What surprised the Latin American after visiting Russia.
Different countries have their own traditions, customs, culture and mentality. When they collide, misunderstandings, funny situations and even irritation can occur.
Let’s see what surprised the South American most of all after the encounter with Russian culture. Let’s analyze the most common stereotypes.
Vodka lovers
In Latin America, there is a stereotype that Russians drink a lot of vodka. But I noticed that Russians understand and drink a lot of tea. Coffee is more popular in our country, and if tea, then Ceylon. There is a whole culture of tea in Russia.
Carpets on the walls
Our knowledge of Russia is often limited to the level of the former Soviet Union. We still think that the houses have carpets. But now we know about central heating in Russia (there is no central heating in Chile, houses are heated with wood, stoves like “stoves”).
Chains on wheels of cars for winter
For winter driving in the mountains, where there is snow, we put chains on the wheels of cars. But now I know that the Russians have special wheels for winter, and separately for summer with winter (with spikes) and summer tires. At first it was for surprise me, in winter we have no snow in our cities and we don’t need to change wheels.
Special winter driving courses
Driving in snow and ice conditions. It was very unusual to know about it. And you often have to pay to pass the exam, which is amazing too.
Doctors receive very little salary
In Chile, a doctor is a very prestigious profession, it is paid very well. True, we do not need to confirm a diploma every 5 years, as in Russia, and attend training courses. But the salary of doctors is one of the highest. But my friends from Russia say that here the salary of doctors is not big.
Women and men
Unlike Hispanic women, who before the age of 30 prefer to have fun, have fun and enjoy life, Russian women are more focused on starting a family. Even in Latin America, the idea of feminism is strong, and men have practically no voice over women. They are afraid to afford anything- either romantic or showing concern so as not to offend the feelings of independent and independent women. Russian women are less emotional, calmer and go step by step towards creating a full-fledged family. Russian men seemed to me cold and prone to machismo. I read that Russian women are very passionate and can show this, but only with their man and in a private setting.
Winter and snow
These phenomena are very exotic for us. All Russian winter activities, sports and winter games are very amazing. It’s hard to imagine how city life does not stop with the appearance of snow. Here, at +1 degrees, no one goes outside, many do not go to work, schools are closed.
Your winter clothes are very unusual for us, we have nothing of the kind. It is almost impossible for us to understand the existence of warm pants or how you can put one on top of the other, several layers of clothing. This is very surprising.
Decoration of restaurants and clubs
It has a lot of details, the design looks beautiful and unusual. In Chile, this is neglected. Themed restaurants are very rare. We focus more on the beautiful view from the window and the bar.
Food
The food in Russia is varied, but expensive. Even I can not imagine how you eat red caviar, which is considered a delicacy in your country. We do not eat it.
Long texts
In Chile, no one reads long descriptions or instructions, it’s boring. Books are not popular here either. They don’t like reading here. In Russia, they like long, detailed descriptions and texts. For example, under a photo on Instagram, only Russians write long text. Latin American or US text will be no longer than 30 words, this is the maximum. The teenagers here don’t read books and have poor Spanish.
Communication
Latinos talk a lot, they can talk endlessly, discussing something. If the Russian solves the issue in 5 minutes, it will not work with the Latin American. You will have to listen to the whole background of the question, a bunch of different (not always necessary) information and a lot, a lot of expression. Everything is emotional and very long. This is a feature of LA, as well as their lack of punctuality and relaxation in work.
My Russian friends who emigrated to LA say that their compatriots do not know how to enjoy life, they attach importance to things that are not important, they often get angry. This is a different approach to life. In LA they live relaxed and enjoy life. Also, here they avoid conflicts at all costs … It is easier for a Latin American to lie, or to promise and not do, than to provoke a conflict or go to confrontation.
There are many amazing things in different cultures. The main thing is to accept each other as we are and be tolerant of unusual things, even if they seem strange. Because our culture and habits may seem strange to them. The world is beautiful and multifaceted, love and respect each other.
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