Wednesday, March 27, 2013

List 1: Top 5 Questions We're Asked

 Since we are in the countdown mode of our move back to the States and since I love making lists, I thought I'd periodically do a round-up of lists. Today's list contains the top 5 questions that we have frequently been asked.


1. Which country is better, America or Russia?
This is probably the most common question I am asked. I don't ever give a solid answer. I just tell people that there are great things about Russia and there are great things about America. That's it!
 
2. Do you like Samara?
This is a tricky question. It is much like the which country do you like best question. In all honesty, most Russians would answer, no! Truth is I do like Samara, actually I love it. Sure, it is a very dirty city. There isn't a whole lot to do here. Russians who move here from other cities are constantly complaining about it. The air quality is awful. But, I do love it.  A lot of people I care about live here. There are some great stores here. The Volga River is in Samara. This city actually has some amazing history. There are some real beautiful sites and museums. I strongly believe that you must make the best out of everything. 

3. What do you miss the most?
This is an easy question to answer.......my family! There are a lot of other answers I can give but what I miss the most is my family. Target comes in a close second.
 
4. What has been the hardest thing about living here?
Another easy question with another easy answer..........the language! Russian is a very difficult language to learn. Even Russians themselves agree that the language is quite difficult.

5. Is your wife Russian?
All the times that Jon has been pulled over by the police, the officer takes one look at his passport then peeks into the car and asks Jon, "Is your wife Russian?" They assume that an American man living in Russia must be married to a Russian. I am also asked if I am from the 'stan nations.....such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tarjekstan, etc. I think it's because of my darker complexion and dark hair.

 

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