What can you say about our people and our country?

Pardzhiani Zoya, Georgia, a housewife

�I have been living in Russia for more than 10 years. We moved here in 1994. It�s a very vast country, the size of it is really enormous in comparison with my native Georgia. I am still very much impressed by many things. Nature is so beautiful; forests with various trees are full of berries and mushrooms. Green meadows are decorated with lovely flowers.
Russians are open-hearted, friendly, hospitable and very communicative. They are rather emotional, but at the same time patient and tolerant. And we''ve never felt that we are of different nationalities and never had any problems because of it; on the contrary we have much in common - one religion, similar traditions and customs. Russian Maslenitsa is wonderful. So many recipes of pancakes and all of them are so tasty. And frankly speaking Russian cuisine is very original. I learnt to cook "schi" � a very delicious dish, my daughter loves it so much. At first I had problems with the language. I am sure Russian is the most difficult language. I took many efforts to speak it rather appropriately. But still the accent is heard and my grammar is much to be desired. And Russian frosts!!! They are unbearable. At first it was a real shock. I had experienced nothing of this kind before. It was very difficult to get used to them. Never the less I�ve started loving this country. I thank Russia for hospitality and I think when I return home I will miss it and its people.�

Evelien Foubert, Belgium, Hamme. Lived in England, studying in Russia, a student � translator, knows Holland, English, Russian, Chinese languages.

�If you just meet people and they recognize that you are from another country, a stranger, they turn polite, friendly, a kind of Russian hospitality�They like to receive guests: "Oh, come on, stay with us! Have some food, get some more�" People are very friendly and they are together. Nature is very beautiful. I was in Konstantinovo, where Sergey Esenin was born. There is a very big river Oka, lots of green sights. The countryside of this place is fascinating! Really! As for cookery, I have found a lot of delicious food�A month of my being in Russia had passed and I added 4 kilos to my weight and then another 4 kilos, because food in Russia is very tasty! I mostly enjoy pelmeni, a kind of Russian ravioli, blini or pancakes, sweet sguschonka, sour cream, porridge and everything�I don�t like Russian cold winter! It is unusual for me. Russians don''t pay attention to it! They�ve got accustomed to cold weather! Besides, there is more pollution than it should be.�

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