So, you're packed like a sardine in a sea of people at a large intersection in downtown Moscow, closer to complete strangers than you've ever been. As you look around at your fellow pedestrians, you see a kind old women who reminds you of your favorite Aunt back in the States.

Wanting to be friendly, and overcome by nostalgia, you cast a warmly welcoming smile her way.

She looks at you with a face cast from stone - the corners of her lips haven't raised in response, and you think: Have I offended her? Is she upset with me? Why won't she smile back???

Crossing the street, you smile at each person you pass.

And again, no one smiles back!

You begin to worry that your pants are unzipped or that you've something in your teeth...

Have no fear! Although your pants may very well be undone, or your teeth may be spotted green with parsley from lunch's Borsh, you are not the reason for all of those un-returned smiles!

In Russian culture, especially in the larger metropolitan areas, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, a smileisn't something you oft offer to strangers. Although you may think that everyone around you is mean or grumpy, they are assuredly not (well, most aren't)! They are simply surprised to see a total stranger offering such a personal greeting!

So, have no fears or anxieties when you're traveling through the city!

And who knows, maybe next time, the old woman may smile back!