"I understand why he has to do this - to prove he's a man," Merkel said. "He's afraid of his own wea

It's true, but probably not helpful to say it aloud, Angie.

considering the gas they buy from Russia! But it's politics. Antagonistic bedfellows!

Let's hope she gets it. Don't be bullied by the bully Angela!

When you are in Russia, don't smile in public. It's okay to smile at friends but if you smile at a stranger you will come across as untrustworthy.



Russia has this deep penchant for machismo, for being strong, for being resilient, for not giving a fuck. Combine this with the upheaval of the last 25 years: Russia has lost its status as a superpower and at the same time the world has changed to a more liberal society. Many Russians don't like that change and here we come back to the Fun-Fact:
The russian nationalists regard themselves as some sort of knights, fighting for Mother Russia and for Christianity. And they are dead-serious about defending Russia against this evil outside-world that is alien to them.


(And maybe that don't-smile rule is also the reason why they mistrust the slow, friendly and diplomatic way the EU and NATO are conquering Europe... China on the other hand is ruled by a centralized power and rules openly with an iron fist, just like Russia used to. Familiar spirits.)

people.