Exploring the fiance’s culture
Tags: Philippines, Russia, Living Abroad

My name is Rosanne. It makes me feel remembered when people call me Rose, it's a flower that anyone knows. I’m a Filipino, born and grow up in the Philippines.

Why Russia

I’ve decided to come to Russia to visit and be with my Fiance(who happens to be a Russian). He wants me to meet his family and friends, explore the city where he grew up and lived most of his life, being able to understand the culture and beliefs of his and country.

Prejudices

Honestly, family, close friends and especially my boss were all scared for me, for my decision of going to Russia. Days before my resignation date, they all warned me of going. They said, Russian are very stern and are not compassionate as they were built to be strong. Their country is meant for war. I'm from a tropical country and they didn’t know if I could handle the freezing weather especially that I'm skinny. Some said, I might see fireworks all day, but its rockets because of war. Others said, Russian are not very friendly and look scary. Yes, all those stuff scared the hell out of me because who knows it might be true? Moreover, it was my first time to travel alone. I didn’t speak and understand the language as well. I only felt scared because of what people were feeding me. But, I just trusted my Fiancé, I believed he will not invite me to his country and harm me. I believed he was a good man. That was enough courage to go.

The first impression

High above the sky on the plane window, I was already amazed by how massive the land area is, coated with snow. I was getting ready for how cold it would be. Of course, I was very excited. The moment I step out the plane, I was already nervous, I was relieved when I passed through the Passport control and got my luggage. I was sweating when I finally exit the Customs and joyfully surprised to see my Fiancé with his long neck trying to look and wait for me. The first word I said: “Is this Russia? Because I’m sweating!” He just laughed at me. But all winter gears were ready in his back just in case I might need it. The funniest impression was when we finally exit the airport, the wind blew my face and I feel numb and really cold, this time, it is confirmed, I'm really in Russia now. I was amazed by mass transportation. The road was so wide. I was in awe of all the infrastructures and services.

The differences

When it comes to differences, we Filipinos are very warm and friendly. In facial expressions and even the tone of the voice Filipinos are softer than Russians. Russians have a strong personality, strict and direct (as I have experienced with my Fiance), people say they’re rude but for me they’re just a serious type of people. If things not funny don’t laugh (which I think it’s right). We used to smile to strangers as a greeting but Russians don’t think that way (so I’m a bit scared to smile in public) but forgive me I can’t help it all the time.

Expectation v.s. Reality

I was expecting the worst for I was fed up by it, but gratefully blessed because Russians were not that bad after all. When I was waiting for my luggage the first time I went to Russia, one Russian guy approached me and tried his best to talk to me that I could understand him. He was saying I forgot my boarding pass ticket stub at the passport control, I might need it when I finally exit the airport. I was surprised because he helped me and also concerned about someone who is a stranger to his country. That time, my perspective about the people change. He didn’t know about me but he cared. I was also expecting that my Fiance’s family will not like me or whatever (all negative thoughts) but when I entered the house, his family embraced me like I was the member of their family. Russians are more family-oriented kind of people.

Russia in Five words

-A place full of AMAZING scenery and infrastructures

-A country with a MASSIVE land area (green forests, green lands)

-ACCESSIBLE transportation services to go around the country

-People with a STRONG personality but with a kind and compassionate heart

as for me, Russia has a FRUITFUL language

Problems

The problem and the thing that drives me nuts is the language barrier. I can’t speak proper English when talking to my Fiance or to his family and friends because some words they won’t understand. I am trying to learn Russian language and it makes me crazy because I can't pronounce it properly. Cyrillic Alphabet made me crazy actually and using the words in a sentence. This is why I said that Russia has a fruitful language because only a word can be used, pronounced and spelled differently depending on your sentence or what do you want to say.

Need to adjust

Weather and temperature is one thing that I need to adjust as well. I get cold easily because my body is not used to a cold country.

Food, it's not really a problem but this is also one of my adjustments, I am not used to eating potatoes and bread before because we eat rice in the Philippines. Filipinos would say rice is life.

Need to adopt

The best thing I learned and I really want to bring to my country is the road discipline. I am so proud of how disciplined Russians are, how they respect pedestrian lanes, over speeding and the traffic lights.

The most beautiful place

The most beautiful place I’ve been to Russia is St. Petersburg. I am so in love with the place. Everything is accessible but expensive. I see many opportunities like career, education, and business there because there’s a lot of tourists.

We have different religion and beliefs but living in Russia for a while made me so grateful and thankful to God every day.