I know people are quick to jump all over one’s arse around here so please know I’m not trying to be inflammatory towards anybody. Just to ensure you I’m not, my family are ex-Soviets (they’ve not a clue how the Federation is today). I’m curious about the differences between a Western European nation, say UK, in comparison to Russia. What are some difficulties in daily life between the two (for example I’ve heard much about underdeveloped legal systems, poor banking, bribery among police in Russia)? I will be studying abroad and living with a host family which will either be Italian or Russian, and while I know being abroad is a cultural experience in which one should expect the unexpected, I would really enjoy staying among warm, smiling people which, from what I know, Russians do not have a reputation for. Italians, from my visit there, are wonderful, familial people – does anyone who stayed in Russia have anything to say about their experience there? How do they feel about foreigners speaking their language?
Russians have been known for shooting daggers with their stares. But whatever, you get over it. It’s just a cultural thing. I actually kinda like it in a way. It’s a nice change from what I’m used to. One thing for sure is that if you’re of drinking age you will be doing alot of "buhanye" over there. They like to toast everything with vodka shots no matter how minor the accomplishment is. Got a job promotion? Let’s do shots.Got a hot new girlfriend? Let’s do shots. Beat a bear in an armwrestling match? Let’s do shots.
Russians actually warm up to you after they’ve had a few in them. Sometimes it might even go a tad too far… I remember my last visit to Moscow where I was situated on a couch next this one guy named Kostya. He was explaining the route back to my hotel to me by gently caressing my leg up and down with his index finger as if "drawing" a hypothetical map. It was kind of a "WTF?" moment for me…but hey, maybe that’s just how they give directions over there.
If you’re planning on staying in Moscow then you better save up a hefty sum of dough. Stuff is expensive over there. And as far as the language thing goes I think Russians like when foreigners attempt to speak Russian. They find it "cute" or something of the sort. Being an American who spoke fluent Russian with minimal accent I was quite the novelty over there.
All in all, Russia is not for everybody but it’s definitely a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get out of your comfort zone just a little bit.
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