How to Spot a Russian...

[peacetraveler22]

Over the weekend, I was sitting at my apartment pool, relaxing in the hot sun when I was disturbed by very loud voices. Immediately I could tell that it was some of the Russian residents living in my building. For me, it's easy to spot Russians in the crowd, perhaps because I spend so much time communicating with them in my personal life and in this blog. They most often talk in a very loud tone, which sounds aggressive to my English trained ears. Why is this? This is not only at my apartment, but also a perception based on numerous personal encounters with Russians in the USA, on airplanes and throughout Russia. It's not an insult, just an observation. :) The topic of the conversation can be extremely friendly, with a loved one or friend, yet still sound like an argument to me because I barely understand any Russian words when they are spoken by natives.

Other signs that the person at my pool is Russian - older women almost always wear bikinis, despite their physical shape or appearance. Very old, overweight females stuff themselves into these types of bathing suits, and it's fine. About someone else's appearance, I have no opinion or say, and if they're comfortable in this type of clothing, more power to these ladies! :) However, it's not so common for old women in the States to wear bikinis, I very rarely see it. Similarly, Russian and European men at my pool almost always wear Speedos, or tightly constricted swimming trunks. It doesn't matter that they have huge bellies, I suppose it's just a cultural difference in swimwear attire. Something like this...



Photo credit nemihail.

What do I think about this type of swimwear? Horror! :)) I strongly dislike Speedos, even on extremely attractive guys. I guess I prefer modesty, and leaving some things to the imagination. It's for this same reason that I have never worn a bikini, even when I was younger and in much better shape. These are the two simplest ways for me to spot Russians at my pool, and there are a lot of them living in my new apartment complex! Of course, there are certain Slavic facial features in both men and women that also make the determination easy. How about you? Is it easy for you to spot your fellow compatriots when you're in a foreign country? Can you easily spot Americans in Russia? I can almost never pick out fellow Americans in a big crowd overseas!

Comments

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Hijacked by gays? :)) Not really. Some straight old, American wear them also, but it's rare.

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

Yes, it is very rare indeed. But this is exception which reinforce the point. I guess you would agree that 99% of men on any US beach in Speedos either american homos or foreigners.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

99%, it's too high! Maybe 90%. :))

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

I guess, we must carry out field study...

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I will go to Maine in a few weeks, and will be on the beach at least one day. I will be on an investigative search for speedos while I'm there. :)

[seadevil001.livejournal.com]

I will be in Maine as well around that time. Should check with my wife were to she got rentals. You are going to Boothbay?

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

I'm going to try to visit Samantha Smith's mom. I emailed her and am awaiting a response. Hopefully, I'll get the opportunity to meet her and visit the statue in Samantha's honor, which is located in Augusta.