I am Russian. I lived my whole life in Russia: finished high school, graduated from the University. What I wanted to do is to write about what kind of outlook Americans might have on Russian culture. I did a little research on the subject of cultural differences before I started writing this blog and I came across one very interesting on-line post. A woman who lives in the US (NY) is expecting her Russian friend for a visit. She writes: "...my friend Pasha is coming to visit me, for ten days starting one week from tomorrow. I am muy excited about that.
It occurred to me this morning when I was cleaning the toilet – yes, what a glamorous life I lead – that I needed to let Pasha know some things about America he may or may not realize. He has lived in Russia his whole life. Even though he speaks fluent English and is a very bright guy, I was thinking he might need a few cultural tips..." (mmm okay! good to know about the "toilet thing")
And then she goes on: "...in Russia, most places anyway, you don’t flush toilet paper. You throw it in the wastebasket next to the toilet. In a lot of places, the toilets aren’t toilets, but holes in the floor. Sometimes you get what I dubbed “squatty potties” – porcelain lined holes in the floor, with convenient places to put your feet..."
And I thought: " Okay, the way she described it was weird, but kind of true. We do have these kind of toilets. But we DO flush the toilet paper ! " :)
And then this lady goes on with other observations: "...I also thought I should tell him:
- Here, we don’t remove our shoes as soon as we enter someone’s home [unless they’re really picky about their floors and ask us to do that, which I’ve only experienced a few times in my life]
- Most folks shower every day or two. We have three bathrooms and hot water is not usually an issue. Those things are huge cultural differences. Even in a nice hotel in Russia you only have a 50/50 chance of getting hot water when you want it [unless perhaps it’s an American hotel in Moscow or St. Petersburg].
- We pray before meals. He doesn’t have to participate but I’d appreciate it if he’d not talk or eat during prayers. I’m not sure if he’s a “believer” or not; last time we discussed it he wasn’t, but he was seeking answers, which is a good first step.
- The kids go to school about 7-8 hours a day here. In Russia they go to school 4 hours a day, and on Saturdays.
- Here, he won’t need a heavy coat in mid March. A light jacket will do, and he can bring layers. I told him to bring shorts if he has them. I never once saw anyone wearing shorts of sweatpants while in Russia, except other Americans.
- I can take him everywhere by car. In Russia, everyone takes buses and trolleys and trains everywhere. Few people can afford cars. Very few women drive, although that’s changing.
- We have special stores for tall men here where he can buy clothes. [He’s a really big guy] Even the local Walmart will likely have some things he can wear. I told him he might want to bring an extra suitcase. Everyone wears shorts and sports shoes here all the time, for example. [I wasn’t sure whether to say “tennis shoes” which is what we say here, or “running shoes” which some folks say, or even “trainers” – which the British use.]
- He can do laundry while he's here, and we have a washer and a dryer. In Russia most folks line dry clothes on the balcony of their apartments..."
"WHOA!", I thought. "It's a little to much, lady. You started to sound kind of funny and a little absurd."
I understand everybody has its own opinion about each country and stereotypes do exist, but c`mon! Some people need to do a little more research before they start "stating the facts" as they think.
People do shower in Russia and we do have hot water...not only in American hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg ! :)
Kids go to school about 6 hours a day there. A lot of people drive/can afford cars ( and if it's a big city, of course, we use public transportation often...just like in NY). We do have stores for tall men :) and yes, in Russia most folks line dry clothes on the balcony of their apartments but a lot of people have washers and dryer machines.
Overall, this on-line post entertained me and made me laugh. I realized that it's a particular opinion of a single person (her observations). Yes, some of the things she talked about were true but most of them were very funny. Hope, it made you smile as well :)
