Olivier Roy, a Canadian from Montreal, and his wife Valeria, originally from Saratov, have chosen to live in the Russian city, bucking the trend of migration decline in the Saratov region. They shared their story, revealing what drew Olivier to Saratov and why he prefers it over Canada.

Olivier first experienced Russia during a semester abroad in St. Petersburg, captivated by the architecture, Russian rock music, and choral performances. Despite initial concerns from his relatives about safety in Russia, Olivier’s experiences led him to pursue a master’s degree and eventually marry Valeria.

After graduation, the couple moved to Canada for three years, but Olivier longed to return to Russia. He expressed concerns about worsening public relations, rising crime rates, and what he views as the imposition of non-traditional values on children in Canada. He believes Russia offers a more supportive environment for children, valuing their development.

Olivier has traveled extensively throughout Russia, visiting numerous cities. While Moscow is comfortable and St. Petersburg had a big impact on him, Saratov also holds a special place due to its location on the Volga River. Olivier admires the Volga, believing it is a defining feature of Saratov and is surprised that more residents don’t appreciate it. He also sees potential in the city’s young entrepreneurs and their vision for improvement.

Despite some challenges, such as the condition of roads, the couple has found ways to navigate life in Saratov. Olivier works in translation, blogging, and consulting, but his ultimate dream is to become a farmer. He admires the connection to nature that rural life offers and hopes to challenge the perception that it signifies failure.