Russians had a quick transit from communism to capitalism. The thing is that some Russians jumped too deep into capitalist world, while some stayed too far behind.

Russians were grown up in the world of total equality, where the friendship of nations was an important part of life. If you notice a Russian person staring occasionally at a black person, it’s just because of curiosity – there are not many black people in Russia. But old people sometimes are too much patriotic, so be careful and try not to hurt their feelings.

Russians drink vodka, but they are not alcoholics. Russians can drink so much because they have specific resistance to alcohol not because they are drunkards. By the way, if you drink with Russians, you’ll have to drink as much as they do, or they will be offended.

Russians like everything extraordinary. But too often they don’t express this feeling enough, so when it comes out, it’s like a volcano. That’s why you hear Russian tourists singing folk songs at night and that’s why they make a revolution every 80 years.

Russians believe in magnetism. The thing is that from time to time the sun sends some electro-magnetic signals and this affects the whole course of events on the earth, including people’s mood and feelings. So, if you meet Russians discussing how bad their day went because of the electro-magnetic storm that happened in the afternoon – don’t think they are adepts of some sort of new age philosophy. It’s completely normal.

Russians are superstitious. And if you want to shake their hand, you can’t do it through the doorway. You have to come in or he has to come out otherwise they believe you will quarrel. If you come back to your house just after you left – look at the mirror, it’s for your own good. If you’re sitting at the corner of the table, you won’t be married for 7 years. If a fork falls, a woman is going to come, if a knife falls, a man will certainly appear.

Most Russians know some words in English, but they are shy to speak. Nevertheless, you will see a lot of things written in English on the streets. Also, almost more than a half of Russian products have their ingredients listed in English.  Russians learn English at school, and many people can understand the basics, but are shy to speak to a stranger.

Russians like to dress up. You will often see men in suits even in clubs on Friday night, while women prefer smart and sexy outfits. Men usually choose dark or grey colors, while women prefer something light. Sure it’s a generalization and you’ll see a lot of different people and outfits.

A club is not a place to party for everybody – not everyone can get in.  Russians have so-called “dress code” in most clubs and you may not be allowed because you wear Nike sneakers, old khakis or a fleece coat. Anyway, the rules are not so strict for foreigners, so if you are uncertain about your appearance, just speak English and you’re guaranteed to get in.

Russians are not extrovert although they shout and kiss in public. It’s acceptable also to show affection in public and you will see many kissing couples on the long escalators in Moscow metro. At the same time you won’t see a lot of people sitting in public places with their legs stretched or crossed in American way and Russians do not gesticulate much when they are talking.

Many Russians smoke but if you say that it bothers you they will turn off the cigarette. Many people have a positive attitude towards healthy lifestyle and have a daily morning exercise routine or run in the park.