3u has returned from Russia

The 23rd of September we set our sights on Russia. The tone was set when we strode up to the old propeller plane from Air Baltic. After a slightly bumpy flight we arrived in the motherland to meet our Russian exchange students. Arriving at our new homes many of us were greeted by traditional Russian cuisine, in my case sausage and bread. Next morning, we all met at the Hermitage to tour the beautiful and lavish Winter Palace. I could imagine getting a headache from living in a place with that much gold. Beautiful as it was the decor was at (all) times a bit over the top, the walls bedecked with gold, Chinese silk and paintings by the likes of Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Van Gogh.

After escaping the hustle and bustle of excited tourists we then made our way to the first of many cathedrals. The Russians love their cathedrals and after seeing so many in one day I almost felt like an orthodox convert. It was interesting to experience a culture so different from ours. In St. Petersburg all the cathedrals we entered were commonly used and always filled with people saying their prayers. Coming from a country where churches are almost closed daily it was a very alien concept to me. People gather round the church and their religion and it’s easy to tell that religion plays a big part in people’s everyday lives here in Russia.

Russia was in general a bit of a culture-chock. Even being in St. Petersburg one of the most “European/Western” cities in Russia the gap was evident. Simple things like talking on the bus or queueing for the till were suddenly not so simple. We were several times shushed by old babushkas on the bus. And in the metro it was completely silent except for us chatting quietly to one another. Everything moves slower in Russia (except for the traffic). There’s not the same rush as in Copenhagen. This sadly also means queuing 45 minutes to pay for a lipstick. 

Relations between people are likewise different. Just looking at the school system there are obvious contrasts. Teachers have a disciplinary role very different from the one in Denmark. They almost act as parents and will not hesitate to correct your behaviour. There is generally a greater deal of respect and hierarchy between the young and the old in Russia.

All in all, I learnt a lot from my trip to Russia and although I sometimes got lost in translation I think it’s important to experience other cultures. Understanding each other is the key to finding a peaceful way to coexist. If we’re only exposed to the subjective and generalizing portrayals we see in the media, how do we suppose to ever agree on a global scale? Though it can be tough at times I would always recommend exchange. Visit as many places as you can and meet as many diverse people as possible. I believe it’s the way to a richer life.

Katrine, 3u