Friday, July 2, 2010

What do Russians think.....

At the request of one of our teachers, one of their Russian friends, after visiting America, made a list of things every Russian should know before he/she visits America. The results are pretty hilarious AND informative:

1. Even though Americans many times look like us, do not be deceived for they ARE different.

2. We all know how stressful and unpleasant it would be for us to sit down and plan our free time way in advance, well Americans get absolutely stressed out if they don't have a schedule that tells them EXACTLY what they are going to do on the night of every week day and in the morning, afternoon, and evening of the weekend at least a week in advance (I am not exaggerating).

3. When you are in a public place like a shopping mall, bank, park or any other and happen to pass within 6-7 feet distance from an American say EXCUSE ME. Don't ask me why. Just say it. By the way, Mexicans don't count. They are like us.

4. When you want to call on someone's attention, don't address them as "young man" or "girl". Say "sir" or "ma’am" and expect the same to be extended to you.

5. When someone looks at you and smiles, ALWAYS smile back (even if it's someone you don't know). For some reason, Americans love to smile at complete strangers.

6. You don't need to carry a little roll of toilet paper in your purse. There is toilet paper in EVERY restroom in America. Also, there is no toilet room in private homes. Every bathroom has a sink, a bathtub, and a toilet.

7. When you see animals in the streets or people's back yards like squirrels, deer, etc. DO NOT throw rocks at them or try to scare them, people will never forgive you.

8. If you think that sugar and mayonnaise do not mix, you will be surprised.

9. It's a SHAME to still be living with your parents and not have plans to move out when you're past 25.

10. You may think that just sitting around with your friends for hours doing nothing but having tea and talking is a good sweet time. Well Americans think that it's a waste of time and therefore should be avoided, I mean what is it that you can't say in one hour?

11. Do not be surprised when you don't see hardly any people in the city outside--they are either in their car, or office, or home.

12. Do not hesitate to ask for information from the shop assistants or any other assistants that work in public places, they will answer you in a very nice way because they really DO believe that they are there to HELP you. Shop workers are very pleasant and polite in America.

4 comments:

Unknown said...

This is so awesome, I love it!

Adrian & Katherine said...

that could be one of the funniest things I've ever read. hahahaha!

Ryan said...

Sugar and mayonnaise mix in America? Yuck. (Waldorf salad maybe? Yuck.)

But where do I sign up for hours sitting around drinking tea with friends? I miss that...

Emily Murphy said...

This is great! I feel better about the reason no one smiles in Russia now. :)