In many ways my Russian friends aren’t that different from my friends in America. When we hang out we eat, talk, play games, laugh, etc. We’re from vastly different cultures, however. The food, the weather, the language, and the public transportation, a few customs, all of these aspects of culture are expressed differently. As an American in Russia many of the “differences” seem incidental. In other words, I don’t have to understand why the food is different, I just eat it. I don’t assume every difference is rooted in some sort of East/West cultural divide. So now, after six weeks of living here, I go through my day riding the bus, ordering food, or crossing the street with a mild expression on my face thinking, “So, this is Russia.”

 But I recently had another funny experience when part of my worldview clashed with that of my friends’. At the time it was merely humorous, but after some reflection it seems a little more important than I first thought.

 One Friday night a group of friends had gathered in my apartment to play some games. Later in the evening we decided to visit a few museums; it was museum night and admission was very cheap if not free. My five friends gathered around the apartment door and stood on the mat to put their shoes back on. (Shoes are always removed when entering a home.) Because it was crowded, I brought my shoes into the kitchen, a few steps away, and began to tie them.

Pandemonium ensued.

All five of my friends began speaking loudly. Some asked questions, some seemed concerned, one laughed hysterically. “Why are you putting your shoes on in the kitchen? Why are you wearing your shoes in the house? Your shoes are dirty, what are you doing?”

I was taken aback. “The mat was crowded,” I explained. “Everything will be fine, they aren’t that dirty.” This prompted more questions and the hysterical laughter continued. “The floors will become dirty, the bottom of your socks and your feet will become dirty, the streets are much too dirty to wear your shoes in the house.” So went the list of reasons that confirmed the offensive nature of my action.

So I look back on that evening and realize I may have underestimated the “incidental” nature of these cultural differences. What else have I observed or experienced here without careful consideration? I’m hoping for more of these little insights, chances to look deeper into this culture.

Shawn B.