So, here are my initial thoughts and perceptions from my trip - things I hope to build on with time!
1. Russia is huge and is to some extent its own world
2. No smile does not mean no like
3. Russian history is a very complex beast
4. People have the same fundamental yearnings and desires regardless of nationality
5. The concept of an 'ideal' government is not objective
6. Our view of the world is shaped through the lens of the media
7. Night trains are a fun, convenient and comfortable way to travel long distances and meet new people
8. The concept of milk with tea is a non-starter. Mixing Smetana with tea causes mass dismay.
9. The dress code for Moscow is black. For St Petersburg it's a flat cap.
10. Due to depth, the escalator for the Metro can take several minutes. If suspecting imminent nuclear war, head to the metro.
11. Always complement the Russians on their fountains
12. Saturday is wedding day. Arrive at tourist sites early to avoid the wedding crowds.
13. Russians are very very good hosts!!!
Большое спасибо мый русский друзьями, россия очень красивый стран. мне нравится это очень. Слава богу!
Of course Aaron, of course.. I've always loved your posts.. It puts a big smile on my face everytime I read it. Like I do now ;)
ReplyDeleteTell us more about "4. People have the same fundamental yearnings and desires regardless of nationality"!
ReplyDeleteIt's indeed an interesting point! This is something I have been greatly challenged on. From at least a public health point of view, you don't hear many positive things about Russia. Many of the articles published relate to the problems of corruption, alcohol/IV drug abuse, the spread of HIV, marital and family breakdown, and lack of care for the elderly. What sort of people would want this for themselves? A society without hope... The answer is that no-one would want this for themselves.
DeleteHowever this bleak picture is devoid of the individual. Men don't grow up wanting to become alcoholics and be absent fathers. People don't want to become depressed and fall into the spiral of drug abuse. And the joyful thing is that many don't! I've seen some really loving fathers and caring people in Russia. People have aspirations, they want stable loving families, to make their parents proud, to discover the wonders of the world they live in and use their skills to be a useful and valued individual. Sadly both Brits and Russians are fallen people in a fallen world...
Several key factors in the former soviet societies make the above aspirations somewhat harder to achieve than in the UK. The deep-rooted impact that corruption has on Russian society is an ongoing challenge. Promotion of the idea that macho-power (over others) is desirable and true power is another major stumbling block. Increased accountability and openness is required, although it is not something favoured by the current authority (church and state), possibly due to this ongoing notion of 'macho infallible power'. I wonder whether this situation has come about as a result of Russian history - repeated invasions from all sides with a lack of spiritual reformation in the 16-1700s and limited enlightenment in the 1700s. Their are definitely different ideas with regards to individualism. As a result of this, I'm not sure western liberal democracy and 'freedom' would work within Russia (history would suggest not). However increased accountability, transparency and a leadership willing to accept the merits and wrongs of the nation's past is sorely needed in order to face the future with more hope. The question is, how can this be achieved? Well, I can think of a role model for that one!