Native Russian here, now living in Canada. Wonder if the tag would work for me as well :)
My intention was to tell about Russia from within, to provide a look at the mysterious state on the other side of the pond (seeing how Hubski is very US-centric). If there's something you can add to that from your experience from within the country - you're welcome to take part. How come you're in Canada now?
My parents moved when I was in school, just wanted to get out of the country. I now study at a major Canadian university, getting my engineering diploma. Couldn't be happier, really, and even though I still have friends in Russia I don't intend to come back and live there after my studies are done. Visited the country a couple years back, and honestly, it's not a place I want to spend the rest of my life in. Even Moscow (or, perhaps, especially Moscow?) depresses me, the people, the attitude, the quality of life, the rudeness and the "жлобство" (is there even a word to describe it in English?). Also, there is nothing quite like being approached by the "гопники" in my hometown, it is such a magical feeling and one I grew quite unaccustomed to after years of living in a society that simply doesn't have anything remotely close.
"Boorishness" and "slobbery" are both given in the dictionary; do you feel like they represent the quality well enough? I forgot they still existed by now. Haven't met any since I finished local high school. Did they ask for "сига" or "позвонить чо", by any chance? What makes you not want to return to live in Russia? Also, I would advise you to come to other cities still, despite your terrible experience with Moscow: those cities beyond the Ural seem to be all less densy populated, slower and calmer. Visit Tomsk if you'd like to get the impression of pre-Soviet Russia mixed with some late-Soviet and modern architecture, or visit Kemerovo if you'd rather see a mostly-modern-ish look. Both have quite an impressive view."жлобство" (is there even a word to describe it in English?)
Also, there is nothing quite like being approached by the "гопники" in my hometown