What most struck the American in Russia

An inquisitive American student, Samuel Tew, came to Russia for an exchange. Living in an ordinary Russian family, he teaches English and gets acquainted with an unusual way of life for him. His observations turned out to be quite interesting, as they allow us to look at our country and its inhabitants from the side.


First impressions



Samuel arrived in Russia on the very first day of summer, June 1. The family with whom he settled lives in the suburbs in the city of Ramenskoye. His first impression was the monument he saw, dedicated to Soviet soldiers who fell in the Great Patriotic War. He was struck by the fact that such monuments exist in almost every locality in Russia. In our country, this war claimed tens of millions of lives and left a deep mark in the souls of many generations of Russians. This made a great impression on the American student.

He was also struck by the abundance and beauty of Orthodox churches. Although the majority of the inhabitants of our country are atheists, Russian churches delight the eye of any Russian, regardless of his views and religion. After all, church architecture is an essential component of Russian history and culture.

Russian cottage and Russian bath

An American student noted that nature is of great importance to a Russian person. Even inveterate citizens try to acquire a country house and a summer cottage to spend leisure time there.

Of course, the American guest was taken to the cottage and treated to barbecue. And what could be better than frying barbecue in nature, and even in a pleasant company. Naturally, Samuel was delighted. It is strange that he did not pay attention to the beds. Usually, Americans who visit Russia are very surprised that near a country house instead of a barbecue lawn, Russians usually grow cucumbers or potatoes.

A visit to the Russian bath seemed to Samuel as a strange pastime. He did not understand all her charm. Indeed, an incomprehensible ritual. First you need to sit in a hot room in a felt hat, from time to time to whip each other with bundles of branches with dried leaves. Then you need to plunge into the pool, and during breaks drink tea and talk slowly.

The steam room seemed to the American the embodiment of Russian relaxation and leisureliness.

The abundance of holidays

Samuel noticed that in Russia there are a lot of holidays that we love to celebrate. This is Children's Day, and Russia Day, and many others. That he had not been here in January, when their number was just off the charts.

True, together with his new Russian friends, he celebrated one American holiday - Independence Day. Samuel called on him and other acquaintances of American students living in Russia. The guys taught our compatriots how to cook homemade burgers. Together, they listened to the US anthem and launched salutes into the sky.

What conclusions did Samuel draw?

A trip to Russia made the American student take a different look at many things, and even reconsider some of his views.

He realized that bread and mayonnaise are very tasty, and everyone understands freedom in their own way.

In surprise, the guy found out that American history is very short when compared with Russian.

It also turned out that he was related to the Russian love of nature. Now for him, his favorite pastimes are picking berries in the forest and frying kebabs. Having lived in a simple Russian family, he realized what kind of family he would ever like to create, how he would raise his future children.

And most importantly, he realized that ordinary people are always able to negotiate, unlike politicians... For a normal person, in whatever country he may live, a peaceful life and family well-being are more important than any disagreements, because no one needs war.