How is Russia viewed by a foreigner? (+)

[ILay]

who actually has been to Russia and, especially by one who never visited it?

Then travelling abroad (i'm Russian) i often encountered a lot of misconceptions about Russia ordinary people have. And their perception of me as a Russian was sometimes ... quite impressive.

What is your opinion about it?

[RickSpencer]

Ilay,

Perceptions are often tempered by news reports and Political rhetoric! Few Americans actually meet Rusian people. Thats what is great about this site, it gives people like me a change to forge a friendship without outside influence.

[ILay]

RickSpencer,

don't get me wrong - I don't feel offended (and for sure i did not want to insult anyone as well).

I do understand the reasons.

I was just interested - what do your friends / neighbours / relatives think of Russia then watching another newsprogramme.

[Dr_Woland]

>> who actually has been to Russia <<

inogda byvayu... :-)

Dr W.

[Petri]

Hmm.. the opinions VARY A LOT! But there is clearly more information presented about Russia in media than before, or should I say, it is presented in different ways, or from different points of view. At least in northern Europe. In general people don´t know much about Russia. Good news is that it is changing though.

I´ve never been to Russia although I know a lot of people who have;
The picture I got is that Russia is POOR AND CORRUPTED but growing.

[Inga_Tepljashina]

Hi Petri!

<The picture I got is that Russia is POOR AND CORRUPTED but growing.>

What do you mean by growing??? Growing how or where???
Could you, please, explain!

Regards,
Inga

[Petri]

Growing economically ofcourse. But slowly. I don´t know, but I assume you don´t see so much changes in this short time in Russia. Atleast you see changes in statistics.
Oh, I´ve heard there should be lots of finnish food products in Russia, am I right?

(to compensate Russian come to finland and sell cheap gasoline