There’s an expression: Men love their country not because it is great, but because it is their own.
When you live in your country, you take everything for granted. You admire nature, beautiful buildings, proud of the achievements of compatriots. And you know you’re the part of your country’s history.
But why do foreigners love Russia?
Recently I’ve learned why at least from my Australian friend’s point of view. Obviously, she was interested in Russia. That is why she contacted me a few years ago on a social media website. We became friends very quickly. Two young, ‘relatively young’, women may have much in common. At the same time our lives were completely different though. Time flies, life changes; we are still friends.
And only recently from the letter I learned
the origin of her love for Russia. I hope my friend Jenny won’t be offended if I quote her. “Since I was a child I dreamed of USSR! It was about 1982 and on TV they had Russian Dancers in traditional costume and the men were doing leg spins which I loved. ….Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral with snow falling looked magical”. Jenny would like to visit Russia one day but didn’t know if she could (it was the Cold War at the time). Also, I know that people like Soviet athletes. Jenny in Australia (and my husband in America) supported Russian gymnasts during the Olympics.
Another thing that surprised me
that she found “grey blocks of flats were beautiful”. That fact was especially interesting to me! (Well known, if you fell in love with something, you like everything even downside).
I’ve never thought of these buildings this way. Though, passing by them every day I wondered what life was like behind the walls (I mean inside the apartments). It seemed to me being cozy, at least I wanted to believe in it. I think I never in my life was interested in other countries. My horizon was narrow, life was boring. I lived, tried to “survive” (not physical. I just wanted my desires to coincide with my capabilities).
During the Cold war, Russia was a very closed country. But now the foreigners who love Russia have the opportunity to ask questions. And we, the Russians, can openly answer, remember youth and surprise.
I would like to end my article with another expression: I love people who like me. They have a good taste.
P.S. if you are my reader you should know that I am very “modest”. LOL
