The Other Side of the Top Ten

Not all is peachy here in Russia. Many things, after more than twelve years of living and/or working here, still won't be missed when we leave. So, here we go:

10. Endless superstitions that I am supposed to honor like they are gospel truth (don't throw trash out after dark, don't return home the same way you left if you forgot something and have to go back, don't wish somebody an early birthday or anniversary, don't give a gift to an expectant mother, don't shake hands across the threshold of a door and on and on and on...)
9. In store security that follow you around and look at you as if they have a God given right to assume you are a thief until proven otherwise
8. The belief that ice in one's drink leads to colds and pneumonia (never lived in Atlanta, Georgia, huh?)
7. The belief that air conditioning anywhere shortens one's life span and leads to constant illness (and the alternative in AZ or TX is....?)
6. An average age of aircraft that is the same or more as me (35 and up)
5. Public drunkenness and the all out toleration of it by nearly everyone in society
4. The abuse of alcohol at parties, in traditions and celebrations of all (including religious) sorts
3. 70% of the population smoking
2. Having to leave my car running all night lest the engine, battery and fuel all freeze during the cold winter nights
1. 17-18 hours of darkness per day from November to March

Other than those things, seriously, I think I'll miss nearly everything here (except there not being any peanut butter since 1998!).