Barrett's email - January 23rd

In a field, a bunch of russians playing american flag football in the snow

P-day at the planetarium

In our seats in the dome theatre. It was way cool

My companion gave me this crazy talk and took a picture it blowing my mind

Winter is here. Snow tunnels on the playground

My last day in the University Branch

 Well, it's definitely getting a bit colder here in moscow. Last week it was hovering around 0C and now we're hovering around 0F. It's a pretty big difference. Hands are cracking, nose hairs are freezing. I can't imagine it getting any colder. But it will. My companion is fantastic and getting me set up with good winter clothes.
Can you believe it's already time for transfers. I guess I'll tell you this time, so you don't have to find out over missionary mom's, I've been asked to be zone leader. It's not as good as it sounds. I have to move again, and I'm losing my native companion who gives me a Russian phrase of the day and teaches me how to make Russian food, and basically knows how to do everything you can think of.
So the miracle of the week. You may remember last week, I asked about the general welfare of one Gavin Mackey. Well, believe it or not 2 days after I sent that email, I got my snailmail, and guess who wrote me a dearelder? Yep. Ask and ye shall receive.
I've been thinking a bit lately about some of the questions I've been asked in letters, and realized, I haven't answered any of them. So for all of you who have asked questions, and to all of you who have had questions but haven't asked because I never answer anyone's questions, I'm turning over a new leaf. I've spent the last few lunches using my spare time to go through old letters and compile some questions people have asked over the last few (9) months. And now introducing: Вопросы и Ответы!
B: How different are the people there in Moscow than in America?
O: There are many diffences, in my observation, but many may be more a matter of the biggest city in Europe vs. Placerville, than Russia vs. America. People are far more reserved, for the most part. The average person doesn't smile much in public. They're a very practical people. There's very little room for sarcasm. Those that I've met have a very good sence of humor, but it is not much like ours. There is also a big diffence between the average russian and russian members of the church. Membership in the orthodox church is a thing of cultural pride for many, as well as drinking... a lot. Whereas americans are usually far more open on the exterior and reserved in their interior feelings, russians are for the most part the opposite, very reserved outwardly, but once (and if) you can get past that, they are very open.

B: How different is Russia in general?
O: I've been told (and believe) that moscow is a completely different world than the rest of Russia. So I can't speak for all of Russia, but Moscow is very different. Most of the apartment buildings were made in the Stalin era and are pretty sketchy. They were made to fit as many people in as possible, so every story looks the same, and they just shoot straight up into the air. But the russians love going for walks, and there is a park by every apartment, with a playground and trees. The city is very dirty, and it gets dirtier the closer you get to the center (inside the brown ring on a metro map). Everywhere you look is a little street stand selling pastries or flowers or fish. In the summer the whole city is one giant yard sale. The metro is everything. It is unbelievable how many people are always on it. It's actually getting to the point where I can't really remember what it was like to live in america, so it's harder to see what's different. Buying-in-bulk means a 4 pack of toilet paper. Everything in the store is packaged to be carried. Most people walk and use the metro.

B: How do Russians view themselves and americans?
O: That depends on who you talk to. I've met those who hate america, those who long for the days of communism again, those who love america, who can't get enough american stuff, want nothing more than to go to america. I definitely don't want to talk for all of russia, because it's always so funny to hear someone talk about america as if the whole country is like las vegas, or miami, or whichever random town in boston they've been to. Which ever city they went to, they talk about it as if that's what all america is like. And of course, I'm speaking only for the russians I've met, which includes for the most part members of the church and members of English club. Sometimes contacting you meet a guy who hates america, or chinese people (I don't know why he's telling me that), or a guy who is an atheist communist marxist materialist. And I'm sure there's more out there than the sampling of my experience would suggest, especially compared to enthusiastic young people who love america.

B: Is there any crazy propoganda being spread there like in Korea?
O: Not that I've seen. Some very patriotic billboards here and there. Maybe it's on TV, but I don't watch much

B: Do the people have more socialist mindset, or have they gotten away from that?
O: Like I said before, it depends on who you talk to

B: Is everything americanized with a McDonalds on every corner?
O: Not everything, but a lot. There are a number of american fastfood chains. And, as I understand it, the biggest mcdonalds in the world. But it goes both ways. A lot of american stuff gets russified when it comes over. The "Beef a la Rus" is the best burger I've ever eaten, and it's only at McDonalds in Russia. Oh, and in Russia, it's not called 'mickey-dees", it's "MakDak"

B: Are Russians less receptive to missionaries than in America?
O: I would say yes

Ok, well, I think that's all for now. Time is running out. Have a great week. Love you
Love
Elder Hamp

PS Looking good, Steve