Exchange Student
Written: Sep 08 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: History, Philosophy and Culture
Cons: Water, Food, Bathrooms
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| Ravnos's Full Review: Russia |
Russia was enjoyable for spiritual reasons, but bad for practical reasons. This is not a good family vacation, honeymoon, or any of that. It's not quite like visiting Jerusalem, but a person who would enjoy Russia is also the type who would enjoy Jerusalem. It's pleasing on deeper levels.
On the Surface: This country's infrastructure is a mess. I couldn't begin to list all the warnings. First and foremost being don't drink the water. I never tried in Moscow, but all throughout Russia (and the former territories of the USSR) drinking straight tap water will give you gonnereha (not spelling it right). Tap water must be boiled before it can be drunk, so tea is very popular. If you love meat, you'll hate Russia, because meats, fruits and just about anything tasty by Americans' standards are absent. The only thing I found delicious was their bread. I've never had it anywhere else; don't miss out on their bread. But seeing as it was everywhere, I don't know how you could miss it. Other dangers include Aeroflot, their airline. Riding on these planes was one of the more terrifying experiences I've had. Not just the mechanical condition of the craft, but in the pilot's skill. Half the planes I travelled on for Aeroflot were prop-planes that doubled as both passenger and cargo planes (all the seats folded forward for cargo). And bring your own food. What was served to me resembled a condensed license plate.
Deeper: Having studied Russian Culture, ancient Russian history, the works of Tolstoy and Chekhov, my visit was a fantastic voyage into the soul. That sounds like ballcrap, but I don't know another way to put it. There is rarely a person alive tougher than a Russian. In ancient times, a Russian peasant could build everything he lived in and everything he owned with 1 tool, the axe. Yes, even wooden spoons. This aspect of their mindset carries forward to today, even though the context is different. Of all the man-made creations I've seen, St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Sqaure is the most awe inspiring. You've seen pictures, it's really famous. But nothing prepared me for what it was like to stand before it.
Russians suffer. All through their history, and still today because the country is in such bad shape. This creates a culture that can't be described, only experienced. Sufferage cultivates strength, and these peoples' strength cannot be mistaken, their wills cannot be shaken, and they can drink me under the table any day of the week.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Ravnos
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Member: Graham Pacati
Location: Longmont, CO
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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