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Russians: What We Think vs What We Know

By Betsy Wuebker 43 Comments

(Last Updated On: February 23, 2020)
Russians grill in Adler, Sochi, Russia

Grilling on swords in Adler

Is what we thought about Russians accurate?

We and the Russians, a family of 3, were the only ones on the Winter Olympics gondola leaving Sanki Sliding Center. The descent to the Krasnya Polyana hub is spectacular and very swift. There was just enough time for the young dad to turn to me and ask, “What do you know about the Olympics?”

Startled, I racked my brain. What do I know? Dates, statistics, locations? Oh! Then it dawned! He wanted to know what I thought about the Olympics. Different thing entirely! I quickly responded, “Oh, it’s all so wonderful and amazing! You should be proud!” And then, whoosh! Swing into the landing pad, the gondola doors slide open and hands grab, helping us out. The end of the encounter.

A few days ago, after we’d been back on Kauai for a couple weeks, an acquaintance asked me, “What do you think of the Russians?” And again, I was startled. What did I think? But then I thought, “He’s really asking me what I know about the Russians.” And so, after telling him the gondola encounter story, I responded, “Russia is so vast; I only know of the Russians from the ones we met in Sochi. And I can tell you: They’re people. They want the same things we do: To be warm, to keep things safe, to love their children, to celebrate life. If there are different kinds of Russians in Moscow or St. Petersburg, or Smolensk, or Vladivostok, I’ll have to find that out.”

Pete with Russians Rafael and Sergey

Pete with Rafael and Sergey

What we think vs what we know about Russians is very different now. I think it’s fair to say we were somewhat prepared. We’d heard the stereotypes: boisterous, hard-drinking, long-suffering, hospitable, dramatic, melancholy. We knew Dostoyevsky, Tchaikovsky, Solzhenitsyn, Dr. Zhivago, Stalin, Rasputin, Chekhov and Khrushchev banging his shoe, right? Gosh, Gorby had even come to St. Paul when we lived in Minnesota!

Right. During our stay in Sochi, we came to realize our preconception was not completely accurate. To be sure, we encountered Russians who fit the stereotypes. But we also came away from Sochi with a deeper awareness of the diversity and richness in Russia. As well, we arrived at an understanding of how our respective media duke it out on the ideological stage. And, we came to appreciate how far removed the average Russian, just like many the American, is from day to day politics. In these respects, Russians and Americans have more similarities than one might think.

Pete and Tatyana

Pete and Tatyana

We were very pleased to make the acquaintance of Tatyana, a Muscovite whose company had constructed the U.S. Olympic Team House in the Olympic Village, as well as other structures built specifically for the Games. She had been on site full time for at least two months prior to the Opening Ceremonies, staying in our Adler neighborhood. Tatyana told us how to get in the U.S. house to shop for team gear, and how to get in touch with her if we ran into any problems.

Betsy with Russians Tanya and family

Betsy with Tanya and family

Tanya and her husband, the owners of our Adler Guest House, Villa Deja Vu, along with family members, Ash and Tatyana, as well as others: Tamara – who had worried about us prior to our late night arrival, the two bartenders who indulged our Western requests for ice and Americano coffee (by pouring hot water into espress), and our housemaid to whom I gave a coat, shoes, scarf and hat. All who worked at the Guest House restaurant, bar and hotel, were kind and welcoming, despite language differences. We didn’t know Russian, and they didn’t know English. Thanks to translate programs on computers and smart phones, we did fine.

We did have one negative encounter – an inebriated Muscovite who really had something to say to us during breakfast, but was totally smashed and rendered inarticulate. Instead, the entire time we were in Sochi, we managed to acquaint ourselves with interesting individuals such as the young, single professional from St. Petersburg with whom Pete “talked cameras” during a luge event.

Russians Ljudmilla, Daniel and Betsy

Ljudmilla, Daniel and Betsy

And then there was young Daniel. He and his grandmother, Ljudmilla (my age), were riding the bus with us. Daniel gave me his seat (most likely at his grandma’s bidding). Immediately ensued a lively conversation, again with the use of iPhone translate. Running into Ljudmilla and Daniel again a few days later at our Restaurant Deja Vu was a real treat. We phoned them during our layover at Sheremetyevo in Moscow.

What do we think of Russians? Wouldn’t you agree that we should think what we know? And we know now that what we thought we knew wasn’t completely accurate. We’re glad we actually went to Russia and met some Russians for ourselves!

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Filed Under: Russia, Travel Tagged With: Olympic Games, Russia, Sochi, Winter Olympic Games

Comments

  1. John TCK says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:33 am

    I totally agree. I’ve been to Russia three times in the last year for work and I had similar experiences. Most of them are wonderful people. I even wrote a post about my experiences which pretty much said the same thing as here.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      August 20, 2014 at 6:49 am

      Aloha John – Welcome to PassingThru. I think many people who travel to Russia might say similar things. We’re all human beings first and foremost. Thanks.

      Reply
  2. Susan Moore says

    April 6, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    This sums it up perfectly “They’re people. They want the same things we do: To be warm, to keep things safe, to love their children, to celebrate life.” This is true throughout the world. There are cultural differences – which is what makes it interesting to visit other places – but we all have more in common than we sometimes think.
    I used to work at an oilfield camp in Raduzhny Russia in the 90s – the Russian staff were warm and welcoming, some of them very generous despite their limited means – they made me feel welcome. I would love to go back and visit!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:45 pm

      Hi Susan – I agree. When people travel they can discover the things they have in common instead of concentrating on differences. What a fascinating experience to work in Russia. I’d love to hear about it sometime. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Paula McInerney says

    April 6, 2015 at 2:36 pm

    This resonated with me a lot. Recently in Bali, a Balinese man said “what do you think of the death penalty?” I was unsure in what direction this would go with 2 Australians on death row. I said, ‘I don’t agree with it’. I then changed the topic ..so I get your reaction to, “What do you know about the Olympics?”

    I hope that we always treat people for how they are to us and with us, regardless of race. The Russian people I have met, at the snow in Switzerland, have appeared aloof to start off with but then they were OTT effusive, in a good way.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:46 pm

      Hi Paula – Yes, I think different cultures are more reserved initially. A little enigma (not one of my attributes) can be a good thing, perhaps. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Suzanne Fluhr says

    April 6, 2015 at 2:59 pm

    My husband works with an erudite, brilliant, charming Russian scientist at the University of Pennsylvania, but the only Russians I’ve “met” other than him were the ones who were always butting into lines ahead of me in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos. (I was very pleased when a Cambodian immigration inspector gave one the stink eye and made him wait his turn). However, I’ve done enough traveling to have reached the same conclusion as you have. People are people. Anywhere you go you have the possibility of meeting the best and the worst.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:47 pm

      Hi Suzanne – Occasionally we are lucky enough to see rude behavior shut down by someone in authority like you did. While it does seem like people can take leave of their senses in a new location, the positive experiences we’ve had have far exceeded the negatives.

      Reply
  5. Jackie Smith says

    April 6, 2015 at 11:31 pm

    I love your logics here and I think they could apply to all we encounter — or don’t encounter — as we explore the world in both real time and from the armchair!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:49 pm

      Hi Jackie – Yes, it’s good to keep in mind whether we’re at home or away. 🙂

      Reply
  6. Juergen | dare2go.com says

    April 7, 2015 at 4:51 am

    I think what’s true for any other nationality on this planet applies to Russians as well: no two people are really alike, so how can one assume to judge the people of a nation on a few stereotypes?

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Hi Juergen – So very true, yet it’s quite common with many.

      Reply
  7. Nancie says

    April 7, 2015 at 9:16 am

    I share my office with the Russian instructor at our university. She’s from a city in Siberia (not sure which one). She’s a lovely person, and she understands the bad reputation that Russia tends to have around the world. However, that’s not her or her family. It sounds like you met some fantastic Russians during your stay.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:51 pm

      Hi Nancie – We really did. They were all so very proud to have the Olympics and we felt things had been done very well, contrary to the media reports.

      Reply
  8. Patti Morrow says

    April 6, 2015 at 10:51 pm

    I agree that most people do want the same basic components of happiness in most places in the world. Looks like the people you met really enhanced your experience in Russia…. and only one obnoxious drunk — at BREAKFAST, no less!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:48 pm

      Hi Patti – I know, at breakfast! LOL Bless his heart, he’d taken total advantage of no closing time on his holiday. The bar is open 24/7.

      Reply
  9. Michele Peterson ( A Taste for Travel) says

    April 7, 2015 at 3:39 am

    An interesting post! I spent a month in St. Petersburg Russia and met a wide variety of people and much as you describe each enhanced my experience. And yes, I too encountered a drink guy at breakfast! I could have passed on that experience as he seemed to think he knew me and the fact I didn’t understand anything he was saying didn’t seem to convince him that we were, in fact, strangers. 🙂

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:50 pm

      Hi Michele – LOL I’m not good with people who are so far gone they can’t take a hint. 😉

      Reply
  10. Carole Terwilliger Meyers says

    April 8, 2015 at 10:12 am

    It’s rare as travelers that we get the chance to know someone from another country in depth. It brings to mind that the way I have gotten to know people from another country and their attitudes is through hosting exchange students. We forged friendships long ago that way and with some of them we have revisited many times and even attended weddings in Paris and Spain as a result. Everyone around the world seems to be pretty much the same and want the things mentioned above.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:58 pm

      Hi Carole – Pete and I both activated our wanderlust at a young age with exchange programs – he for a summer in Asia with a business student group, and me with a family exchange to Norway. You’re right, it’s a great way to get to know people.

      Reply
  11. Suzanne Stavert says

    April 8, 2015 at 3:33 am

    What a thought provoking post! I wish more people thought like you did. How many people are quick to judge someone based upon prior knowledge or instinct, instead of learning more before making a decision. People are people everywhere and we should not be quick to judge. However, being accosted by a drunk man at breakfast would not be my idea of fun.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 7:54 pm

      Hi Suzanne – I kinda felt sorry for the guy, actually. He really, really wanted us to know something, but couldn’t quite put it together in English. Then I wanted to finish my breakfast, so we finally were successful in shooing him off.

      Reply
  12. Lisa Chavis says

    April 9, 2015 at 12:59 am

    I love your observations! Even with the political climate what it is today…”Russians and Americans have more similarities than one might think.” And I believe travel helps us see many more of our similarities than focusing on our differences. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 9, 2015 at 8:01 pm

      Hi Lisa – You’re right. Politics are so dividing. Let’s hope people can remain in control of them. Real people, that is. 🙂

      Reply
  13. Anita @ No Particular Place To Go says

    April 9, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    My sister in law was in Russia with an international volunteer group for several months during the “Glasnost” movement the year the wall came down and had many positive and fascinating stories about the people who live there. Such a great post and a timely reminder about how far the gap is between stereotypes, perceptions and the reality of Russian and American, Black and White, Arab and Jew…

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 10, 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Hi Anita – Totally agree. But the first step is realizing that our perceptions may have been manipulated, and reopening our minds and hearts.

      Reply
  14. Shelley says

    April 10, 2015 at 2:12 pm

    I’m glad you had a good experience in Russia. One of the best things about travel is getting to know people for yourself instead of relying on what the media tells us they are like. One of these days I would like to visit there too.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 10, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Shelley – So true, personal experience is eye-opening. Hope you get to visit!

      Reply
  15. Sue Reddel says

    April 10, 2015 at 6:58 am

    I just love when people ask what are the people like when we travel. They are sometimes surprised when we say they’re just like you and I. I think they sometimes think they have two heads! It’s important to realize that every culture has wonderful people and somewhat crabby people. Heck, I’m a crabby Chicagoan on many days. Thanks for the peek inside Russia.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 10, 2015 at 2:24 pm

      Hi Sue – Yes, we all have our crabby moments! We’ve found that when we extend kindness, we invariably receive it in return. 🙂

      Reply
  16. Irene S. Levine, PhD says

    April 11, 2015 at 12:29 am

    Betsy,

    I love the deep and slow way you travel that lets you really get to know the people around you. Another great post!

    Best, Irene

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 15, 2015 at 4:49 am

      Hi Irene – Thank you so much. We feel very fortunate that we can.

      Reply
  17. A Cook Not Mad (Nat) says

    April 12, 2015 at 10:50 am

    It’s the reason we travel. To break down stereotypes and see whether what we thought we knew about a culture is reality.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 15, 2015 at 4:49 am

      Hi Nat – Exactly. To change our own minds.

      Reply
  18. Cathy Sweeney says

    April 12, 2015 at 1:46 pm

    Thoroughly enjoyed your account of interacting with the Russians — the real ones, not the stereotypes. It always gives me a renewed feeling of hope for our crazy world when we have these surprising and insightful encounters with strangers in a foreign land. I’ve been wanting to visit Russia for a very long time – eager to more about your trip.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 15, 2015 at 4:48 am

      Hi Cathy – Thank you so much. You’re right about getting a renewed sense of hope from positive encounters.

      Reply
  19. jenny@atasteoftravel says

    April 12, 2015 at 3:00 pm

    A very interesting post Betsy….one that applies to people from many of countries we all visit. I found that the people we met in Turkey were some of the friendliest I have encountered anywhere yet there are many people who would arrive here with their minds already made up. Meeting the locals is one of the highlights of travelling.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 15, 2015 at 4:42 am

      Hi Jenny – Thank you. While we all have our favorite and not so favorite places, human beings are remarkably similar.

      Reply
  20. alison abbott says

    April 13, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    Betsy you are so right and travel is one of the best ways to break down those stereotypes. I wish everyone could step out of their comfort zone and meet people on the other side of the divide. The world would be a much more peaceful place.

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 15, 2015 at 4:41 am

      Hi Alison – I agree, totally. It can be dismaying to observe the amount of intolerance and misunderstanding that could be alleviated with familiarity.

      Reply
  21. Carol Colborn says

    April 14, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Underneath we are all the same. When I was in St. Petersburg for a day, it was just very difficult to communicate when you have little time. Good, you spent some time to get to know them more!

    Reply
    • Betsy Wuebker says

      April 15, 2015 at 4:32 am

      Hi Carol – Yes, we had a couple weeks and really enjoyed it.

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. International Travel Safety Don'ts - A Baker's Dozen - Passing Thru says:
    December 21, 2015 at 6:27 am

    […] Don’t go to Russia for the Olympics. There will be a terrorist attack. (Obviously, there was not and the security made us feel confident and safe. All the toilets we used and doorknobs we turned […]

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Betsy. I traveled the world full time for close to four years and have visited more than 50 countries. If you’re a curious and thoughtful traveler, you’re in the right place. No matter if you’re new to travel or an old hand, I can help you refine your bucket list!

Here’s to a happier, travel-centered life!

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