(no subject)

[joni41903.livejournal.com]

Ive been studying Russian in college for a year (Im an American) Id known it a little before (I grew up in a predominantly russian neighborhood so I learned words like "babushka" "koshka" "cobaka"-and some bad words- as well as the cyrillic alphabet and sounds from my friends at a young age) anyways this summer Im going to be studying at a university in Tomsk and staying with a Russian host family...

So I have a few questions for any Russians, or people who have travelled there...

1. What should I bring as a present for the family? Ive heard from my professor (she's Ukrainian) that silver is very rare in Russia so something like a silver picture frame for the family would be appropriate.. is this true?

2. What should I bring to wear? Most American college kids wear t shirt, jeans and sandals but my professor said that wouldnt be appropriate at all in Russia..what is the typical dress for a Russian women? And why is it "taboo" to wear sandals?

3. My professor also told me if I wasnt christian I should lie to my host family if they asked and say I was...would I offend the family to say Im not christian or would they not really care?

4. Is it appropriate to give my Russian host something with an American flag on it? (my mom has been buying everything in sight for my host family and one of the things she got them was a mug from starbucks with an american flag on it...would this offend them?)

5. Is it appropriate to tell my host family my boyfriend is in the American military? I know there are some anti war sentiments in Russia...would It offend my Russian host family to know this?

6. Are bath houses in Russia safe?

7. Are there movie theaters or malls in Tomsk? (Ive been told there arent McDonalds or Starbucks which is fine- just curious)

I think that's it, any suggestions or responses would be VERY helpful!