Englishwoman in Russia: expectations and reality

When Theodora Delchev, a young girl from England, was going to come to Russia, her friends discouraged her. They told her about the “horrors” with which the English associate our country. Friends called her crazy, because she was going to live in St. Petersburg for a year. She was told about the country of eternal winter, inhabited by gloomy and dangerous people.


After living in St. Petersburg for four months, she decided to share her impressions, comparing them with what she expected from the trip. As it turned out, many of the myths about Russia turned out to be greatly exaggerated.



Land of Eternal Cold

Of course, Theodore's winter seemed too cold. In St. Petersburg there is very little sun, frost on the street, slippery on the sidewalks, and you still need to beware of falling icicles. But if you have a positive attitude and warm clothes, Russian frost is not at all terrible.

In addition, winter does not last year-round; there are other times of the year.

In Russia they constantly drink vodka

The British can still tell something about Russian alcoholism. Even if you think logically, then in a cold country they should bask in something. It can be assumed that in Russia everyone is basking in vodka. But Theodora was surprised to notice that in this country they drink no more than in England. Yes, and tea is consumed in the same large quantities as in its homeland.

Of course, in Russia they drink alcohol, but not so much and often, as, for example, in Ireland or Japan.

Moody Russians

Of course, in Russia on the streets and in public transport, smiling at passersby and talking loudly is not accepted. It's just that it is considered indecent for us. But this does not mean that Russian people are gloomy and inhospitable. Quite the contrary, we are very welcoming and hospitable. Theodora compared a Russian person with a walnut, which, under a hard shell, if cracked, has a delicious filling.

True, you should not understand her words too literally. And even in its shell can be obtained.

Watch out for Russian grandmothers!

Theodora believes that Russian grandmothers are still worth fearing. Indeed, a fragile appearance often hides a real fighting character. They are able to put anyone in their place.

But here the same principle works as with other Russian people. They just need to get to know better. Apparently, Theodora was not able to visit a real Russian grandmother, try her jam, pickles and pastries.

Russian hatred of foreigners

Western media and Hollywood have greatly succeeded in creating the image of a Russian man who hates a foreign person. But in the world it is difficult to meet the same attitude towards foreigners as in Russia. And this was shown by the recent World Cup in Russia.

Numerous guests of our country met here from the side of Russians only cordiality and goodwill. Indeed, in the character of the Russian man lies the desire to see others and to show himself, and from the best side.

The backwardness of Russia

Before coming to our country, Theodora believed that Russia is a very backward country. In her understanding, the backwardness of Russia was the lack of understanding by passers-by of the English language and the presence on the streets of signs of foreign brands.

As it turned out, outdoor advertising in St. Petersburg differs little from that which can be seen in any major European city. Theodora said that Peter is very similar to Paris. I think it’s hard to call it a compliment now, because the emigrants do not act outrageously on the streets of St. Petersburg, as often happens on the streets of the French capital.

As for the linguistic knowledge of ordinary people, in England most passers-by are unable to understand the Russian language. Probably because they are retarded.

There is nothing to watch in Russia except the Kremlin

Of course, for a foreigner to visit Russia and not see Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow is simply unthinkable. But these are far from the only places that can surprise and amaze. There is, for example, St. Petersburg, recognized as one of the most beautiful European cities. And in our country you can visit the amazing Baikal, seaside Sochi, the city of the Golden Ring and much more.

Russia is a dangerous country

Today, the inhabitants of Western Europe should not talk about the danger of staying in Russia, because our crime rate is lower than European. True, if you are looking for trouble in Russia on your own head, you will certainly find them.

You just do not need to communicate with dubious personalities, look for hot spots and forbidden pleasures. Behave decently and reasonably, and no dangers threaten you.

Theodore really liked Russia, and now she is ready to tell all her friends in England how great it is.