[GarySpFc]

I just got back a few minutes ago from a trip to Moscow (St. Petersburg was last year). As an American, I am absolutely astonished at the failure of such stereotypes as expressed by Ferguson to disappear when exposed to the light of reality.

It's amazing you should state that. After reading Ferguson's article I got the distinct impression he plagerized this article from other sources. I honestly don't think the man has been to Russia in years.

[TNdandelion]

My husband is currently working in Russia and he visited St.Petersburg over the weekend.

When I asked him about it his main comment was "all the little markets/strip malls to buy stuff (for me!)". He liked it there...as a tourist.

As for the people he is working with, he has commented that their attitude is very different from Americans. He says that he's used to working with people that can confidently make decisions; related to work. Where he is working, they appear to think more as a group and are always saying that they need to check with someone else before giving an answer.

It's probably hard changing some of the old habits. ;)