In America, the mullet is a hairstyle seen only in the rairest of places, and usually on a redneck from the back country still clinging to the last hopes of that hairstyle.
In Russia, the mullet is in. The mullet is THE hairstyle. The 80s is alive!!
In America, pedestrians have the right of way. Especially in the crosswalks. In Georgia it is the law to stop for pedestrians in the walk way. And even if you jay walk and a car comes up upon you, they'll stop for you.
In Russia the car has the right away. It does not matter if your in the crosswalk or not. The car is bigger than you and will hit you. Stepping out onto the stree is taking your life in your hands. Drivers here speed like crazy and when they see a person in the street it seems like they go "oh look! a target!".
In America, everyone speaks English and nothing else. Unless maybe it is Spanish.
In Russia, everyone speaks Russian and usually a little English. Menus can be found in English and Russian. I am suddenly realzing just how widespread Russian is.
In America, people smile. If you are looking at some one and your eyes meet, the two of you usually smile quickly and look away. When you say thank you, you smile. In general, you can just smile.
In Russia, you don't smile. Ever.
In America, people say excuse me, they wait for others etc.
In Russia, you make your way through a crowd as best you can. Hitting anyone and everyone to make your way through. Its crazy.
4 comments:
That is so funny about the mullet! I did not know that.
Regarding pedestrians- its the same in China. The car is bigger, faster, and will win, therefore it has the right of way.
This is great! I love the difference in cultures. Thanks for the comparisons - very interesting...especially the smiling thing! :)
smitchell
Lydia,
I am so excited for you. What an adventure. Russia is not one of the places on my list, London is, so the beauty of Russia is amazing. Your pictures are great and Seth has a mullet! Love you
Tori Lynn
Life, Liberty, Justice, pursuit of happiness…. American ideals that define us as a nation and a people.
I was walking around Stone Mountain, Georgia, today, and thought of this post about the Russians.
Every vehicle that came near me at a cross walk slowed, stopped and waved me to pass. The machine has much power, but because we value life, the driver never abused that power.
I passed person after person who looked me in the eye, smiled and greeted me. I can count on one hand the number that was absorbed in their own activity and ignored me. They were wearing headphones, pushing up a long hill, or corralling a dog.
Coming toward me up one hill was a white man (I mention this because it is important to the event and our diversity). Along behind him was a string of children. He acknowledged me heartily, and then called to the children to “stay out of the lady’s way”. They obeyed cheerfully. As I walked passed I smiled and spoke, and they returned the greeting. Among the children there were many colors and nationalities all enjoying liberty.
Another time, I met a group of children and a couple of older teen boys, led by a young boy. He looked me right in the eyes; we smiled and greeted, and I went on down the line receiving the same response.
I passed on mile after mile, and then met the same boy and group again. He was so uniquely beautiful, green-yellow-brown eyes, that I recognized him immediately. I spoke again, then said, “I’ve met you before!” We all shared a chuckle, and again, a greeting.
As my hike around the mountain continued, I met a couple of women speaking a foreign language, and not surprisingly, they looked me in the eye, smiled and spoke in English.
We have order here; we have life, liberty, justice, and the pursuit happiness. If we have been unjust, we do try to make things right.
This experience made me think about what a great country we live in and how important it is to think of others as more important than myself, because this is one thing that makes us happy as a nation.
ACW
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