First off, I realized I haven't posted in a really long time. To the two of you following this, I sincerely apologize. See, lately I've had bigger things on my mind than writing cute little blog posts. Mostly, my mind has been concerned with the fact that I'm in Russia.
There are probably people out there who would argue that Kazan doesn't really count as part of Russia. It's a pretty western city, people are open minded, Muslim Tatars are a strong demographic. . . it isn't really as harsh as everyone says. They would be wrong. Sure, I'm in a friendly city, but it's still Russia. You still have to dodge cars even when you're walking on the sidewalk. You still find puddles in the street so large they have fish in them (yes, it's happened). You still have to go down to the Bazaar to buy fresh fruit, and accept that as a stupid American, you will be scammed. We have plenty of niceties here, but all things considered this is not America.
Probably one of the most unique opportunities I've had here is participating in Kazan's first MUN Conference. It's still poorly organized; decorum is never observed and formalities are largely overlooked. Nonetheless, it's amazing that Russian youth are developing such an interest in world politics. As I listened to the other delegates, I realized that their really is much more political diversity than is expressed by the domination of Putin's United Russia Party. There are active members of the Communist Party in local high schools. There are liberals. There are conservatives, both those who favor Putin (for those who don't know, Medvedev is out of the running so Putin's return to the presidency is all but guaranteed) and those who oppose him. Though the resolutions passed were weak and poorly written, their existence says a lot about the potential for Russia to reclaim its place in the world in decades to come.
Politics aside, I'm having an amazing time. Classes are hard, brutal at times. Trying to speak with locals and being either ignored or horribly misunderstood is one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Nonetheless, it's a rewarding experience. My perspective on Russian culture has followed the model foretold by my RD to the letter. Before arriving in Russia, I was fascinated by the differences I expected to see. When I got here, I was surprised, even disappointed, at the similarity and western feel of the city. Now, I'm beginning to catch on to the little differences a tourist passing through would overlook. They open their bananas from the other end. Want to grab a soda? Tell the vendor and he'll unlock them so you can pick one. Forget to say hello to an administrator walking down the hall? Vengeance shall be served. No, there aren't bears in the street on unicycles drinking vodka (every Russian seems to think this is the American stereotype of Russia) and yes, they have McDonald's, but it's impossible to forget where I am.
After all, how many Americans live on Karl Marx street?
There are probably people out there who would argue that Kazan doesn't really count as part of Russia. It's a pretty western city, people are open minded, Muslim Tatars are a strong demographic. . . it isn't really as harsh as everyone says. They would be wrong. Sure, I'm in a friendly city, but it's still Russia. You still have to dodge cars even when you're walking on the sidewalk. You still find puddles in the street so large they have fish in them (yes, it's happened). You still have to go down to the Bazaar to buy fresh fruit, and accept that as a stupid American, you will be scammed. We have plenty of niceties here, but all things considered this is not America.
Probably one of the most unique opportunities I've had here is participating in Kazan's first MUN Conference. It's still poorly organized; decorum is never observed and formalities are largely overlooked. Nonetheless, it's amazing that Russian youth are developing such an interest in world politics. As I listened to the other delegates, I realized that their really is much more political diversity than is expressed by the domination of Putin's United Russia Party. There are active members of the Communist Party in local high schools. There are liberals. There are conservatives, both those who favor Putin (for those who don't know, Medvedev is out of the running so Putin's return to the presidency is all but guaranteed) and those who oppose him. Though the resolutions passed were weak and poorly written, their existence says a lot about the potential for Russia to reclaim its place in the world in decades to come.
Politics aside, I'm having an amazing time. Classes are hard, brutal at times. Trying to speak with locals and being either ignored or horribly misunderstood is one of the most frustrating experiences of my life. Nonetheless, it's a rewarding experience. My perspective on Russian culture has followed the model foretold by my RD to the letter. Before arriving in Russia, I was fascinated by the differences I expected to see. When I got here, I was surprised, even disappointed, at the similarity and western feel of the city. Now, I'm beginning to catch on to the little differences a tourist passing through would overlook. They open their bananas from the other end. Want to grab a soda? Tell the vendor and he'll unlock them so you can pick one. Forget to say hello to an administrator walking down the hall? Vengeance shall be served. No, there aren't bears in the street on unicycles drinking vodka (every Russian seems to think this is the American stereotype of Russia) and yes, they have McDonald's, but it's impossible to forget where I am.
After all, how many Americans live on Karl Marx street?
Alex, it is amazing to read your experiences from Russia. I can imply from your blog that being in Russia is very important moment in your life. It was worth of waiting and checking your blog once a week to read this amazing post. I wish more people would absorb so much information from their surrounding.
ReplyDeleteLife in Europe is very different than in US, especially in Russia I think. I wouldn't say harder or easier, but very different indeed.
Im really glad you are getting so many experiences.
"As I listened to the other delegates, I realized that their really is much more political diversity than is expressed by the domination of Putin's United Russia Party."
ReplyDeleteI expected better from you, Madden...misusing there/their...*slowly shakes head in disapproval*
clarification--ok the above comment is not from me (km), rather someone (zm)from my house who does not have an account or didnt sign into it....
ReplyDelete