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Ask one hundred Americans to name something Russian, and I would wager
that the majority of them would list Vodka as one of the top three
things associated with Russia. That’s not a bad
thing, per se. It means the Americans can appreciate one of
the fine cultural offerings from my homeland. The Demon
Drink, as it is sometimes called, has always been a traditional subject
for discussion and jokes between Russians and Americans. It
is the subject of one of the long-standing stereotypes, which I am
always asked about by so many. People tend to be fascinated by other
cultures and the topic of drinking always bubbles to the top of the
list. I can’t recall how many times I have heard,
“Do Russians all really drink that much?” I answer,
“Certainly! A glass of vodka every morning including women
and children.” Hee hee
While for Russians the act of drinking vodka constitutes a very special
ceremony; many Americans don’t even know how to drink it
properly. Ordering straight vodka on the rocks, and then sipping it
like gin or whisky is not what we call drinking vodka. To properly
consume this fine spirit, one serves it straight in shot glasses with a
pickle and black bread. Really? Yes, really.
Having announced a brief toast “Na Zdorovie!”
(“To Your Health!”), one ceremoniously says
“Nu…”
(“So…”), takes a deep breath, tilts his
head back and downs the entire shot in one defiant motion. Next, give a
quick sniff to your slice of black bread and quickly eat
it along with pickle.
There are many truly Russian traits of character; however, moderation
is not to be found among them. The majority has an
all-or-nothing affair with drinking and rounds are repeated until there
is no more supply at hand. Ahhhhhhh. [Advice] It is
very important to know your limits when drinking alcohol in
Russia! Many Westerners are not able to keep up with those
more “practiced” in consuming larger quantities of
hard alcohol. Remember, not partaking of the drinking is
usually accepted but I urge you to do your best to play it safe in
drinking so as not to offend your hosts.
If you have any fears of public speaking, drinking in Russia will
challenge you. There is one thing you should think of ahead
of time…a toast. Toasts are sometimes lengthy and
commonly cross nearly any subject. It is usually the host who
pronounces the first toast and the guests then follow. An
important bit of etiquette to remember, do not drink until the first
toast has been offered. After a toast Russians usually clink
their glasses together, but this is not done by someone who is drinking
something non-alcoholic.
Remember, Russians are very hospitable, very proud and love to
challenge, but participating in a drinking contest might be something
one gives a second thought to. On a serious note, be polite,
cheerful and open, but don’t feel obliged to drink if you
don’t feel comfortable doing so.
Tamara
von Schmidt-Pauli is a native of St.
PetersburgRussia
who has been visiting, and living in, the United States and Canada
since 2002. She holds bachelors and masters
degrees, with honors, covering teaching of language and
translation and
currently resides in the greater Minneapolis
area. Tamara is affiliated with Prime Language Services (www.primelanguageservices.com)
Boy Meets Girl and They Fall
in Love - Why the Controversy?
Everyone wants to think that they are enlightened and
open minded. Everyone believes that we should bridge gaps with nations
all around our global village. That is, until they hear that a friend
wants to date someone from another country – then everything
changes. Why?
How could something as simple as a man and woman finding each other be
so maligned? If you were to tell your friends that you were going to a
singles dating event in another city, there would be nothing wrong with
that. But if a guy tells his family or friends that he wants to go on a
singles introduction tour in another country – watch out!
Here come the conformity police!
For those of us who ventured abroad to find love we have been warned
that all of these women just want to take our money and get green
cards. Not only are we told that these women have ill motives
– our motives are brought into question as well.
“What’s wrong with America?” we are
asked. “You can’t find a girl in this entire
country who will take you? Are you looking for something
kinky?” The women overseas experience something very similar.
Mothers warn their daughters of men who will love them and leave them
stranded in a foreign land with no money and no way home. They are told
to watch out for the slave trade and men who are looking to imprison
them.
With all of that drama coming from people who haven’t dated
overseas, it’s no wonder that few venture out.
But for those who do, the story of boy meets girl and they fall in love
is filled with adventure and joy. It is very much like Romeo and
Juliet, but with a very happy ending.
My name is Mark Davis. I went on one of those introduction dating tours
to the Ukraine and met the most incredible woman in the world, Anna
Astafieva. As Anna and I celebrate three years of being together, we
have come to realize that, even though we come from different cultures,
we are more alike than we are different. We are more in love with each
passing day and our passion for life continues to grow.
I’m grateful that I did not listen to the critics. I believe
that the greatest rewards in life will always go to the risk-takers.
For those who have not found their soul mate here – it may be
because she is waiting overseas.
We embrace the variety this world has to offer and support the efforts
of those willing to bridge cultures and countries in pursuit of love.
Mark & Anna Davis
International Dating for Men, Inc.
Mark Edward Davis is the author
of Mastering the Adventure of International Dating and the host of a
iPod/Radio talk show. He is the co-founder of International
Dating for Men, Inc. He dated on four continents before
meeting and marrying Anna, a former model from Ukraine. Contact him at
(888) 899-8600, Mark@ID4M.com.
The
GoodWife Report (on
IMB Affiliate
Program Performance)
International Relations
recently completed the 3rd edition of The
GoodWife Report
addressing affiliate program performance of 27 International Marriage
Brokers over the past 18 months. To access a copy of The
GoodWife Report,
send an email to: report@GoodWife.com.
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Tamara
von Schmidt-Pauli is a native of 
