A lot has happened but I'm not really sure what to post about. Originally, I wanted to make a post of a bunch of different cultural differences between Russians and Americans, but there is so much that can be said, so instead I'll focus on a couple of cultural differences that I've had to adapt to in order to not look like a total иностранка (foreigner).
Smiling:
I'm a pretty smiley person most of the time. Russian people, however, are not, at least not when they're alone in public. This topic has been discussed during orientation as well as one of my classes. Generally, it is unusual and insincere here to smile at someone that you do not know, which is why Russians can look so intimidating and unfriendly to foreigners. So one of the biggest adjustments I've had to make here is accepting that fact and working on my "metro face" which is an expression somewhere between disinterest and aggressiveness.
Transportation:
Not really a cultural difference but I know I stick out when I look like I have no clue where I'm going.... which is thankfully something I'm getting better at figuring out.
Russian Women:
Russian women are a breed of their own. They don't all look the same, of course, but if I had to give you a description of a "typical" Russian woman, she would be slender, well-dressed, wearing heels, and would have long, straight hair with bangs. Honestly, I think these girls are born knowing how to walk on uneven ground in any kind of heel. It's hard to compete with that, not that I really want to.
In the past week I think I've learned to blend in a little more. I've been asked for directions three times and I've managed to ride on the trolleybus for free a couple of times (muahahaha). I've even gotten used to the whole "not smiling" thing, although every once in a while it's refreshing when you do see someone smiling.
One other observation: one of our staff members told us that "Russia is a country of extremes," and it's very true. Walking down the streets, you will see shiny sports cars parked on the curbs next to dirty, old cars. Museums, theatres, and brand-name stores are surrounded by buildings with graffiti or undergoing construction. I've met sexist, racist people, but I've also met very kind, friendly, and intelligent people.
 |
| My school, Smolniy, about a 30 minute commute from my apartment. |
 |
| Graffiti a couple blocks away from my apartment. |
Finally, in the past week I've also been to the Hermitage:
And Peterhof Palace:
This week all I have planned so far is seeing the ballet Don Quixote!
No comments:
Post a Comment