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Russian bride folk costume
Different, isn't it? Don't see any point in arguing which one is better.
Black and red style of decorating, it is famous "hohloma"
If they'd chosen "gzhel'" it would be white and blue
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I am proud to be an Ukrainan. And being here in USA almost 2 years, I was not ashamed to tell people about my nationality. At the same time, I have the friends who are Russians, my brother and sister are living in Russia very long. Their children can not speak Ukrainian but they are proud of having Ukrainian ancestors.
Nationalism is one of the worthest things in the world. Each nation has the right to love their country, culture, language, and etc. For hundreds years Ukraine was under the pressure of Russia which tried to erase Ukrainian culture, language and historical heritage. Politics of Russian goverment against other countries (parts of FSU) is unexceptable. Chauvinism is presented in the brains those who grew up with thought that Russia is the biggest and greatest country in the world. But why other nations can not be proud of their countries? Americans love America, French love France, British are sure that their country is the best and Ukrainians have right to love their land and traditions.
I would not say that Russian women are less educated, fat, stubborn as some of them dare to give these characteristics to Ukrainian women. We are different and our difference is based on our different culture and traditions. But we belong to one Slavic group and have many similarities. As a result of migration between our countries we can not say that we have clear Russian or Ukrainian race, our roots are interknitted. I consider this post as try to humiliate my nation. And for these reason I don't have any respect to those who zealously declare superiority of Russia and show their disrespect to Ukraine.
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All I know is that amongst the women in this area, the Russians are the trouble-makers -- gossips, complainers, and always spoiling for a fight...
Anecdotal evidence, to be sure. But, true nonetheless...
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I'm glad to see veterans and seasoned travelers post here!
Nearly all of the women I have met in Ukraine consider themselves Russian. Many Russian families have only been in Ukraine one or two generations, due to influx and forced relocation by Russia. They speak Russian with friends and at home, and only speak Ukrainian when necessary. The strange thing is that Ukrainians think of themselves as European, an idea I consider strange. I've been told many times that Ukraine is the largest country in Europe. :wtf:
As for the difference between Kiev and Moscow... well, certainly there is a difference. Yet it is not about which city is "better" because that's really a pointless question. It is much more about personal preference. For instance, I prefer Denver over Atlanta. I prefer Munich over Stuttgart. I prefer Venice over Milan, Sevastopol over Simferopol, and Novosibirsk over Voronezh.
With regard to the average American, I don't think we distinguish between Ukrainians and Russians. We did not differentiate between Russia and USSR, it was and is all the same to the average American. The opinions posted here are by the exception to the norm - people who are interested in the FSU. I doubt my own parents could find Ukraine on the globe without help. How many posters here could find Senegal without help?
If I were to make a sweeping generalization, I would say that Ukrainians are typically more easy going than Russians. I don't know if it is the climate, culture or my own limited experiences in both countries, but that's my opinion. I would say the same about the US if I were asked to contrast the Northern states versus the Southern states. I would say that people in the South tend to be more easy going than those of us in the North.
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