Than the Far East shocked an American
Although Zoe was born and raised in sunny California, she is hardly a sissy. She always boldly goes towards the unknown and loves to travel. The girl perfectly understands that now she has such an opportunity, because over the years her family, children and mortgages will not allow her to do this.
She had a desire to change the situation and plunge into a new reality. And then she decided to go to Russia, and not to Moscow or St. Petersburg, but to the harsh Far East.
What was Zoe afraid
Before the trip, she heard a lot about Russia, so she had certain concerns.
After California, where there is almost never snow and frost, Zoe was very afraid of Russian cold weather. She also heard that hot water could be turned off for several weeks in our apartments, and she could not imagine how much time could go without it.
Of course, in the fierce Russian bears roaming the city streets and other nonsense, she did not believe, because she is a sensible girl. And any sane person understands that Russian bears sit at home and bustle around the house, and do not stagger around without work.
First impressions of Russia
Zoe arrived in our country at the end of November, so she was met by a rather dull landscape. It was already cold enough, but the snow had not yet fallen. The trees stood bare as if dead. Although she expected cold weather, it was difficult to get used to at first.
Another shock for her was going to the market, especially visiting the meat rows. She saw unpacked products on sale, and this was a real shock for her. It was strange for her that on the shelves lay just like that, without polyethylene, pieces of meat that people even bought. It was so weird!
“Russians are not like us!”
Although Russians and Americans unexpectedly had a lot in common, Zoe also noticed a lot of differences.
For example, in the United States they like tea, but usually they drink it cold, even with ice. In Russia, they prefer hot, as in England. Moreover, in the process of drinking tea, the drink itself is not the main thing. When the girl came to visit her Russian friends, she was surely treated to tea. And a cup of this hot drink turned into a kind of ritual that allows you to relax and have a good time during a leisurely conversation.
It seems to Russians that in our country there is a lot of fast food, but in comparison with the USA, where it is at every step, it is practically absent. After all, Americans do not cook as often as Russians do. We regularly buy ready-made food and do not cook it at home except for some inveterate bachelors. In Russia, it is much more time than in America to devote to cooking and maintaining cleanliness and order in the house.
Even the assortment of products offered in Russian and American stores is slightly different.
Zoe also took off her shoes in America on the threshold of her home, although most of her American acquaintances and friends did not. Therefore, she took this Russian habit positively.
The American was surprised by the abundance of inscriptions in English on Russian streets. If you are in America not in one of the national quarter, then it’s almost impossible to find ads in a language other than English. Even in everyday life, Russians sometimes use English words and phrases. For example, practically everyone knows what the words “shopping” or “respect” mean.
Portrait of a Russian man
Having a little chat with the locals, the girl unfortunately noticed that the Russians behave rudely and unfriendly with strangers. It feels like they are always in a bad mood. If you are in a friendly relationship, then the Russians are very nice and helpful. But if you turn to a stranger, then you may well be rude.
As for Russian women, in addition to their natural beauty, Zoe noted that they are always smartly dressed and dressed up. Even in a store near the house, a Russian girl will not go out without makeup and in sweat pants, as an American would do. And she also noticed that many of them prefer to wear fur coats. Maybe because it is cold here, and the fur coat warms well? Probably, in California they would not put on fur coats.
Men in Russia seemed to Zoe like Americans. Both those and others try to be strong and courageous.
And the children are the same everywhere. Anywhere in the world they are always the same fidgets.
Russian kitchen
The main culinary shock for Zoe was salty bacon. She does not understand how to eat a piece of raw fat.
But she liked Russian salads - olivier and vinaigrette, because they are so wonderful. Yes, and a simple sauerkraut she liked.
New Year's expectations
But most of all the American girl was captivated by our country with her expectation of the main Russian holiday - New Year. Although a few more weeks remain before its onset, his foreboding is already in the air. Decorated Christmas trees are being set up on the streets, people are stocking up with New Year's gifts, beautiful, sparkling and sparkling garlands of different colors are already appearing.
And Zoe also became infected with this New Year's mood and the expectation of some kind of miracle.
She had a desire to change the situation and plunge into a new reality. And then she decided to go to Russia, and not to Moscow or St. Petersburg, but to the harsh Far East.
What was Zoe afraid
Before the trip, she heard a lot about Russia, so she had certain concerns.
After California, where there is almost never snow and frost, Zoe was very afraid of Russian cold weather. She also heard that hot water could be turned off for several weeks in our apartments, and she could not imagine how much time could go without it.
Of course, in the fierce Russian bears roaming the city streets and other nonsense, she did not believe, because she is a sensible girl. And any sane person understands that Russian bears sit at home and bustle around the house, and do not stagger around without work.
First impressions of Russia
Zoe arrived in our country at the end of November, so she was met by a rather dull landscape. It was already cold enough, but the snow had not yet fallen. The trees stood bare as if dead. Although she expected cold weather, it was difficult to get used to at first.
Another shock for her was going to the market, especially visiting the meat rows. She saw unpacked products on sale, and this was a real shock for her. It was strange for her that on the shelves lay just like that, without polyethylene, pieces of meat that people even bought. It was so weird!
“Russians are not like us!”
Although Russians and Americans unexpectedly had a lot in common, Zoe also noticed a lot of differences.
For example, in the United States they like tea, but usually they drink it cold, even with ice. In Russia, they prefer hot, as in England. Moreover, in the process of drinking tea, the drink itself is not the main thing. When the girl came to visit her Russian friends, she was surely treated to tea. And a cup of this hot drink turned into a kind of ritual that allows you to relax and have a good time during a leisurely conversation.
It seems to Russians that in our country there is a lot of fast food, but in comparison with the USA, where it is at every step, it is practically absent. After all, Americans do not cook as often as Russians do. We regularly buy ready-made food and do not cook it at home except for some inveterate bachelors. In Russia, it is much more time than in America to devote to cooking and maintaining cleanliness and order in the house.
Even the assortment of products offered in Russian and American stores is slightly different.
Zoe also took off her shoes in America on the threshold of her home, although most of her American acquaintances and friends did not. Therefore, she took this Russian habit positively.
The American was surprised by the abundance of inscriptions in English on Russian streets. If you are in America not in one of the national quarter, then it’s almost impossible to find ads in a language other than English. Even in everyday life, Russians sometimes use English words and phrases. For example, practically everyone knows what the words “shopping” or “respect” mean.
Portrait of a Russian man
Having a little chat with the locals, the girl unfortunately noticed that the Russians behave rudely and unfriendly with strangers. It feels like they are always in a bad mood. If you are in a friendly relationship, then the Russians are very nice and helpful. But if you turn to a stranger, then you may well be rude.
As for Russian women, in addition to their natural beauty, Zoe noted that they are always smartly dressed and dressed up. Even in a store near the house, a Russian girl will not go out without makeup and in sweat pants, as an American would do. And she also noticed that many of them prefer to wear fur coats. Maybe because it is cold here, and the fur coat warms well? Probably, in California they would not put on fur coats.
Men in Russia seemed to Zoe like Americans. Both those and others try to be strong and courageous.
And the children are the same everywhere. Anywhere in the world they are always the same fidgets.
Russian kitchen
The main culinary shock for Zoe was salty bacon. She does not understand how to eat a piece of raw fat.
But she liked Russian salads - olivier and vinaigrette, because they are so wonderful. Yes, and a simple sauerkraut she liked.
New Year's expectations
But most of all the American girl was captivated by our country with her expectation of the main Russian holiday - New Year. Although a few more weeks remain before its onset, his foreboding is already in the air. Decorated Christmas trees are being set up on the streets, people are stocking up with New Year's gifts, beautiful, sparkling and sparkling garlands of different colors are already appearing.
And Zoe also became infected with this New Year's mood and the expectation of some kind of miracle.
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