Tag: Russian

Some misconceptions about Russia and Russians.

October 13, 2015

10. All Russians are communists. Russia had a communist government when it became part of the Soviet Union in 1922.  But it wasn’t a communist state before that and it hasn’t been since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.  In fact, the Russian government was occasionally criticized in the 1990s for having too few regulations … More Some misconceptions about Russia and Russians.

Mirror Reflections – Nicaragua & Russia

December 10, 2013

Sumo People of Nicaragua Nicaragua It is a Spanish-speaking country. Ninety five percent of the people speak Spanish, and the other five percent is indigenous languages including Miskito, Sumo, Rama, Garifuna, and Creole. Their address system is very unique. The do not use any street names to get around. Instead they use reference points and … More Mirror Reflections – Nicaragua & Russia

“Sorry” there are no plastic smiles in Russia

November 27, 2013

We Have Our Reasons Foreigners are constantly told that Russians are surprisingly, “unsmiling people”. They write about it in their blogs and guidebooks , ask about it in person , share it with their friends and acquaintances . Indeed, we smile much less of other nationalities , but as it turns out , we have … More “Sorry” there are no plastic smiles in Russia

Tuva Republic – The land of the Blue-eyed and Fair-haired People of Siberia

September 20, 2013

Tuva: Russia’s Tibet Tuva, like Tibet, consists of a mountainous, underdeveloped region tucked away in the Eurasian heartland, traditionally inhabited by Buddhist herdsmen, and relatively recently added to the state’s official domain as a strategic buffer. Both Tuvans and Tibetans chafe at the cultural and demographic dilution of their homelands as Han Chinese and Russian … More Tuva Republic – The land of the Blue-eyed and Fair-haired People of Siberia

So you want to negotiate with Russians

August 30, 2013

Negotiating with Russians There is a great Russian proverb: “Don’t hurry to reply, but hurry to listen.” Most Americans will generally regard compromise as desirable and inevitable, to them it’s a logical way of doing business. But Russians regard this kind of compromise as a sign of weakness, they feel it’s a retreat from what … More So you want to negotiate with Russians

Culture and Character of Russia Part II

August 30, 2013

State and Society The Russian Heritage Russia has a history of power centrally concentrated in the economy, culture, education, media, religion, and citizens private lives. Initiative has been stifled in the process. The Bureaucracy  In the USSR many officials considered themselves a superior species, appointed to drive the herds of human cattle.  Nepotism, friendships, or … More Culture and Character of Russia Part II

Culture and Character of Russia

August 28, 2013

Culture and Character Egalitarianism Egalitarianism is a social philosophy that advocates the removal of inequities among persons and a more equal distribution of benefits. This is rooted in the agricultural village milieu, not an invention of Communism. Peasants could not leave the mir without an internal passport, issued by their heads of household. Russians are … More Culture and Character of Russia

Russian / American Cultural Contrasts

August 28, 2013

America and Russia Similarities Both countries are multi-ethnic, continental, great powers, expansionist, tamed a wilderness, and settled by a variety of diverse groups. Both regard themselves as chosen nations with a messianic mission, destined to bring their own versions of enlightenment to less fortunate people, They are both Nuclear powers. The countries both think BIG, … More Russian / American Cultural Contrasts

The Russians are Coming – “to Venice”

August 11, 2013

Rumors are swirling that Russian billionaire Andrey Melnichenko is ready to buy a block of oceanfront property in Venice, the Los Angeles suburb. Melnichenko’s distinctive 394-foot yacht was spotted off the coast, fueling speculation. Several web sites picked up on the report, which centers on a block of Ocean Front Walk, home to the city’s … More The Russians are Coming – “to Venice”

Ten things Russians want you to know about real life in Russia.

August 5, 2013

1. Underground Passages – where you cross the street without stoplights or the dangers of traffic. Most of them are lined with kiosks selling flowers, food, shoes, tickets to cultural shows, books, and other necessities. These “переходи” are especially useful during the brutal winters. Some are simple passageways, others are grand labyrinthine shopping malls. The … More Ten things Russians want you to know about real life in Russia.

So you want to know a little about Russians? Part I

July 30, 2013

1: Russians distrust anything cheap. (no wal-marts in Russia) 2: The English word “bargain” can not be adequately translated into Russian. 3: Although Russians distrust anything with a cheap price, they are fine with freebies. (Americans too)     4: A Russian who reaches high levels of power feels it his his/her duty to put … More So you want to know a little about Russians? Part I

What are the Morals of Russians?

July 27, 2013

Have you ever heard about the “mysterious Russian soul” when someone starts talking about Russia or Russians. If you plan to come to Russia, or if you just want to understand them then you’ll find the following article of interest. Levada Analytical Center, non-governmental research organization in Russia, published some interesting results – statistics on … More What are the Morals of Russians?