“Russians are freezing and washing in basins”: the American came to St. Petersburg with loud accusations When I saw it, I was shocked. That's not what she expected
A foreign guest came to St. Petersburg and quickly formed an opinion about life in Russia. The cool October weather convinced her that the locals were freezing because of poverty and could not afford proper heating.
The owner didn't argue. Instead, he offered her a ride around the city and look at Russian life with his own eyes, writes Zen channel “Talking about education”. During a walk in St. Petersburg, the guest again talked about the cold and suggested that residents are forced to save on everything.
The man explained that the heating season begins according to certain rules, and not immediately with the onset of autumn. In Russia, its timing depends on weather conditions and local decisions. A cold October does not mean poverty.
Then they went to the cafe, where it was warm and cozy. Gradually, the conversation was replaced by a discussion of the city, its streets and everyday life.
The strongest impression on the foreigner was made by a trip to Tsarskoye Selo. Seeing the Catherine Palace with its ceremonial halls, gilding and rich decoration, she temporarily lost the gift of speech.
The guest inspected the historical interiors, strolled through the parks and saw well-groomed alleys, fountains and places of rest. St. Petersburg was not only a cold northern city, but also a place with a rich history and developed cultural life.
The man reminded her that it was wrong to judge a whole country by the weather or individual ideas about life. Russia has long gone beyond the stereotypes of cold and poverty that still exist abroad.
By the end of the day, the foreigner did not return to the previous charges. Instead of talking about poverty, she discussed the beauty of St. Petersburg and admitted that she was tired of long walks.
The owner did not try to prove his case with loud statements. He just showed the guest the city, its architecture and the usual life of people.
This story reminds us that other people’s ideas about the country do not always coincide with reality. To understand how people live, sometimes it is enough to come, walk through the streets and see everything with your own eyes.
