I really don't know what it is about the Russian mentality that allows them to be completely oblivious to everyone around them, but it's insane. For example: as stated earlier, Russians never acknowledge each other in public unless they see someone they know. But when you see couples together, the two of them together are oblivious to everyone else.. and it's not uncommon to see couples just standing in the middle of .. well, everywhere groping each other or just plain going at it like no one exists in the world but them. It was kind of cute the first few times, but it's just getting insane now.
Additionally, I've witnessed a number of things so far that would get someone murdered in the US but Russians apparently accept as part of life and don't care about. For instance, today I was walking with Sasha and saw a car wreck wherein a guy backed out into traffic without even looking behind him despite the fact that it was a busy road. The two guys got out of their cars, looked at the damage (both bumpers were crushed), and then got back in their cars and drove off. I guess the idea is, "Eh, whatever... it's Russia. If we call the Police, they'll just take our money and tell us to go away. Better to not bother with it." I was really expecting them to like fight because it was such a stupid reason to have a wreck .. and then, nothing. It's just strange.
I finally managed to catch up on my sleep today, finally adjusting to the time difference. The good side of that being that HOORAY! No more being tired all day hopefully. The downside being that I was 3 hours late to an appointment. But whatever, it's Russia, right? Turns out that as always, this mantra held true. He ended up getting to stay at home 3 extra hours in the morning and actually thanked me for getting him the morning off. Glad that worked out =D After the lesson I headed to the University and had Sasha hand the guard my slip to get into the building because I wouldn't be able to properly answer questions if the guard asked any. The guard make a crack about why I didn't hand it to him myself ... the closest translation I can offer is "Doesn't he have arms?" We laughed about it on the elevator.
Petr made the observation that I am looking like a real Russian already, smiling less on transports, and I've learned to ignore everyone around me. Not sure if that's good or bad, but whatever. About 5 I caught a train uptown to meet with Ksana (Охана) and we headed to the city stadium where the Spartak (Spartans) play. I'm afraid I don't recall the name of the stadium, but the view from the train station was absolutely gorgeous. The station was actually situated on a bridge over the Moscow river and all the walls were made of glass so you could see the stadium and everything. Additionally, the entire station was done in fresh marble and there were glass display cases with gorgeous jewelry and other beautiful displays. We walked back through to the old stadium and then an even older stadium that I was advised is never used anymore. No joke, I'm sure if more than 10 people climbed those stairs the stadium would probably have collapsed, lol. =P
There were a number of VERY expensive cars racing in circles around the parking lot and Ksana told me that they were practicing for the races that are held in the streets at night. Moscow Drift for the next sequel maybe? I was just waiting for these guys to wreck, They were speeding around in circles around the stadium in excess of probably 130-140 miles per hour and then donutting around light poles. I'm amazed none of them flipped. While my honest opinion is that these guys are probably trying to compensate for their personal short-comings, I have to admit that they're freaking fearless... probably just a Russian thing though. I mean why be afraid of anything? It's not like life could get any worse, right?
We headed back a few stations towards the center of town and went into a restaurant called Му-Му (Moo Moo) that had a cow theme outside that made me think it was some kind of Ben & Jerry's deal where they sold ice cream. Actually it was a really awesome setup similar to a buffet, but all the food was prepared fresh. There was a line with chefs behind it making the food as you ordered it. I didn't know what to order or how to identify most of the foods, so Ksana bought some dishes for me. I loved all of it. Not only were the foods fantastic, but the assortment was incredible, and if anyone travels anywhere in Europe that has one of these place, make sure not to pass it by.
We headed back to the Metro about 9 so I could get back to Prince Plaza where the shuttles leave from to head back to Troitsk since the last shuttle leaves at 10.30. I cut it pretty close, and ran off the metro and up through the mall to the shuttle station where I caught one of the last shuttles at 10.26. Got home and realized that I had forgotten to file my migration card ... блин ... so I have to take care of that tomorrow. Although I'm a bit worried I may have to pay a fine for not filing in time, I had such a great day that I really can't be bothered to worry about anything at this exact moment.
I'll admit that this country has some very interesting dynamics in its mentality and approach to life, but I think by and large it's not nearly the horrible place everyone makes it out to be. Although it's true that it's a make it or break it country where it's important to be on your guard at all times because no one is looking out for you out there, what I've taken from my experience isn't how bad the country is, but how awesome the people are. It should be noted that the people that can survive here are tough, and need to be given more credit than they are given now. Like every country in the world, it has its problems. I admit that some of them may be a bit more severe than a lot of countries have to contend with, and I'm inclined to understand the general reticence of the Russian people. Although it's a very exciting place to live, I can already see how it can wear you down having to always be on your guard.
Additionally, I've witnessed a number of things so far that would get someone murdered in the US but Russians apparently accept as part of life and don't care about. For instance, today I was walking with Sasha and saw a car wreck wherein a guy backed out into traffic without even looking behind him despite the fact that it was a busy road. The two guys got out of their cars, looked at the damage (both bumpers were crushed), and then got back in their cars and drove off. I guess the idea is, "Eh, whatever... it's Russia. If we call the Police, they'll just take our money and tell us to go away. Better to not bother with it." I was really expecting them to like fight because it was such a stupid reason to have a wreck .. and then, nothing. It's just strange.
I finally managed to catch up on my sleep today, finally adjusting to the time difference. The good side of that being that HOORAY! No more being tired all day hopefully. The downside being that I was 3 hours late to an appointment. But whatever, it's Russia, right? Turns out that as always, this mantra held true. He ended up getting to stay at home 3 extra hours in the morning and actually thanked me for getting him the morning off. Glad that worked out =D After the lesson I headed to the University and had Sasha hand the guard my slip to get into the building because I wouldn't be able to properly answer questions if the guard asked any. The guard make a crack about why I didn't hand it to him myself ... the closest translation I can offer is "Doesn't he have arms?" We laughed about it on the elevator.
Petr made the observation that I am looking like a real Russian already, smiling less on transports, and I've learned to ignore everyone around me. Not sure if that's good or bad, but whatever. About 5 I caught a train uptown to meet with Ksana (Охана) and we headed to the city stadium where the Spartak (Spartans) play. I'm afraid I don't recall the name of the stadium, but the view from the train station was absolutely gorgeous. The station was actually situated on a bridge over the Moscow river and all the walls were made of glass so you could see the stadium and everything. Additionally, the entire station was done in fresh marble and there were glass display cases with gorgeous jewelry and other beautiful displays. We walked back through to the old stadium and then an even older stadium that I was advised is never used anymore. No joke, I'm sure if more than 10 people climbed those stairs the stadium would probably have collapsed, lol. =P
There were a number of VERY expensive cars racing in circles around the parking lot and Ksana told me that they were practicing for the races that are held in the streets at night. Moscow Drift for the next sequel maybe? I was just waiting for these guys to wreck, They were speeding around in circles around the stadium in excess of probably 130-140 miles per hour and then donutting around light poles. I'm amazed none of them flipped. While my honest opinion is that these guys are probably trying to compensate for their personal short-comings, I have to admit that they're freaking fearless... probably just a Russian thing though. I mean why be afraid of anything? It's not like life could get any worse, right?
We headed back a few stations towards the center of town and went into a restaurant called Му-Му (Moo Moo) that had a cow theme outside that made me think it was some kind of Ben & Jerry's deal where they sold ice cream. Actually it was a really awesome setup similar to a buffet, but all the food was prepared fresh. There was a line with chefs behind it making the food as you ordered it. I didn't know what to order or how to identify most of the foods, so Ksana bought some dishes for me. I loved all of it. Not only were the foods fantastic, but the assortment was incredible, and if anyone travels anywhere in Europe that has one of these place, make sure not to pass it by.
We headed back to the Metro about 9 so I could get back to Prince Plaza where the shuttles leave from to head back to Troitsk since the last shuttle leaves at 10.30. I cut it pretty close, and ran off the metro and up through the mall to the shuttle station where I caught one of the last shuttles at 10.26. Got home and realized that I had forgotten to file my migration card ... блин ... so I have to take care of that tomorrow. Although I'm a bit worried I may have to pay a fine for not filing in time, I had such a great day that I really can't be bothered to worry about anything at this exact moment.
I'll admit that this country has some very interesting dynamics in its mentality and approach to life, but I think by and large it's not nearly the horrible place everyone makes it out to be. Although it's true that it's a make it or break it country where it's important to be on your guard at all times because no one is looking out for you out there, what I've taken from my experience isn't how bad the country is, but how awesome the people are. It should be noted that the people that can survive here are tough, and need to be given more credit than they are given now. Like every country in the world, it has its problems. I admit that some of them may be a bit more severe than a lot of countries have to contend with, and I'm inclined to understand the general reticence of the Russian people. Although it's a very exciting place to live, I can already see how it can wear you down having to always be on your guard.
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