just a thought: Russia: myths unveiled, facts to be true, and a few of my favorite things

Whenever I mentioned that I was about to head off to Russia I got many mix reactions. Either excitement, amazement, or pure astonishment. However, it was almost always followed by a bit of knowledge or a word of advice. Whether this information was true, well that was always questionable. After being here for a few weeks now, I have come to realize the truths and the myths so for my blog this week, I thought I would share the inside knowledge about Russia:

Myths:

1. Russians are unfriendly and cranksters, resist smiling and talking to strangers at all times- I have found this to be completely untrue. Every single person we have talked to has been sincere and kind, although, I can see how people can get confused. While sitting on the metro, an elderly lady turned to me and began to yell. I was completely lost and with my best attempt replied with "nyet paruski". (no Russian) I have learned through much experience that this phrase has absolutely no effect when you are speaking to a Russian. They simply will ignore it and continue repeating whatever they are trying to tell you in a louder voice. Anyways this lady followed the trend and kept yelling. I looked around in confusion and with another attempt replied, "ya nyet pawnee mayoo". (I don't understand) Finally she took a breathe and with the help of one of the girls in my group, I found out she was simply asking me what my name was and where I was from. I have met many amazing people here with the kindest hearts.

2. Russian men are unattractive and eye you like a turkey on Thanksgiving- well this has it's truths about it, but definitely not as much as I was told. There are actually many, many attractive males here. I thought signing a no dating contract would be no sweat, however, it has been a bit more challenging than I planned. The stare down, however, was no joke. It's not just males though, everyone stares. I have learned after awhile how to blend in a bit more, but as soon as I open my mouth the eyes turn and they don't move. As soon as they hear English, there is no going back.

3. The food in Russia is nasty, say hello to potatoes and beets- The first food I was introduced to here was shwarma, which is my all time favorite. I still get obscure looks whenever I tell anyone here this. Shwarma is a burrito type thing that is made of, well that is a mystery. Even to the natives it is unknown, but what you don't know can't hurt you right? Other than the fish our cook tries to sneak in meals here and there, that I have liked almost everything I have eaten, except the buckwheat, but it's rarely on our plate since Lenna, our chef found out we didn't like it. Except when she adds it to our morning porridge thinking we won't notice. The fruit is really good here which always amazes me and we never seem to go a day without a delicious homemade pastry.

4. Men are intoxicated 99.9% of the time- Well this definitely has some truths to it also. Vodka is as common here as churches are in Utah. You know when it is around, because the smell is not unnoticeable at all. In fact, when a person drinks, it seems like it is all or nothing. You can smell it from a mile away and the zig zag walking gives away a little hint too. So while seeing a drunk man on the metro is a daily occurrence, everyone is not drunk.

TRUTHS:

1. Russians have very strange superstitions-
This is completely true. When I heard that girls are not supposed to sit on the floor because their ovaries would freeze, I must admit I let out a little giggle. Well get ready for a talking to if you decide to do it, however, I wouldn't doubt this to be true with the freezing cold weather.

2. Babooshkas will save your life-
Whenever in doubt, just find a babooshka. They are all over the place and these ladies are tough. Many times we will pass little old women shoveling the walk ways, or standing in the freezing cold selling items. This country would be lacking a lot with out these fine ladies.

3. RUSSIA IS FREEZING!!-
This with out a doubt is an understatement. I never knew how cold, cold was until I came here. It makes Logan's winter seem like a Hawaiian vacation. Whenever we are in the positives we call it a good day. I never knew my eyelashes could freeze.

A few of my favorite things:

1. Colored toilet paper that is indeed scented