It is always interesting to know what other people think about us. This
is PARTICULARly the case with Russia because our country was closed most of the
20th
century. Russia is much more open to outsiders now FORTUNately. However
there still a lot of myths and misconceptions about who are and now we
live. To give an example FOREICNers are often under the impression that
Russians are cold and reserved. In fact,we are very warm-hearted and
generous when you get to know us. Next,there is rhe mistaken belief
that winters are unBEARably cold everywhere. In fact, the south of Russia
has a very mild climate and there are many days in winter when the
temperature ia above zero,even in Moscow. That there are critics of our
coisine who say it is bland and TASTEless a diet of bread and
potatoes. These people have not tried delightful dishes like the
wonderfully named herring under a fur coat. As mentioned above,such myth
are understandable. However, as Russia plays a fuller role in the
international community,attitudes will change and there will be
less IGNORance about our country.