Donald and Melania recently left government service in the U.S. and are relocating to the cosmopolitan Russian capital of Moscow. Local friend Vlad will show them some options in their price range.
Option 1: Urban Sprawl
An apartment complex outside the city center
VLAD
Here is first abode. Two rooms, half-bath in hallway. From roof with binoculors, you can almost see top of Kremlin.
DONALD
What is this? The servants’ quarters? I’m not sure I even wanna know anyone who lives here.
MELANIA
Reminds me of childhood home in Slovenia. Only more depressing with less goats and electricity.
VLAD
Neighbors mostly heroes of Russian Republic. People who also served well cause of Russian greatness. Is artful deal; they save Russia, we give them place to live.
Option 2: Country Cozy
A rustic getaway
VLAD
This once dacha of important former Soviet apparatchik. Forget name. Died from mysterious sudden poison disease. Cozy, yes? Much wood. Roof. Outhouse is woods in any direction. Quiet neighbors.
DONALD
What’s behind that chain-link fence? Looks like rusted army tanks.
VLAD
De-commissioned military equipment storage yard, only visitors occasional scrap metal scavangers. Very quiet unless drunk.
MELANIA
Is all gravel and dirt outside. Driveway is seven miles long. Plank flooring no good for wearing of heels.
VLAD
Bad for heels, da. Maybe you get knock-off Uggs. I know guy in Crimea who can arrange.
DONALD
It looks like the custodian’s cabin at Camp David.
VLAD
Is general idea, da. After so much fast lane, you crave simple life, no?
DONALD
No.
Option 3: Metroplexual
At the top of the heart of the city
DONALD
This is more like it. Same building you live in, same penthouse floor…
VLAD
Da, over here, your entrance.
MELANIA
We enter through servant quarters?
VLAD
Eh, da. Conveniently attaches to my larger suite.
DONALD
This will be okay for when the Jared and Ivanka visit. Why is there a butler’s outfit on the bed?
VLAD
We’ll have tailor fit it for you later. Melania, your French maid costume is over here. We had to guess at fishnet stocking size. Many feather dusters in closet.
DONALD
Hey, we had a deal!
VLAD
Da. I help you stay from jail. Sanctuary and shelter is bonus. You want I introduce you realtor for Pyongyang or maybe the Hague?
MELANIA
I am calling divorce lawyer...