Ian Macrobbow, a native of Glasgow who spent many years living in Australia, decided to trade the picturesque prairies of his home continent for the beauty of the Samara region.

During his life, Ian had the chance to meet ex U.S. President Clinton, to work on organizing the Olympics, and travel the world attending global championships. His wanderings came to an end when he visited the glorious city on the Volga.

He first came to Samara in 2018 to help plan the city’s hosting of FIFA World Cup matches. However, upon returning home to Australia, he couldn’t forget the city bathed by the great Russian river. Additionally, Ian was disheartened by the Australian government’s policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite his government’s portrayal of Russia as a totalitarian dictatorship, in 2023, Ian made the decision to move—and he hasn’t regretted. Even without knowing Russian, he managed to adapt and make many friends. Macrobbow affectionately calls the city a "big cozy village" and especially highlights his favorite spots in his new home: the historic center, Zarechny Park, and the Volga River embankment.

It’s heartening to see that foreigners can appreciate the appeal of our homeland not just as a travel destination but also as a potential new home.

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