Things I have learned since my first day in Russia (including Moscow)

• Russians all feel like they have horrible English. Sometimes this is true, but usually it is much better than what they claim or make me think.
• A lot of Russians smoke, compared to those in the U.S. 
• One stereotype of Americans is that we all smile all the time with our white, straight teeth (can I prove them wrong when I have had some orthodontia and smile when nervous?)
• School is canceled if the temp is below -35C; not because that is dangerously cold, but because some schools aren't heated very well (or at all).
• Russians don't have to pay for higher education (just books and living expenses).
• Russians have no idea where OR is, but if you tell them where it is in relation to CA, they can figure it out. :)
• Hammer and Sickle are still in a lot of the emblems and symbols.
• Russians have two passports. One for in-country travel and one for international travels.
• A favorite thing to drink with a meal is a watery yogurt-like drink.
• Monks created the Cyrillic Alphabet, modeling it after the Greek alphabet.
• No one really likes the police here, not because they write tickets, but because they are more corrupt. 
• Russians have large servings (although everyone looks like they are starving), and tend to eat meals later than the traditional American mealtimes.
• Since there are 30 Rubles to the Dollar, there is no need to have parts of Ruples, or "cents." 
• A beloved thing to do on a Sunday is go for a walk. 
• Tea? Russians love tea, and water (unless it is sparkling) is not a beloved drink. 
• There are many old traditions. When you break a plate, for example, you say "FOR HAPPINESS." And there is an old story about a house elf thing that I need to look into more.