So my sister has returned from Russia, and I'm learning all kinds of new stuff about the country (or at least about the Urals area of Russia).
Essentially, Russia is in pure chaos and anarchy.
Fortunately, my sister kind of looks Russian so she faired reasonably well. (Probably the only time in her life where being blonde-haired, blue-eyed and pale will be an advantage.)
But things I have learned.
In Russia, car drives you. Also, they don't paint lines on their roads.
In Russia, Russians complain about liquor from other countries. Apparently none of it is as hard as Russian beverages, and Russians say they just can't seem to get drunk off of anything other than Russian' Alchohal.
In Russia, beer is used as baby formula.
In Russia, drinking outside during the winter is prohibited. There is a problem there of people passing out while drinking outside during the winter and freezing to death (usually in just a couple of hours).
In Russia, foreigners are required to leave the country every six months. Also foreigners must have government approval if they stay in any city longer than 3 days.
In Russia, old people on pensions aren't faring to well.
In Russia, the far east (Siberia) is a lot like the Old Wild West of U.S. of A., just colder.
In Russia, radioactivity is a life-style choice, not an environmental hazard.
In Russia, families get to enjoy spacious 2 room apartments. (2 rooms meaning 2 rooms, not 2 bedrooms.)
In Russia, they still have cool furry hats.
In Russia, the U.N. is a big pain in the %*!#.
So my sister absolutely loves Russia, but she's glad to be back in the U.S.