How is Russia viewed by a foreigner? (+)

[Nonson]

Ilay, I really have no idea as to why the mis-information. The Russia of 25 years ago was far easier to understand, and in fact told the truth far more often than the State of today. Peace

[CHUCK_C]

I have never been to Russia but would like to soon.Until recently I havent had much information on Russia.I don't know on who's side this comes from(U.S. or Russia) but even now I find it hard to get certian information.I also know growing up we were limited on information.(propeganda)I feel ignorant because it has taken me so many years to find out any information on the largest country in the world.Even today with the internet it is hard to get some information.But my opinion from what I have learned is that Russians are intelligent,hardworking and loyal people that deserve more than what there stuck with as far as political and economical situations.I would like to find out more about business in Russia and how to get involved.I have my Russian friends to thank for my interest in the country otherwise I would still be one of the millions of extremely ignorant americans.Thanks to my Russian friends and Russia,zdarov'e!
Chuck

[Lorisa]

Hello ILay. I grew up on the other side of both oceans (Atlantic & Pacific) and on the other side and tail end of the Cold War. Ya Amerikanka.
My memories and conceptions of Russia came from childhood, I was in late elementary school in '91. Children seem to magnify and exaggerate the opinions of the adults of their society.
I remember not thinking very much about Russia as a little girl, but when I thought of Russia, this was the image that came to mind: fur cap, stone-faced, stubble-bearded men, cold and harsh winters, the game "Tetris" (this is wierd, I know... I'll explain this if you are curious.) Onion domed churches/cathedrals, intellegence, and space travel.
Almost by accident, in the last year and a half, I have ended up in Far East Russia and western Russia. Before going to Far East Russia, I realized how little I knew about your country. I hadn't really given thought to Russia since I dressed up as an astronaut in sixth grade. I learned by being there, observing.
I discovered that Russia is rich, that the Russian soul is deep. I loved it, and deeply miss my Russian friends there. My perceptions as a child were, for the most part, incorrect. What I experienced there was not at all what I thought I would. But then, I really don't know what I was expecting. I loved almost everything there... except salah. But then I found out that salah isn't really "Russian," so I don't count that. Plus, you have kifir, and I'm all about (my slang for "I really like") kifir (i morozhono! OCHENE vkoosno! mmm... luchit tam) so that makes up for salah.
Everywhere I go, I leave a part of my heart behind. Way too much of my heart is in Russia, and I'm happy with that.
What misconceptions do you find foreigners have of Russians? I'd be curious to hear.
RickSpencer, I think that the world is becoming smaller. I live in the midwest, and I have met, quite by accident, several Russians in the last few years, many of whom are studying in the U.S. for a time. (This all without looking.)

Anyway, those are my thoughts.
-Lorisa

[Nonson]

What, no Doctor Zhivago?!

[Richteralan]

Hi!
I'm livin' in Hong Kong.
I am planning to study music in Moscow State Conservatoire.
Do anyone suggest me to do this?

Also, my parents do not support me to study music in Russia. They think Russian is poor and unstable and...well... a not very good place.
I visited many websites contains informations about Russia and I found that Moscow is a beautiful place to stay.
How do you think?



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Sviatoslav Richter, The Enigma

[Dr_Woland]

I live here in Moscow. It's a nice city, it has a huge cultural life (4 opera-houses, 2 operetta-theatres, 2 symphony orchestras, just to consider classical music alone - plus chamber concerts, academy of ancient music, etc etc). There are many differences from the West. I think many of those differences are positive (less materialism, more open-mindedness to other cultures than you would find in "certain" other countries etc, highly efficient public transport, low prices for consumer goods). Some of the differences are not so good - officialdom is more powerful, small-level corruption is annoying.

I would advise you to make a short trip to Moscow first, to see if you like it - then decide if you want it to be your home for a long period whilst you study. I think you would enjoy the very high standards of cultural life here. It's possible for students (or anyone) to see international-standard concerts, operas, ballets etc for about US$1-2 for a ticket.

Dr W.

[Eleanorfy]

I have never visited Russia,but I think it is a beautiful country.It is big,different.I mean if I were living in Russia,I would be happy.So I suggest that those who live in Russia should be glad of this.Are not I right?