Thank you a lot for watching! Here’s a link to Lingopie with 7 day free trial + 55% discount on the annual plan, if you would like to try it out📌learn.lingopie.com/Elina

In America, if I go to the local Russian market and don't smile, the clerk speaks to me in Russian (^-^)

Eli, I am a 70-year-old American woman married to a Russian man. I have visited his home town (Valiki Luki) in Russia twice. and St. Petersburg twice. What is fascinating about Russia to me is the vast difference between the metropolitan areas and the smaller towns and villages. There are also big differences between the regions too. I have been aware of that, but your video made it even clearer to me. I also really enjoyed your description of :coconut" and "peach" cultures and personalities. It is such a wonderful way of describing these basic differences without any judgment! The world is such a huge place and exploring different cultures can be very disorienting! I had huge culture shock the first time I visited Russia. It can be scary if you're not used to it. These are really hard times! right now Thank you for your warmth and your openness! You have kept your perspective despite all of this -- you must be a very strong person! You should know that it is deeply appreciated by this old broad!

I'm Russian, live in Russia and I never even tried vodka:) Eli, thanks a lot for your channel. I hope people from different countries understand our culture better.

I was surprised to learn that you have two different words for russians. That we have in Swedish in Finland too. In English they call all of us Finns. There ate Finnish speaking Finns and Swedish speaking Finns (about 5,5%). In Sweedish we use ”finnar” for the large Finnish speaking group, and ”finländare” for everybody (aöso including the small population om Sami in the north”. We call ourself ”finlandssvenskar” (Finlandswedes).

Eli, probably one of your best videos. I'm Australian, with Anglo-Irish, Welsh, Jewish, Romani and Aboriginal ancestry. My daughters are mostly Russian/Siberian Tatar. My youngest granddaughter has a BFF who is Nigerian/Tatar. Almost no-one in Russia cares! Westerners don't understand the tolerance of Russians, to those who are Россияне. Men in town accept me as a Мояк, and have no problems with me wearing the appropriate телняшка. In over 25 years, I have found Russia to be an amazingly tolerant society.

Hello Eli, I am living in far away Africa and learning about other places in the world is always a great joys in life. And you do it particularly well for teaching about Russia.

This is the first video of yours that I've watched. Thank you for all the ethnic and language information! Another Russian Vlogger from the east says that when a stranger smiles at her, she wonders what they want from her. She also says it is called a "working smile" or "duty smile." I admire the Russian people greatly, and hope for peace soon. Harvey in Texas - Poka Poka!

I lived in southern Russia several years and Moscow for six months. Amazing country with so much to absorb. I do hope to return someday. People, music, food, history, architecture and so much more. 🇷🇺🇷🇺🇷🇺

My wife is from Kyrgyzstan where they speak both Russian and Krygyz... I love Russia and Russian people, I think that once you befriend a Russian, it is a life long friendship (very coconut indeed). I look forward to the day my wife and I can visit her and my frinds in Russia again, what a wonderful day that will be!

I'm Russian ancestry, born and raised in Australia. I've been here my whole life, but I'm definitely a coconut! I swear it's in our blood, we more than just the influence of culture.

I am a Scot, with a Russian girlfriend. I am suddenly very interested in Russia. Your vlog has explained so much in a very good way. Thankyou.

Eli love your vlog. I knew that Russia was a highly diverse nation I did not know there were over 190 distinct cultures. I could spend the remainder of my life exploring your country and I still would of not seen them all. Freckles and redheads go hand and hand. I am originally born in Scotland my young sister and brother and both are redheads. Your are a beautiful Tartar.

For Americans: To understand the ethnic situation in Russia, I think it might bear comparison to the USA if you imagined that Native Americans were a much larger part of our population, and that their languages and cultures had not been decimated. Imagine Arizona having a population that was 50% Navajo, and that you could hear Navajo being spoken every day on the streets of every town in Arizona. Then imagine every other state having some other one particular tribe as the most significant minority in that state, with the same linguistic and cultural situation.

I loved the analogy about peaches and coconuts! I had never heard that :) I am from Australia but have spent time in Russia. I definitely noticed in St Petersburg people weren't so smiley on the street, however the people I met and stayed with were the kindest people ever! Australians are definitely more peach like ;). My russian friends said I stood out like a tourist because I was always smiling 😅😄

Hi Eli, I'm going to show this clip to my english-learning students, here in italy. You speak slowly enough, and what you say is very interesting. I'm getting to love Russia. Grazie. Ciao.

I am smiling and chuckling/laughing as I watch this video. I was born and raised in America, but had the privilege to travel from early age because of my grandparents; this is what prompted me to learn about other cultures, including Russia. I read and write Russian better than I speak it (maybe I should practice, Да? ). By the way, do not worry about the freckles. I had auburn/red hair in my youth/until the age of 17, at which time my hair began to darken. Wish that I had my auburn hair and freckles again! Am 53 now and wondering where the time went.

Привет из Уфы! Татарская и башкирская еда для меня такая-же родная как и русская❤ Рада, что живу в регионе с национальным колоритом😊

When Soviet Union collapsed, my parents found themselves being in a country called Latvia, they decided to stay there. Originally they come from Mari El Republic in Russia, I still do have some relatives in Russia and would love to come and visit one day! Absolutely love your content Eli ! Thanks for showing it's true beauty to the rest of the world ! 💎🌍❤

I took train from Beijing to Moscow in 1995. Highlight of my life-amazing people, stunning countryside and very rich in culture. People were fascinated about “ancient” Australia. Fab video!

Эли, спасибо большое за видео. Моя семья живее рядом с Татарстаном и мы часто ездим в Казань. Я обожаю татарскую кухню! Элеши, кыствбаи, чак-чак и многое другое! Всегда получаю огромное удовольствие. Еще нравится какая Казань красивая. Центр, озеро Кабан, набережная, парк Урам, национальная библиотека, дом земледельцев, а какие жилые районы красивые строят, просто заглядение! Приезжай домой почаще 😊

What an amazing country! Thank you for taking the time to share what Russia is really like. With love from Cape Town, South Africa 🇿🇦

I got to know a lot about Russia since i started watching your videos. Russia seems to be the as diverse as India . I am planning on visiting eastern Russia soon. Your video about Vladivostok and Kamchatka was really inviting. ❤ From India

Excellent video. Very informative. As a 59 yr old American man, I have a certain view of Russia and it’s people based on what I learned in our media in my youth. But, you are really teaching me how awesome your country is and how diverse your people are. II love it.

I spent 2 weeks in Irkutsk, and loved it! Not only the Nature is totally different in the perspective of a Brazilian, but also the locals were very friendly and good humored. I was well received wherever I went or to ask questions about places... Moreover, the girls are especially interested in Brazil´s Nature and population, and know quite well about other countries. I was impressed by how they preserve their culture in Irkutsk. Oh! and a plus, people there speak a fair English, so I have never had a problem with communication. Beautiful country of yours!

Thank you Eli for representing our huge and beautiful country to the world!

The differences of cultures makes them all so interesting. I love them all

The more I learn from your channel, the more I want to know of Russia. Thankyou for the service, you are an inspiration. I love that you are proud of your homeland and true global ambassador for all the countries you present. 190 odd cultural destinations, 200 odd languages was way more than I had assumed maybe 20! And the temperature range for Yakutia is amazing. I am Kiwi living in Aus' ....you haven't finished down under yet Eli! You could become the South Pacific diplomat for Russia.

Hello Eli! I'm an American. Grandparents from Finland and Italy. Anyway, I've been to Russia 3 separate occasions. One in St. Petersburg, one in Moscow and one in Sochi. Moscow had a great time there. The girls was wonderful with me.

I think a lot of American stereotypes of Russia come from our government wanting Russia portrayed as a political monolith, and the "Cold War" era movies reflected that. Winter settings, dour people in bulky clothes, vodka, all used to make you feel bad for them, good about yourself. Tartar women are gorgeous, Eli , you are a great presenter. Please continue to explore the cultures.

Thank you for being such a brilliant ambassador for the Russian people and culture. Especially in these times!

I think you've hit upon exactly why I find the Russia so interesting there are so many different ethnicities and languages and without you I never would have understood any of this , or even known for that matter thank you for being a great teacher.Miss Eli 🪆

Благодарю, что вы записываете такие видео 🙏

Você está de parabéns por mostrar o quanto a Rússia é um país maravilhoso 👏👏👏👏👍

0:48 you are absolutely right and the way you've presented this it is so funny 😂 "We are governed, our minds are molded, our tastes formed, our ideas suggested, largely by men we have never heard of.” ― Edward Bernays

Very interesting! I suppose one doesnt see the deeper picture always. I stayed in russia for a while and thoroughly adored it. People are very smart, polite, the culture is terrific and they were very patient with my learning the language. I actually find it very similiar to small town UK and really rather miss my time over there. Never have been that into America or asia though..the cultures very different and further west, rather strange and uncomfortable. Very rewarding experience and interesting video

Fabulous content Eli. Thanks to you and the internet for enlightening we of the anglosphere and Australia in particular. After a long lifetime of being told by the "man behind the curtain" that all things Russian were sinister, threatening, brutish, uncultured and unworthy, learning later the reality that the opposite is true, was an ever growing joy of admiration, appreciation and solidarity, mixed with some sadness at the energy and opportunity so long wasted.

Great show, I never learn so much about Russia, when the situation changed Russia will be my first destination to go to.

This is great Elina. I'm from the Philippines, like your country we got 127 ethnic group with 125 languages. We look different in skin colours, hair color, facial appearance, clothing, etc

Thank you! Enjoyed this description of Russia going into more detail about the cultures and the people there explaining the stereotypes that people outside Russia use. Thank you again and loved this video.

Excellent video. I had no idea how diverse the different cultures blended and interacted with each other in Russia. It might be a little like Queens, NY where there are 186 different languages spoken here and these cultures are thriving. So, wondering if it’s like Queens (NYC) spread out over 11 time zones! Wow. Mind-blowing!

Cheers for this Eli, keep on educating others, we appreciate the time and effort you put into this. Your extra freckles just add more beauty to you I think

OMG as a Russian(mixed with Chechen and Circassian and other stuff lol),I want to share this video to every person I know🤣🤣,you elaborated on the pivotal and vital points so well!!

Eli would be interesting if you took us to the far north-east of Siberia (the part closest to Alaska), Sakhalin and the Chinese border. I think these places are particularly mysterious for westerners.

Thank you, a beautiful way to represent your great people!

Watching KZfaq videos in Russian , especially during the current situation is an ideal way to immerse yourself in the language. I visited Ufa a few years ago to visit my non ethnic Russian friends. I wish I stayed longer.

Exposure to different cultures makes people smarter and more tolerant. Thank you for posting this..

I share your hopes for peace. Thanks.

Thank you for this excellent video Eli! I love russian culture! I met Russians from Ossetia, Balkaria, Buryatia, Yakutya, Perm, and Western Russia. I went once in Russia. I speak a little bit russian. This country is so diverse geographically, culturally, ethnically speaking. So amazing! And those people are so friendly! Thank you so much for sharing all this wonderful content 😘

This was so interesting, thank you Eli. The part about how diverse the climate is across Russia reminded me of what I hear about Australia's climate/environment. I live in Tasmania which is very different from what I imagine most people think of when they think of Australia.

I have been a member of Vkontakte for the last four years through an invitation by a Russian on another social platform. During that period, I made 1300 friends and didn't speak Russian. All our communication is via an online translating service that does a perfect job of translating. At first, I wasn't sure how I would be accepted, but to my surprise, I was, and ever since then, I have spent a lot of time there interacting with my friends and enjoying every moment there with all kinds of very interesting people. Being invited was one of the best things that happened to me.

the peeches and coconuts was an excellent way to clue in on people. Great video!

i love all slavic cultures and nationalities, regards from slovenia, moji prijatelji :)

Thanks, Eli. Embracing human diversity can unlock insight & compassion. The world needs more of this.😊

I was in Russia in the 90's. I miss everything I experienced there. The food was great the people were civilized and intelligent. I seemed to fit right in although dogs would bark at me. When I returned to America, that is when I had the culture shock.

Coconut Cultures, Russia. Also Native America, your long-lost relatives who escaped to populate two brand new continents. The serious face breaks out into the biggest smile. A Bolivian friend in London introduced me to an Aymara sculptor. The conversation was serious but when Zenobio went to leave he gave me a huge smile. That is also my experience in Perú where I live (resettled). Thank you for your educational and empathetic films, Eli!

Díky za perfektně připravé info, mnoho pozdravů z Prahy

Greetings from Scotland! I think that if you travel extensively, you begin to realise that people tend to stereotype almost all countries. I completely understand what you are saying about Russia and Russians. Your huge country has an enormous diversity of different cultures and when people speak to me about "Russians" I try very hard to explain that to them just how big and how diverse it is there. I think I fail, but at least I try! 😊 People have the same stereotypical view about Scotland. No, we don't all wear kilts, no we don't all have red hair and we don't all love Whisky (it is NOT spelled WhiskEy here!) and we don't all eat Haggis! etc. etc..... 😂😂 I have to say that you have beautiful red hair, just like a Celtic girl, incidentally. My youngest Granddaughter looks a lot like you and her name is Eilidh (Gaelic, and pronounced as Aily). Finally, I agree, Russians are like Coconuts! Once you get past the hard exterior they are just like the rest of the world! Thank you for your time once again Eli! -------- Привет из Шотландии! Я думаю, что если вы много путешествуете, то начинаете понимать, что люди склонны создавать стереотипы почти обо всех странах. Я полностью понимаю, что вы говорите о России и русских. Ваша огромная страна отличается огромным разнообразием различных культур, и когда люди говорят мне о "русских", я очень стараюсь объяснить им, что это просто огромная страна и насколько она там разнообразна. Я думаю, что потерпел неудачу, но, по крайней мере, я пытаюсь! 😊 У людей одинаковое стереотипное представление о Шотландии. Нет, мы не все носим килты, нет, у нас не у всех рыжие волосы, и мы не все любим Whisky (Нет "WhiskEy"!), и мы не все едим Хаггис! и так далее, и тому подобное..... 😂😂 Я должен сказать, что у тебя красивые рыжие волосы, кстати, совсем как у кельтской девушки. Моя младшая внучка очень похожа на тебя, и ее зовут Eilidh (по-гэльски произносится как "Аily"). Наконец, я согласен, русские похожи на кокосовые орехи! Как только вы преодолеете жесткий внешний вид, они станут такими же, как и весь остальной мир! Еще раз спасибо за ваше время, Эли!

I hardly blinked while I was watching. I liked the part with peaches and coconuts, I feel like I can understand Russians a bit better (and other people, too!)

Eli, your English is excellent,, I'm from EXJugoslavia (Croatia), and I am watching your KZfaq videos,& learning about (Majka Rusija),I Remember when I was young, my grandfather told me that if my life ever started to be in danger, he said, go to Majka Rusija, you will be safe there.I choose to go to VLADIVOSTOK,I hope they will accept me there!! SLAVA RODU

"Шапка ушанка" is the same in Bulgarian :). If you are interested check the history of "Volga Bulgaria" one of the old Bulgarian kingdoms located on the Volga river which is modern day Tatarstan. It seems modern day Tatarstan and Chuvashia are direct descendants from this old kingdom ( along with many other local tribes and other ones that crossed these lands). I would definitely visit one day Bolghar and other old ruins/cities in this province.

Hi Eli, I have followed you on KZfaq for a long time and it is absolutely fantastic what you tell about your beautiful country, people and cultures Good luck God Bless

Я венгр и считаю русских девушек очень красивыми. Я люблю Россию, и в большинстве случаев русские люди порядочные. ПЕРЕДАЮ ИСКРЕННИЙ ГЛУБОКИЙ УВАЖЕНИЕ из Венгрии в Россию🇭🇺🤝🇷🇺 ❤️🤍💚 Love 🤍💙❤️

So well said. I’ve never made it to Russia but have spent a lot of time in Eastern Europe and I love people from Slavic cultures. My family is of Slavic origin so maybe there’s a deep recognition. Ultimately, people are people. Along the way, there are so many cultural varieties to explore and enjoy. So many ways to connect across our differences and to recognize deeper similarities.

Excellent video...THANK YOU!! We can never learn too much about one another...the future belongs to those of us that can link arms and march together...as friends!!

I been in Russia, never feel treated, I'm more scared walking by myself when I go to Washington DC, big hug 🤗 Eli ❤

This was very interesting. I’m from the USA 🇺🇸 & enjoy learning about Russia 🇷🇺. Your content is very informative. Thank you for sharing.

Collaborate and respect.... if only the whole world lived that way. Well done....

Your freckles are GORGEOUS Eli!!! Wish I could visit Russia! I've always LOVED immersing myself in food and culture when I travel, Australia is still so young, we miss a lot of that even with a multi cultural population. You take care, know that Australia doesn't hate Russia 😁👍🏻🦘

I'm Tatar as well living in Turkey :) My grandparents parents came here during WWI because of the Russian pressure in Kazan.

Eli, you are a wonderful ambassador of Russia. I have seen many of your vlogs and learned something new each time. What your vlogs add to my knowledge is a personal perspective, one that takes you into the Russian household, of which of course there are many different types. My impressions of your homeland were first informed by reading Russian literature - from Gogol to Dostoevsky to Pushkin and countless others, but also contemporary authors like Brodsky and Ulitskaya. And of course music and art. My favorite painters are Kandinsky and Malevich. Besides the arts, Russia has excelled at a wide range of things, from engineering to sports. However critical I am of the Russian government, I don't view Russia from a narrow lens. Russia is much more than what transpires within the walls of the Kremlin. Russia is a vast and beautiful country. Its diversity in climate and cultures is remarkable. I hope to visit at some point.

Peaches and Coconuts. :) The letter o with two dots above it is also in the Hungarian language and pronounced the same. Languages are fascinating aren't they. The words Sarga and Lila mean Yellow and Purple in Hungarian, and the same words mean Yellow and Purple in Mongolian too! An historical indication/remnant of past tribes/nomadic peoples' wanderings. Thank you for your videos, your content, editing and presentation are all 10/10. :)

Eli: People who say nasty things here are just jealous. You are a good person who makes the world a better place. Best of good health and good fortune to you. Bill from the USA

I always imagined Russia as a land of endless winter, fut hats, and vast forests, I also imagined that every city was like Moscow or Saint Petersburg and was filled with museums. My image was a land of unending steel mills. I don't know where I got that idea. I think the most surprising thing was the variety of traditional clothing. I imagine these clothes are only for special occasions. They look much too fine for everyday use.

What fascinated me most about Russian people was that there were Russian redheads. I'm used to seeing Russian blondes. Thanks Eli for helping me break that stereotype!

The more I watch videos you and Svetlana produce, the more I see what Russia is. A pot full of different cultures living in one large country as one, practising different religions, using their native language under one flag.

Thank you for this educational video, one in which you’ve taught me a LOT. I’ve been watching many videos about Russia lately, and they’ve taught me that we Americans are ignorant-if not brainwashed-about Russia. I am eager to learn more.

As a first-time viewer, I enjoyed this episode thoroughly, every minute, every word. Looking forward to future episodes and I will certainly dwell through the archives and catchup. Thank you, Eli!

Funny fact, in Polish calling a Russian person “Ruski” (or Rusek) has a negative connotation. “Rosjanin” is a proper way and with respect. Very interesting how both words work in Russian language itself.

Eli thanks, for a most informative program on Russia. What most astonished me in this program, was the 160 languages, you have.

I really liked all of your insights - I live in Florida USA and we have a lot of Russians here I have a good friend here and he is from Belarus. I have always been intrigued by the Russian culture and its diversity. I once worked for a man who looked totally oriental yet he was from Moscow and totally Russian. i used to go into his office and he would be watching Russian TV programs on his computer. I believe that Russian Culture and USA culture have a lot more in common in the basis of what we consider important and true and what we all believe in. --- Cheers

I have been watching your videos for about one year in fact your follow Alice video inspired me to go and Is climb mount Kilimanjaro. You were right about the porters. Great people. At 64, it was pretty hard, but so uplifting. When I see you out interacting with different Russian ethnic community they all seem like great people. But here in the United States the television portrays Russia as a very different place.

Привет Eli! I didn't know that in Russia,people speak so many languages besides Russian. I study Russian by myself and your videos have helped me a lot.. Ok, you have to go to any place of Latin America to continue meeting interesting places and friendly people. Remember that you have a friend in Colombia... someone who doesn't like coffee! До скорого и береги себя!))

Russia looks like a beautiful and diverse country. I love your analogy to the coconut and peach. I would have loved to visit Russia but I fear that with the current situation it will not be for a long time. Most people, I think, can differentiate between a people and their government.

Good morning Eli. I send you, all my special thanks for your great video. This has allowed a number of people who subscribe to your channel or others who discovered this video, to perhaps, change their point of view. Or, their vision of Russia. I like very much this marvelous country which is Russia, with its immense distant lands. Bringing together different cultures by its diverse population Filled with wealth. 🙏👍👍👍🙂

Thank you Eli, that was good education. I grew up in Iran , anytime I looked for a radio station , while turning the knob , I always passed through some Russian stations. I like the language and music. Also folk dances in all regions. Russia is a Civilization not just a country, Like Iran , China, and India. Russian government is 1100 years old, that means , other than Greece and Rome, the russian government is older than all European governments and Nations. A loyal fan from California

Such a lovely vlog. I have seen many of your Russian vlogs. It's wonderful to see all the regions shown together in one. Thank you so much.

Very interesting for me to learn that you are a Tartar Russian. They were a very suppressed people - especially in Stalin times. And still to some degree today - especially in Crimea which I understand became the traditional homeland in Czarist times. Most Tatars were deported from there and many refer to it as genocide. In more recent times many Tartars returned to Crimea when part of Ukraine - only to again face discrimination under Russians once Crimea was annexed. Do you have any comments on this. BTW, I think that you are a lovely girl. I have been to Russian many times - and lots of different cities and towns well away from Moscow and St Petersburg. But mainly in Moscow. I was in Russia for about three months in 2009.

Thank you Eli for the wonderful video. I'm Russian and it was good to know that we Russians are coconuts, this is so true! Hard out, but soft inside:) My American friend highly recommended me to watch "Eli from Russia", she loves it, so I think she gave me great advice!

Eli, as a German professor and scientist soon to retire, who lived trough the whole cold war, serving as a soldier to my country, in a nuclear warhead division, I must tell you that you, to my mind are a wonderful (and very beautiful) cultural ambassador for Russia. I don't think at all that you are in any way making any kind of propaganda. I love your clips about Russia and I hope that one day, while I still live, everything will be good between Europe and Russia. I want to thank you and encourage you to continue. Love and happiness for you. Thx.

Truly said, most people dont know each other´s countries as much as one would think. I dont know much about Russia but for sure im not limited to bears, vodka and Putin, i´ve watched a lot documentaries on Russia´s history and Russian participation in universal history as well as their classic literature of 19th century (Chejov, Dostoievsky and you know the rest). As Mexican, i know a lot people dont know sh** about Mexican rather than Tequila, Drug cartels and Hugo Sánchez, the soccer player. So, i´ve always cared about what i can know of other countries.

Beautiful

I've been to Russia twice and on both occasions I was struck by the seemingly total disconnect between the general population and the ruling political class as personified by Putin and his military machine. People I met in Russia without exception seemed "normal", they lived their lives like most people do anywhere in the "West", whatever that is. Russians worry about jobs and money, go to supermarkets and have nice shops, certainly in the larger centres, and want their children to go to decent schools. Etc. Almost EVERYONE I met was reluctant or straightout refused to talk about politics. No-one I met seemed much of a Putin fan but shrugged their shoulders in an "it is what it is" manner. All this long before the Ukraine war, of course.

Believe us, Eli, we can differenciate the difference between war propaganda and reality.

Thank you for posting this Eli! I have always wanted to go visit Russia and see the countryside. I have been able to see several countries in my life and hopefully one day I will be able to see Russia. My friends dad and sister got to visit there for a few weeks back in the early 90's. I always loved listening to their stories and seeing the pictures. I think that might have been the spark for my sense of adventure and exploring new places. I have been blessed with meeting so many kind people and family in many countries over the years. Can't wait until the war is over and I can make an adventure over there. Thank you for sharing, please keep it up!!!

I so agree with all this. Travelling opens your eyes and heart to so many things if you allow it to happen. 30 countries and counting later, and I love learning about others and myself, how similar yet different we all are and appreciating my home even more. Something like a bathroom door- I didn’t have one in Uganda, couldn’t be more grateful for things taken for granted by so many.

Hi Eli,Russ in Greek language means "red haired"..like you .But your face your characteristic reminds me a mix of tatar and turkish races..you are so sweet in any case❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Wow! Such a beautiful video Eli. I hope that this bad situation ends soon! I would love to visit Russia one day! Nice people are everywhere. Thank you very much

Dear Eli, I thoroughly enjoyed your video and found the information you provided to be very valuable. As an Azerbaijani Turkic living in the US, I appreciated your insights and share many of the same sentiments about people who lack an understanding of the complex ethnic and cultural diversity of Russia. 🌹❤❤❤ I have a humorous anecdote to share with you. Once, while at a bar with some coworkers for a post-work get-together and drinks, one of my colleagues (a young, white American with right-wing and Nazi sympathies) claimed that "Russia is the last true white country in the world." I happened to be taking a drink at that moment and almost choked, laughing out loud. I asked him what he based his foolish statement on, but he had no logical response. I then proceeded to educate him and some of the other Americans in our group about the various ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversities present in Russia. It's truly astonishing to witness the level of ignorance about such matters, even among educated Americans.

TQ for informing the world about Russia ❤