Russia 🇷🇺

Maria, 46

Born in Moscow, Soviet Union (now Russia)

Came to Australia in March 2003

What is your occupation?

I am a mentor at Raise Foundation, assisting high school students.

I also facilitate new expats’ transition into Australian life as a committee member of the Sydney Women’s International Club.

Why did you come to Australia?

Ultimately I married an Australian man. We met in Jakarta and were living in Hong Kong when SARS hit in 2003. Our employers were worried and asked us to relocate and leave Hong Kong.

We originally went to Queensland, where my husband’s parents live. While waiting for SARS to run its course, my husband got offered a job in Sydney. That is when we moved here.

What do you like about Sydney?

As there are no coastal beaches in Moscow due to its inland geography, I really cherish Sydney’s beaches. There obviously are outdoor activities in Russia too but those are reserved for the warmer times of the year whereas Sydney’s outdoors lifestyle is all year-round.

Sydney’s seafood is also very fresh and delectable. We’re very lucky to have the Sydney Fish Market - the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Traditionally, herring and smoked salmon is traditional for us Muscovites, but it’s not fresh as it has to be pickled or cured first.

I like the diversity of Sydney’s landscapes. There are the Blue Mountains, rivers and beaches. Moscow is quite flat but Sydney is diverse in terms of geography. Additionally, Sydney Harbour is celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful harbours as well.

What don’t you like about Sydney?

I don’t like how some Australians harbour stereotypes of Russia and Russians, even though they have never visited. For example, people would often tell me that I must’ve been quite unhappy or had a painful childhood. They also think we drink vodka all the time!

I wish it didn’t take as long to visit my parents. It takes at least a full day to fly from Sydney to Moscow. (10 hours to Bangkok/Hong Kong and then another 10 to Moscow)

What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?

It’s not always freezing in Russia! We do actually have four seasons.

It’s an amazing country to visit as we are the biggest country in the world. There are many different ethnic groups and cultures to experience.

What languages do you speak?

Russian (native), English, German, Spanish, Indonesian

I graduated with a linguistics degree in English and German.

Because I lived in Indonesia for a while, I learnt enough to get by.

Spanish is just a hobby. I know enough to get by as a tourist. I can read menus, ask for directions etc.

Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.

Matryoshka

They’re also called Russian nesting dolls. Some people incorrectly refer to them as Babushka dolls, when that word means grandmother or an old woman.

Please be aware of the difference!

What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?

Contrary to the stereotype that Russians are cold people, we actually have very kind hearts. When a Russian is smiling, you know it’s genuine as we don’t smile for the sake of it.

In our culture, boasting is a bad trait. We don’t try to sell ourselves as it’s not historically or culturally part of our DNA. Perhaps this is why we’re not as big a tourist destination as we could be.

Who is the most famous person in your native country?

Vladimir Putin

He is the current President of Russia and former KGB spy.

Even though I’ve never personally voted for him, he is a very popular public figure with many Russians.

I think it’s because he’s very persistent with his foreign policy, unlike say, Gorbachev, who swayed between appeasing the West and his own countrymen.

People do appreciate a strong leader who has his own beliefs.

What is the best dish in your native country?

Pelmeni

These are Russian dumplings.

Because Russia is such a vast country, the fillings of pelmeni differ drastically depending on the region. For example, in the Far East, you could have crab meat or salmon whereas in Siberia, you could have bear meat, and in Moscow, you could have beef, veal or pork. The latter is what I grew up with as I’m from Moscow.

Blini

Blini is a thin pancake served with smetana (sour cream), tvorog, butter, caviar and other garnishes like jam.

It is an integral part of our cuisine as there is an entire week dedicated to eating it, called Maslenitsa. Previously this week was linked with the religious Orthodox calendar but nowadays, it symbolises the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.