They Lord...

[BC]

We live in a magnet free household since my youngest tried picking up plastic with them.. The plastic originated from a leather pouch I usually carry around in my back pocket. These Russian kids are a handful so watch out grovlstk!

[jb]

Groovy,

It may be tough--in my part of the world we're taught to treat tourists with the same degree of respect as a used tissue, so I might be due for some karmic payback.

You cannot know or understand hospitality until you've become accquainted with Russians.  I suggest you read some of the posts from: http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/view_topic.php?id=291&forum_id=4
In this thread, Noyrt details some of his experience with Russians and the way they deal with strangers.  If a Russian invites you into their home, everything it it is yours for the duration of your stay.  If my mother-in-law asked you in, she would give you the last crumb in the cupboard, even if it meant she'd go hungry for a week.  If you are from NYC, God help you.



PS... I guess what I'm saying is,,, if you are from such a different mindset, like NYC,,, there's a strong possibility you won't be comfortable with the Russian social ideals.  In many ways, Russians are very different[/b] from us.  There is a pride concept that we don't fully understand, and there is a sense of generosity we only appreciate when we are in the middle of it.   It isn't the price of the gift, but the idea that you had the good manners to bring it.  Do you understand the difference?

[jb]

The plastic originated from a leather pouch I usually carry around in my back pocket.

OMG~! Don't tell me he erased the magnetic strips on the backs of your credit cards???

Too funny.