A Riddle Wrapped in a Mystery

I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Winston Churchill (1939)

Russia is a fascinating place. It is beautiful, yet neglected; large, yet sparse; sparse, yet crowded; poor, yet rich; powerful, yet remote; humble, yet arrogant, European, yet Asian; East, yet West.

Certainly Russian has emerged from a painful past, into a difficult present. Russia is a great place, with a great people. The friends you make some of the best people you'll ever spend time with. The strangers on the bus, and cashiers at ticket windows are some of the rudest people you'll meet. The language sure is complex and cryptic, and has been a challenge that I have not overcome yet. There are a great many uncivilized people here. I've seen young drunk boys urinating in a subway station pillar. I've been scolded for being an American. Answering cell phones in class or church is the norm here. Yeah, there are some rude, lazy, uncivilized people here. Corruption is a big problem too. But, we have these problems in our country, I suppose.

At least Russians are honest about who they are. If they like you, they are your best friend. If they are irresponsible, crooked, or rude, they don't act smooth and try to hide it like we Americans do. Around the world, there are people that do what's right, and people who are destructive to those around them. Most people are wonderful, good people. The actions of a nations rulers guide their people into wealth or ruin, freedom or slavery.

All in all, I've enjoyed my time spent in Russia; it's been a fantastic cultural adventure, and I am happy to have friends here. I definitely look forward to visiting as in the future, and pray for its progress as success. For a look at the other side of the world, please read my post about the situation in the United States on my other blog.