The title says it all. My wife’s friend Olga, went to Russia for the holidays to visit her family. She is a doctor living in St. Petersburg, Florida. She took her roommate/boyfriend - let’s call him John - with her and this where it gets interesting. You see he had never been to Russia and he decided to do some research. He wanted to blend in, not look like the very noticeable American that he really is. One key thing he learned was that Russians don’t smile in public.
Mr. Einstein
Now that was true not so long ago, but times are changing. When I was in Moscow in 2007, I had several women smile at me. And people on the streets were much more friendly than when I was there in 2001. But being the smart guy that John is - he decided not to smile. So he blended into the Russian culture of Yekaterinburg by not smiling and wearing typical Russian style clothing and even a fur hat (been there done that - it helps a little, but us Americans stand out no matter what). So things seemed to working out for him until they decided to go out on the town. Olga and a group of her friends decided they would all go to a nightclub - they wanted to get some drinks, dance and socialize. They took 2 cars as they couldn’t all fit into one. Olga and John got separated and John arrived with the first group. They all decided to go in. Security would not let him in, even though he looked Russian, dressed Russian and acted Russian. What the heck? He called Olga and explained that he could not get in. He waited outside the club for Olga to arrive. So the second car gets there and Olga takes him with her and tells security that he is with her. They decide it’s ok to let him in this time. So they get seated and start to relax and have some fun. When John was busy, Olga decided to go and ask security why they would not let John in. They said he looked dangerous, like mafia or a terrorist and the key thing was that he would not smile… Smart guy not to smile.
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
| 
on Feb 19th, 2010 at 3:50 pm
I’ve read a few of your post and would like to discuss advertising my service on your website. I work for ATMCASH money transfer service and we serve all of Russia. What is a private email address where I can speak with you privately about this matter. Keep up the good work by the way - you have a great blog!
on Aug 14th, 2010 at 10:12 am
A very funny story, indeed! Like you said, times change, and as the world goes ’round. so do peoples feelings on things. Read up, but also consider where you are going.
A nightclub is supposed to be a fun place, and with lots of excitement. Woud you let someone in your home if he/she made you uncomfortable?
Oh well, a valuable lesson was learned. I will remember this story for reference.