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| by Mariaya Dolotova, Moscow, |
Nov 15, 2004 |
We are used to thinking that we know everything about the country we live in. But actually, it is not like this. We know a lot about Russian history and we are proud of it. But currently we don't see further than our own noses. Anyways, I'm not going to talk about the political, social or economical situation in Russia. It can be read in newspapers. I would like to tell you about the people; Russian people.
If you come to Moscow you won't see any real difference between this capital and other big cities in Europe or in the U.S.A. It's almost the same; the same cars, business buildings, and hurrying people. The situation is quite similar in Saint Petersburg. But there is a special atmosphere of history and luxury. There is something noble and tremendous in the air. It's difficult to explain in words, it's necessary to feel.
Moscow and Saint Petersburg are supposed to be "two capitals." But the people are absolutely different. To verify, you can see that in Moscow, citizens are more businesslike, stubborn and a little bit impudent. And in Saint Petersburg people don't open their feelings to strangers but are always polite and hospitable. And if they appreciate you and accept you to be worthy of their company, you'll feel yourself to be special and they will become your best friends.
Nevertheless Moscow and Saint Petersburg are well known to Europe and foreigners. This can't be said about the sticks. Honestly you need to ride away from Moscow for about 200-300 km and you will find yourself in a new world. In this world people are much more familiar, sincere, and revealed. They know what it means to sympathize in contradiction to Muscovites who are used to everything and calmly stand in front of any situation (at least the majority). They are satisfied with what they have. Somebody can say that they have no ambitions but maybe they just don't need any. Having a house, a yard, a couple of domestic animals, and a healthy family is enough for them to enjoy their existence. City residents usually don't understand them but, being tide of towns, sometimes feel jealous.
I'm not going to idealize life in the suburbs but it's really another life and it's up to everyone to decide what a person needs.
Of course there are not a lot of villages where peasants have promoted work and enjoy their life. In remote districts it can be seen that they are almost dead places, broken houses and a couple of drunk, old men. It's also a result of government policy, economy, and history. And we can just be sorry about it and look for a solution to these problems.
Whether we will cope with it or not, the future will show.
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