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Phoenix – Yulia Tokanina, Travel Lover from Russia

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Tell us about yourself – who are you and what would be the short story of your life?

My name is Yulia Tokanina. I am originally from Russia and I moved to the USA 6 years ago. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with majors in International Relations and French. Moving to the USA was the beginning of different chapter in my life. I had to adjust to American culture and lifestyle. I moved to Phoenix one and a half years ago and I really like it here. I work for European travel company, that specializes in organizing tours for Europeans.

Why do you do the work you do – is that your passion or like most of the people it just happened?? What would you ideal job if you could do ANYTHING???

I do the work I do because it is definitely my passion. I had a chance to travel abroad and I plan to travel more in the future. Since I was a child I’ve been fascinated by other cultures and traditions. I enjoy meeting people from different countries and learn more about them. I believe that my job is perfect for me in terms of using my foreign language skills, communicating with Europeans, making sure they have a great time exploring the USA.

If someone asked you what I should NOT miss while in Phoenix/Arizona, what would reply? And what I really SHOULD miss….

Well…I should not miss sunny and hot days while in Phoenix! I really should miss snow but I don’t

What do you miss most from your country ..…in addition to the family and friends?

Russian food! It is so delicious!

When you think about misconceptions we all have about cities/people/countries – what do you think you misjudged about USA/Arizona and what is what people usually misjudge about Russia?

I think a lot of times people tend to judge others coming from other country/ culture by stereotypes, which is wrong. People are different in general, no matter what country they come from, in my opinion. So, I guess it is important to learn to accept the differences especially when you live in the county, which is a “melting pot”.

What do you like doing in your free time??

In my free time, I like exercising, swimming, going out to different restaurants, traveling, watching movies, visiting art galleries/ museums, hiking.

What do you think about the cost of living in Russia vs Phoenix– and the standard of life and life style?

Well, it is difficult to compare cost of living in Russia and Phoenix. It depends on lifestyle, I guess. For example, Moscow is the most expensive city in Russia. It offers a lot of opportunities for young people to have a career and a nice social life, but cost of living there is probably comparable to New York.

If you could change something about Phoenix– what would it be?

I think Phoenix is a great southern city with unique nature and charm. In my opinion, it needs more culture, social events, festivals that would attract people, making it easier to make new friends.

Connect with Yulia:

Yulia at Facebook

 

Phoenix – Feb 14 2014

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EuroCircle Phoenix has joined forces with OurHappiestHour.com for the Annual “Wine, Chocolate & Jazz” Valentine’s Day Soiree! Romance the night away! Whether you’re single and plan to spend the night with friends or a special couple celebrating the holiday, you’re welcome to join us on Friday, February 14th (7:00pm-10:00pm) inside the 44fifteen Bar & Bistro @ Hotel Indigo Scottsdale!

Celebrate Valentine’s Night! Enjoy rich chocolate fondue samples, sip hand-selected wines and relax to soothing live Jazz with local trio, Rhythm and the Rose, in one of Old Town Scottsdale’s hidden gems.

Ticket Link – http://3rdannualvdaysoiree.eventbrite.com/

**TICKETS**
General Admission to the event is $5 per person and includes:
– Free Chocolate Samples
– Professional Valentine’s Day Photo
– Extended Happy Hour Pricing until 10 pm
– 1 Raffle Ticket into our Prize Drawing
– Discounted Hotel Rates

VIP Admission to the event is $25 per person and includes:
– Wine Tasting Voucher (4 Select Wines)
– VIP Valentine’s Gift Bag
– Free Chocolate Samples
– Professional Valentine’s Day Photo
– Extended Happy Hour Pricing until 10pm
– 5 Raffle Tickets into our Prize Drawing
– Discounted Hotel Rates

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE – http://3rdannualvdaysoiree.eventbrite.com/

**ROMANCE PACKAGE**
Hotel Indigo Scottsdale is offering our guests an Exclusive Romance Package! For $149.00 you will receive:
– 1 night stay (Friday, Feb 14th)
– Champagne and Strawberries upon arrival
– Breakfast for 2 in the morning

Use the rate code “OHH” when you call to make your reservation!
*This special is only valid on Friday, Feb. 14th

**THE BAND**
Local Jazz Trio, Rhythm & The Rose, will be performing on the 44Fifteen Bar & Bistro patio! Learn more about the group and hear a sample – http://www.facebook.com/rhythmandtherose.

**HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS**
The 44fifteen Bar and Bistro will be featuring discounted drinks and a special discounted appetizer menu for Happy Hour.
*Prices are extended until 10 pm for our group only.

**PRIZE DRAWING**
Every guest will receive a raffle ticket to enter our Prize Drawing. Win:
– 1 Free Night Stay @ Hotel Indigo Scottsdale
– 3 Hours of Complimentary Limo Service
– Romantic Couples Massage Class w/ Extras by AZ Family Massage

**LOCAL BUSINESS VENDORS/SPONSORS**
Silpada Jewelry (Monique Taetle)
Origami Owl Jewelry by Shannon
PRP Wine International
It Works Body Wraps (Lysa Alonso)
AZ Family Massage (Grace Burnham)
Velata Chocolate Fondue
Pure Romance by Jennifer (Jennifer Samuelson)
Starry Nights Transportation

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE – http://3rdannualvdaysoiree.eventbrite.com/

Phoenix – Christian Bissing, Real Estate Knowledge with European Flair

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Tell us about yourself- who are you and what would be the short story of your life?

My name is Christian Bissing and I was born in St.Louis, Mo and moved as a child to the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg, where I aquired my international education. I am a graduate of the prestigious Lycee Michel Rodange in Luxembourg and went to college in the United States.

I speak several languages as a native language: English, French, German, Danish, Luxemburgish. He is fluent in Spanish and am studying Italian and Russian as a hobby. Through my upbringing and the fact that I have travelled to over 70 countries in the world, I have a deep understanding in different cultures and their needs.

I have lived in Arizona since 1991 and have a extensive knowledge of Arizona through his past businesses.
I am married to Julie Gauthier-Bissing who has two children. We ( who is from Quebec City, Canada) work as a husband and wife team in assuring that all our clients receive the best possible service during their real estate experience.

I have had several business, from fashion photography production, Tour Operator, owner of Perfume an cosmetics stores and since 2004 a successful Realtor in the Phoenix metropolitan area serving national as well as International clients. What I love most about Phoenix is its cultural diversity, climate and beauty of the area.

If someone asked you what I should NOT miss while in Phoenix/Arizona, what would reply? And what I really SHOULD miss….

An extensive visit of the city and it’s surrounding beautiful deserts, do not try public transportation, not effective.

Anything truly memorable that has happened to you since you have lived in Phoenix What really annoys you about Phoenix– or maybe nothing does?

I got married in phoenix. Phoenix drivers are not the best.

What do you miss most from your country Luxembourg…in addition to the family and friends? When you think about misconceptions we all have about cities/people/countries – what do you think you misjudged about USA/Arizona and what is what people usually misjudge about Luxembourg?

I miss most the culture and the fact that I could go everywhere and meet somebody I knew as Luxembourg is small.

I think many Europeans have no idea how great the USA is, they have a very biased and wrong Idea of the States. The judge the States by its politics and not by the country and population itself. The USA is a very friendly, diverse and country of opportunities, much more that Europe in General.
People from all over the world don’t tend to know much about Luxembourg here, in fact unless you have a bank account there, most people here have never heard of it.

Do you have a favorite Phoenix/area restaurant? Why….what is the good and bad about restaurant culture in your opinion in Phoenix..or the life style in general Who are the most famous Luxembourg people…when I think Luxembourg I think Villeroy & Bosch, but can not easily recall any famous person though I am sure I’d know a name if you said some names!!

Yes , Fogo de Chao, Brazilian reastaurant, I guess a very man oriented restaurant, loooots of meat ! J Restaurants are great in Phoenix, it is a metroploitain area of over 4 million, so lots of great restaurants. A bad thing is that is most neighborhoods people do not communicate with each other, you can live next to somebody for years and never speak to them. One cultural American custom I cannot digest, still after all these years is the fact than when you throw a party,people come, eat, have a couple of drinks and then excuse themselves , and even sometimes say they have another party to go to. If you would do this in Luxembourg, you would be never invited again, the host would be offended, but here it seems to be customary.

Famous Luxembourgers: well there is the Grand Duke Henri of course, Andy Schleck the bicyclist, Henri Tudor the inventor of the lead battery, Desiree Nosbush ( Actress) Victor Hugo lived a long time in Luxembourg, and there are others..

Where and how would you live if not Phoenix if money is not an obstacle? I heard the real estate market is kind of difficult there. How expensive is it to rent or buy….and what are your favorite areas??

As a Realtor I can tell you the real estate market has rebounded and is healthy again. We had a severe real estate crash in 2007, but since we are a tourist destination, and a very large job destination with the huge variety of Industries unlike Las Vegas , Florida and parts of California, we have rebounded quite well. Everywhere we see new building going on.
Where would I live? probably Arcadia, Paradise Valley or North Scottsdale.

How expensive to rent or buy, really depends on where you are in the greater Phoenix area, A 2000 ft home with pool will sell between $150,000 and $500,000 and up depending on the neighborhood. Rent might go from 750 to 2500 and up a month. Its really hard to say. Generally the further out of te center you go, the less expensive it becomes

What do you think about the cost of living in Luxembourg vs Phoenix– and the standard of life and life style? If you could change something about Phoenix– what would it be?

The cost of living is way higher in Luxembourg. The standard of living generally much better here.

What would I change? Work on developing more the urban centers, they have done a good job in the last years, but there is much more room for improvement

Connect with Christian Bissing:
Phone: 480 332 5220
Email: Email Christian!!
Website: www.bissingrealestate.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christian.bissing
www.facebook.com/bissingarizonarealtor
www.facebook.com/AgentImmobilierArizona