Photos: author
You never know until you ask. A Russian couch surfer takes a couple of minutes to answer a question about his culture.
I first met Maxim at the train station in Petrozavodsk, Russia. My wife and I had contacted him through Hospitality Club only a couple of days earlier from St. Petersburg. Even though our train rolled in at 6:50 AM, there he was, greeting us with a big, warm Russian smile.
Petrozavodsk is 400 km north of St. Pete and was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 to manufacture weaponry (the city’s name means “Peter’s Factory”). In one of the suburbs, Martsialnye Vody, you can find the oldest spa in Russia.
Keen to show us his city, Maxim brought us home and fed us pelmeni (dumplings), then allowed us a brief rest before ushering us out the door. We walked down to the embankment, a boardwalk on the shores of the second largest European lake, Lake Onega.
While we walked around the old factory city, we talked about Russia — about its politics, its police, and its culture.
The One Question Interview
What do you feel is the most important aspect of Russian culture?
“Hmm…I think it’s sincerity and honesty that has been berhymed by our poets. In this country, poets, writers and musicians have always been the ‘conscience of the people’. It’s very important to perceive Russia and its people through getting acquainted with the Russian literature and poetry.”
Maxim is known as “svini4″ at HospitalityClub and can also be found lounging around CouchSurfing.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
Someone else who’s fired up on Russian lit is Matador community member and contributor Robyn Johnson, not to mention laser tag!
Thinking of doing some couch surfing yourself? Make sure to read Turner Wright’s tips on setting up a killer profile. Or maybe you’re already addicted and looking for the camaraderie of a fellow serial couch surfer.
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7 Comments... join the discussion!
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Great post, Carlo! I am right there with Julie–I would like to host/surf but my partner is completely against the idea. Someday…I’m wearing him down little by little with my wily wifey ways.
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You know, it’s funny…I haven’t really heard of any bad stories – sure you might have a slightly annoying guest, or I’ve heard of people who take advantage of their hosts (staying longer than welcomed – host is too nice to say anything, or maybe eating their food), but as far as safety or other issues you might think of when you think of doing this, nothing (knock on wood!).
Like anything in life, there is bound to be the odd bad experience, but by far, in my experience anyway, the benefits far outweigh any negatives. When you start communicating with guests or hosts, you quickly get a feel for what they’re like. You can check comments others have left for them, read up on their profile,etc.
It really is the best way to get into a local culture, and away from the backpacker/tourist trail a bit. And when you’re hosting, having travelers come through and telling you their stories is great.
Get your partners in line! It’s something you should definitely give a go!
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Love this line:
In this country, poets, writers and musicians have always been the ‘conscience of the people’.
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I love this article by a Russian woman who found her true self through travel and reflection:
http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/2008/01/11/finding-yourself-is-your-true-destination/
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Thanks for the link Tim, just read that, it’s so true.
And Maxim is a very well-spoken individual…especially considering English is his second language! Those are his words, 100%. I had to look up “berhymed” to make sure it’s a real word (even the spell check here marks it as incorrect).
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I’ve CouchSurfed in Russia, as well as other countries in Europe and Asia. I’ve never had any worry about safety and the only bad experience was a host who pretty much ignored me and everyone else in the commune in Estonia where he lived. But I always try to be self-sufficient anyway and I ended up meeting a lot of other people in this place, as well.
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