Recently I have almost accidentally rediscovered for myself the Eye On Moscow — one of the funniest blogs about Moscow and Russia in general, and, lets say, peculiarities of Russian culture and daily life. It is written by an American, Andy (?), who, as I understand it, has made a life for himself and his family here for many years, and despite jumping on board with all sorts of authentic Russian experiences, still picks up on many idiosyncrasies that escape the eye of a local. Here is Andy’s sharp, LOLs-causing and spot-on take on how Russians offer greetings and congratulations on all sorts of occasions (including successful bowel movement!) — I could not have written it better myself and the whole thing is an absolute must-read:
It is important not to forget to Congratulate A Russian Person, In Russian. This includes cashiers, co-workers, train station ticket ladies, and, of course, friends. Because if you don’t, you might as well open up a window and allow a draft into the room.
And:
As you improve your skills and learn more about How To Congratulate A Russian Person, In Russian, you will discover that you must congratulate the person only on the day of the event. If you carelessly throw out a “With The Day Of Birth” to A Russian Person, In Russian, before their birthday, you might as well have asked them to sit down on cold concrete. If you know what I’m saying. Happily, the Russian language allows for a simple mechanism to allow you to Congratulate A Russian Person before or after the Congratulation worthy event.
And:
Congratulations Also Include Everyday Events Such As: 5. “I Hope You Had A Good Bath!”/”With The Light Steam!” 6. “This Is Awkward, I Saw You Come Out Of The Bathroom!”/”With The Lightening!”
Thanks for the recommendation Anna. I have been to visit and it’s a great blog.
I’m glad you enjoy! Even though it makes me acutely aware of the “funny” deficiency in my own writing.
Ha, yes I’ve heard about congratulating people when they come out of the sauna, etc. 🙂 And I know some of the superstitions from Latvia/Poland/Polly’s blog! Funny people 😉 I saw a Russian stand-up comedian the other night – he was great!
Where’s the Berlin post! I have been awaiting eagerly 🙂
Until this guys post tho I forgot that we have one even for going to the bathroom >.<
There are TWO up already! I was wondering where you were 😉
Like ‘Congrats on doing your dirt successfully!’?? 🙂
See, I clicked on BerLinda and it took me back to EEOL…. how was I to know about your new outlet? 🙂
Hmm, crap – wonder how I remedy that!
Right, I think I’ve done it! Can you click on BerLinda again and let me know? Cheers!
It works!
I was wondering why people were still starting to follow the Latvian one! Thanks for pointing that out! Unless people come from the last post, I guess they wouldn’t have found it 🙂
Oh. I missed that part!
You’re my 50th follower 🙂 Congrats!
Do I get a prize? I want a prize 🙂
You got your prize 😉
http://expateyeongermany.wordpress.com/
bahaha this is good stuff.
Now you’re prepared for my next visit!
Kiddie soccer, congrats and trophies all around!
I am not sure I am following? 🙂
Congratulations on having a shit! Congratulations on eating your dinner!
Just like the little kid teams in the states: Congratulations on coming in last place!
Oh. Yes. But with a sad history like Russia’s, one uses everything as a cause for celebration!
Drinks all around, then!
That’s pretty much how we live 🙂
I am giggling as so many similarities exist for me here in Croatia. FUNNY!
Yes! I loved reading your Croatia language and superstitious posts, especially the ones with swear words. Seems like the are drawn from the same, um, concepts?
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