in Russia

U ARE GREAT ELI

Loved seeing the scenes of the ballet and inside the Kremlin Theater! Awesome!!!

I love your outlook on life . You are young and you have a fantastic positive attitude . Your videos are very balanced and interesting. ❤❤❤

Great video Eli, also I agree with your words entirely. All nations have good and bad. We often take things for granted I know because like you, I lived outside of my country for ten years. I have visited Moscow and I would have loved to have gone to the ballet, let alone at the Kremlin! Your country is fascinating, I’ll look forward to more videos! Xx

My friend Henri Nyakarundi wrote a book called My African Dream. It's quite short but it echoes a lot of what you're saying about living abroad. The same feeling for many Africans that if you make it to America or the UK, suddenly life will be perfect and everything will be easy. He lived in the US for eighteen years as a student and then a successful business owner, and eventually returned to Africa after the stress almost destroyed his health. It's a really interesting and darkly humorous read. His goal was not to stop Africans from visiting the west, but to highlight the reality of what living there is and how tough it can be. It’s something that isn’t talked about enough.

Yes always support your motherland

Hi Eli. I love your videos. so I follow it every day here in the Philippines Thanks for sharing.. bye

Eli your so great❤❤❤😊

There's no place like home. Really enjoy your vlogs!

Hey Eli, I have always been so curious about Russia and luckily got an opportunity to visit in 2019. It was a wonderful experience. Although if I had seen your videos I could have experienced lot more from Russia. Continue the good work and positivity is inspiring. All the best Lots of love & luck, Mansi

I love you Eli and I feel a kinship with you! I’m sitting on my yoga mat as I watch your video

Nowhere like home! Home sweet home .. welcome back 😉

What a wonderful video

Just lovely.

Nice video, greetings, from Argentina

Awesome 👍👍😎😎

Qué bonito video !!

Hi Eli, I miss Moscow, to which I traveled three years ago. It was in the middle of winter (December / January), and I loved it. Actually I loved how international the city was. International not because of tourists, like me; but because of how the Russian society is diverse, from its different regions, ethnicities and religions. I have no advice to give you about what to Vlog about because your Vlogs are exactly what I love, which is simply about life in a country or a region. I loved your last Vlogs from different regions and their customs, like the Tatar one for example. Thanks for sharing, take care and be safe 😊

Love all your video

Thanks!

Yo Eli, Welcome Home

Wow... nice dynamic video

Cool video 😎