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• Eating bitter and sushi in Russia

  2007-09-11 2:27AM / 標準BLOG / 會員可以看
  5個評論

  After spending more than a month in Russia, I have come to really appreciate the enormity of this country; the diversity of it's population and the strength of the Russian character.  On the streets of Moscow, there are Middle Eastern faces and Asian faces among the blond hair, blue eyes of  the Slavic people.  The food is just as diverse and colorful.  For some reason, sushi is quite the rave.  Having sushi served by a six foot blond in kimono was an interesting experience.
  
  There is a Chinese saying about 吃苦, eat bitter.  The more bitter one eats, the better person one becomes.  In that way, the Russian is very much like the Chinese.  When Napoleon invaded Moscow, they rather burnt down the city than to surrender it.  When the German laid siege to Leningrad "St. Petersburg" in WWII, the Russians held for more than two years, even though they were starving and down to eating the dead.  Perhaps, it is the severe weather that makes this character trait imperative for survival.  Whatever the reason, the Russian people have persevered under the harshest conditions.  Adversity, seems to bring out the best of the Russians.
  
  However, this stubbornness can also blind them from reality and logic.  Once they stake out a position, they would not back down.  Some friendly discussions can often deteriorate into shouting matches.  All one can do is drink more vodka and toast each other's health.
  
  I was also surprised by how the Russian Orthodox Church has survived the 70 years of Communist persecution.  Churches were closed down.  Monasteries and convents were disbanded.  It was only after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 that people were allowed to worship openly again.  The devotion of the faithful is unmistakable especially in the countryside.  Even small village churches are beautifully restored and well attended.  There are no pews for the congregation to sit.  Everyone stands through Mass.