[mephux]

As an American that lived in Russia most of my life. It's not total BS but some of the points you mentioned contribute.

1. No one will help you - true. My group of friends would alway be targeted by skinheads and when we had to fight no one would ever help us. Not even the police.

2. People make eye contact a lot, it's a respect and dominance thing. Walking down the streets of Moscow with your head down is a good way to end up dead (seriously, be aware. My sister was picked up physically once and shoved into the trunk of a car - fast action saved her life).

3. Not all Russians are miserable but I agree on the cynical part. They don't trust anyone. (would you if you were lied too for that long.)

4."people are asshole to each other in public" its not so much about being assholes - people just have shit to do. I can't count how many times i was pushed by a sweet old babushka in the metro. They just assume you have no respect but they also realize you get nowhere by being passive.

Anyway, Russia is a very amazing place and it can be scary. Moscow is very racist and the youth is a big problem (violence).

Would I live there again? In a heartbeat. Never felt more alive.