Mysteries, Misconceptions, and Misunderstanding about Russia

I have been getting some feedback about what interests my readers about Russia. It seems to many that Russia is a bit of an Enigma to most people. I’m amazed at the amount of misconceptions and misunderstanding others have of Russia and it’s people. I think that Winston Churchill said it best when he said, “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma”.

So if this truly is the case then maybe Russia will never truly be understood, it will always be kept in mind that there are many subtleties and complexities that can never be completely unraveled. It will be my task to help unveil the misunderstandings, misconceptions, and mysteries as they are presented to me, always with a bit of caution since I’m not Russian. But I do have a very inquisitive nature about myself and love thinking outside the box. When I come up against things I don’t know or understand I will seek out the advice of others to give a more balanced and complete view of what has been set before me. But I also implore my readers to add their insights and comments. It would also be invaluable to hear what is being said so that I can investigate, research, and explore the paradoxes of Russia. I think I will also take a bit of latitude and throw out Russian quotes as I find them. Because I do teach English here I am often amazed when I’m sharing idioms I’ll be stopped and a student quote a Russian phrase that will be quite similar to ones that come out of the states. It’s here too, that if you have a common saying from your country and would like to read the equivalent Russia Idiom, phrase or quote let me know what it is and I will find one might match up.