Sometimes a smile isn't the same in any language. That was the lesson we learned yesterday. I was under the impression (probably because I learned it in Sunday School) that when you smile at someone they can't help but smile back, even if they're having a bad day.
Fact. This is not true. You can smile at most Russians and they will not smile back.
But, that doesn't mean that you're alone. And it doesn't make them bad people. Just not "smile at you all the time people" is all. We had the most helpful person from Dan's office here in Moscow take care of us tremendously yesterday! He called a cab for us to get to the offices, told us a little bit about Moscow and how to act. (My favorite was avoid crowds because they may be protestors. My response... Really? The entire city is a mob...) He helped us buy a phone, because, as if the language barrier isn't enough, it's near impossible for a non-Russian to get a phone and sim card. And he took us home via the Metro and showed us how to buy Metro passes. So now, should we see a mob of protesters, we will know to avoid them, call for emergency help and run down to the Metro if they chase us.
When we first met, we exchanged pleasantries and we explained our to-do list and desperate need of help since we didn't speak Russian. He responded with the blankest look to Dan and says, "Wow. Brave Americans."
Now, I know that comment should NOT have given me the warm fuzzies, but it did. I'm proud of us. And I'm happy to be here for the next two years, living, experiencing and creating our story. It's hard, really hard, and thats part of what this blog is for, to focus on the stress through comedy-colored glasses. We left family, friends, jobs, our favorite bar and comfort. I'm just so thankful that Hubs and I both can see that its a good trade for excitement, adventure and blind faith.
Doesn't everyone have to make those sacrifices, though? We give up things and sometimes it not by choice, but luxuries are taken away, our story changes and we're out of our element. It happens and it works to create something beautiful. Something to be proud of.
Cheers to all of us brave Americans.
Fact. This is not true. You can smile at most Russians and they will not smile back.
But, that doesn't mean that you're alone. And it doesn't make them bad people. Just not "smile at you all the time people" is all. We had the most helpful person from Dan's office here in Moscow take care of us tremendously yesterday! He called a cab for us to get to the offices, told us a little bit about Moscow and how to act. (My favorite was avoid crowds because they may be protestors. My response... Really? The entire city is a mob...) He helped us buy a phone, because, as if the language barrier isn't enough, it's near impossible for a non-Russian to get a phone and sim card. And he took us home via the Metro and showed us how to buy Metro passes. So now, should we see a mob of protesters, we will know to avoid them, call for emergency help and run down to the Metro if they chase us.
When we first met, we exchanged pleasantries and we explained our to-do list and desperate need of help since we didn't speak Russian. He responded with the blankest look to Dan and says, "Wow. Brave Americans."
Now, I know that comment should NOT have given me the warm fuzzies, but it did. I'm proud of us. And I'm happy to be here for the next two years, living, experiencing and creating our story. It's hard, really hard, and thats part of what this blog is for, to focus on the stress through comedy-colored glasses. We left family, friends, jobs, our favorite bar and comfort. I'm just so thankful that Hubs and I both can see that its a good trade for excitement, adventure and blind faith.
Doesn't everyone have to make those sacrifices, though? We give up things and sometimes it not by choice, but luxuries are taken away, our story changes and we're out of our element. It happens and it works to create something beautiful. Something to be proud of.
Cheers to all of us brave Americans.
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