🇬🇧 Englishman In Russia

First impressions

I first visited in 2002 and it was a bit wild! Nothing like the country we see today. I was excited about the adventure. But the infrastructure back then was poorly maintained and there weren't many cars on the roads.

Encounters with locals

There are two Russias: one with a camera in my hand and another without. With the camera, people are suspicious, and I've had some crazy situations. Without the camera, people are warm, kind, friendly and hospitable. I've had so many wonderful interactions with people, and often I'm sad that they weren't on camera.

A habit that surprised me

Russian men seem to be able to fix anything! One time my car got stuck in the snow a few miles from the nearest village. I walked to a nearby building, and there was a security guard's number in the window. I called it, and it turned out he was in the local village. He walked to me, spent two hours on his hands and knees digging me out of the snow, and was completely drenched and frozen. He wouldn't accept a gift or even a lift back to the village. He just helped a stranger for no reason. He inspired me to be the same.

Motorists helping other motorists is amazing: digging each other out of the snow or pushing up an icy road.

Everyday expenses

Everything made in Russia is cheap. Everything made outside of Russia is expensive. This is the effect of sanctions.

One myth to bust

Russia is a completely normal place, just like anywhere else. The construction is constant. Slowly but surely the old communist-era buildings are being replaced. People are generally happy. They don't feel oppressed and scared!