What shocked an ordinary Russian girl in the USA
Many Russians periodically think about moving abroad. Somewhere there - it’s better, it always seems so. But life abroad permanently has its own specifics related to the local mentality, culture, customs and legislation. Thanks to the Internet and social networks, many of our compatriots have the opportunity to share their own observations about foreign life.
Our story is about Natalya, who moved to the United States from Ryazan with her husband and son. She knew the English language at an acceptable level, took scriptwriting courses from the University of California, which gave her the opportunity to get an American O1 visa. As they went to build their quest business, they chose the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they have been living for a year and a half. Natalia shares her observations about the realities of life in the United States.
First of all, the Russian family was shocked by the prices: $ 4 for a loaf of bread, $ 30 for a manicure, minor repairs in a used car - all $ 500. They are completely afraid to go to restaurants. In other states, prices may be lower, but young entrepreneurs were interested in the availability of solvent customers for their services. Today, Russians with nostalgia recall the cafes and eateries remaining in their homeland.
Natalia describes a typical American as follows: this is a person who is convinced that Uncle Sam is behind him, and everything will always be in order with him. Any work in the USA is respected, whether you are a taxi driver or a waitress. All Americans always smile at each other, but behind this mimicry there is absolutely nothing behind the conditioned reflex. Surprisingly, this combines the willingness to help, if not in practice, then at least in words.
It is quite normal for Americans to approach a confused person standing on the street and offer to suggest a way or even drive. Quite a lot, Americans differ from Russians in the culture of “small talks”. In the United States, it’s normal to turn to a stranger to compliment his clothes or hairstyle. In Russia, this is not very accepted. Even in America, it is customary to knock on each other, and this is vaccinated from an early age. Fights between children are rare, it would be more correct to complain about the offender to adults.
Even Russians are often annoyed by the custom of Americans not to take off their shoes indoors. To explain to every plumber or electrician who came from the street that he should at least put on shoe covers is tiring over time, and you have to put up with it. And Natalia does not recommend sticking her fingers in the sink of a sink in the USA. The fact is that many people have the so-called "gabbage disposal" - special chopping knives that will mashed everything that then gets into the pipe.
And the most important thing. In no case should you emphasize when communicating on the skin color of another person!
Our story is about Natalya, who moved to the United States from Ryazan with her husband and son. She knew the English language at an acceptable level, took scriptwriting courses from the University of California, which gave her the opportunity to get an American O1 visa. As they went to build their quest business, they chose the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where they have been living for a year and a half. Natalia shares her observations about the realities of life in the United States.
First of all, the Russian family was shocked by the prices: $ 4 for a loaf of bread, $ 30 for a manicure, minor repairs in a used car - all $ 500. They are completely afraid to go to restaurants. In other states, prices may be lower, but young entrepreneurs were interested in the availability of solvent customers for their services. Today, Russians with nostalgia recall the cafes and eateries remaining in their homeland.
Natalia describes a typical American as follows: this is a person who is convinced that Uncle Sam is behind him, and everything will always be in order with him. Any work in the USA is respected, whether you are a taxi driver or a waitress. All Americans always smile at each other, but behind this mimicry there is absolutely nothing behind the conditioned reflex. Surprisingly, this combines the willingness to help, if not in practice, then at least in words.
It is quite normal for Americans to approach a confused person standing on the street and offer to suggest a way or even drive. Quite a lot, Americans differ from Russians in the culture of “small talks”. In the United States, it’s normal to turn to a stranger to compliment his clothes or hairstyle. In Russia, this is not very accepted. Even in America, it is customary to knock on each other, and this is vaccinated from an early age. Fights between children are rare, it would be more correct to complain about the offender to adults.
Even Russians are often annoyed by the custom of Americans not to take off their shoes indoors. To explain to every plumber or electrician who came from the street that he should at least put on shoe covers is tiring over time, and you have to put up with it. And Natalia does not recommend sticking her fingers in the sink of a sink in the USA. The fact is that many people have the so-called "gabbage disposal" - special chopping knives that will mashed everything that then gets into the pipe.
And the most important thing. In no case should you emphasize when communicating on the skin color of another person!
Information