What's Russia like?

 

Russian Stereotypes

 



Ok comrades.  When you think of Russia, what do you really picture?  Apart from a leggy blonde playing a balalaika and icons of the Soviet Era, what do you think of?  Vodka, those Russian dolls, Vladimir Putin, Lenin, KGB, snow....lots of snow?  And bears too? 

 

May be you thought of some of these...

 

Some common stereotypes of Russia:   Every Russian drinks a lot of vodka Bears wander the streets of Russian cities and towns.    It's dangerous in Russia because of the mafia    It's an underdeveloped and backward country There's snow on the ground all year round Russians are rude and grumpy It's drab and grey Babushkas

 Yes, there is a lot of vodka in Russia (some good, some bad) and relatively cheap, but I have not seen the kind of vodka-drinking that I was half-expecting.  My Russian students tell me that in Saint Petersburg at least, you don't see the same kind of drunkenness from excessive vodka drinking than you would in smaller towns and villages.  We're metropolitan, sophisticated and have to work in the morning - they assure me. 

As for bears - haven't seen one bear yet.  They're all hibernating in Siberia, apparently.

The Russian Mafia is so 1990s, like other misconceptions of present-day Russia.  While they do exist, they are not lurking around every street corner and have no impact on most people's lives.  Before I left England I was asked whether I was afraid I might get shot (in a mafia street shoot-out!).  Er, no!  I am glad to say that I have heard no gunshots...so far.

Russia, a backward and underdeveloped country?!  Nope.  The public transport is reasonable and cheap.  I'll take the Saint Petersburg Metro over the London Underground any day!  Here the trains run on time and it is pretty cheap, compared to a creaking Tube network, which is inefficient, overcrowded and over-priced.  But one thing that really is apparent here:  Russians do value education a great deal. I have met many graduates in my classes who hold at least two degrees.  And it's not uncommon for parents to send their children to afterschool clubs and private tuition to enhance their education and social skills.  

Snow on the ground all year round?  Winter is long and dark here.  That is true.  But there are the other seasons as well.  And I have been told that when summer finally arrives it's usually brief, but very warm.  

Russians are rude and grumpy?  This may seem the case when it comes to walking along the street and seeing all those frowning faces.  And in the Metro and in shops too.  However, once inside, and once you have been introduced, there are smiles all around.  I am happy to report that I have had many a giggle with St Petersburg folk.  I even saw a Russian policeman and policewoman larking around in the Metro, laughing and smiling together...flirting I imagine. 

Drab and grey in Mother Russia?  Yes, some of it is.  You can blame Soviet architects for some of it.  However, I don't think you can level that at a city like Saint Petersburg with it's colourful buildings and such treasures as The Hermitage.  The weather certainly can be drab though. 

The stereotypical chubby grandmother - the babushka - does not apply to all elderly females in Russia, but they do exist.  Just watch as they steamroll their way through queues, or simply barge  onto the train via your personal space.  A force to be reckoned with -  (Grand)mother Russia!

 

First Impressions

 

Russia does seem to be a country of contradictions.  I expected that it would be quite different from my own country, but not exactly in the way I had envisaged.  On the one hand Russian people can appear to be as cold as their weather, yet are often friendly and warm-hearted.  It's just that smiling in public is frowned upon.  If you are ever caught smiling on the street, don't be surprised if you receive a disapproving look.  They will either assume you are mad, insincere or both,  Smiling is reserved for friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances.

 

And as for customer service, it is not like the 'service with a smile' you may be used to back at home.  If a checkout lady smiles in your direction, then just don't take it for granted and just accept it as a good day.  But never confuse the lack of emotion for shoddy service. You will most likely receive an impeccable service; but just not with smiling involved.

 

 

 

So, what is Russia really like? 

 

It is different.  Some of those differences will be a pleasant surprise.  Others will be points of frustration.  For example, if you do want to post anything, be prepared for a chunk of time to elapse before your letter or package reaches its destination.  A letter by airmail from Saint Petersburg to the UK will take in the region of 4 to 6 weeks.  And, if you are a fan of queuing, then be prepared for disappointment.  If there is a queue waiting for the Metro train, or you are waiting in line in a shop, don't get upset when someone seizes upon an opportunity to get ahead of you.  Of course, it's your fault because you left a little gap.  You didn't notice it, but the next guy did.

At the time of writing this I am still trying to workout what Russia is really like  I think it's hard to explain, unless you have lived here yourself.  Will I know the answer in six months?  Probably not.