14 February 2014

Post #3,900: Russians in Sochi Quizzed About Alaska

An Anchorage reporter asked Russians at the Olympic Games about Alaska. Turns out they know more about it than many Americans.


video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player
SOCHI, Russia - Russia and Alaska have a history that dates back centuries. Hundreds of years later, there continues to be a heavy Russian influence across Alaska.

The 49th state has also apparently left its mark across Russia.

The fans at the Sochi games are roughly 90 percent Russian, many with strong opinions on the Last Frontier.

"Alaska, Alaska, my favorite region. Yes!" on Russian fan smiled.

Another: "Alaska, very cool country, many snow I think."

“What I know about Alaska, the history of our country and your country, too," one woman said, collapsing in smiles and laughter as her English failed her.

"Gold, gold, fever of gold," another Sochi attendee said eagerly.

"I know in Alaska, uh dog, uh husky!" one woman exclaimed.

"It's cold there, and people there are very nice and friendly because people coming from places that are cold are usually much warm and friendlier," a Russian man surmised.

One Olympics fan described the weather as similar to Russia’s, or at least, a certain part of Russia. "Climate in Alaska is like in the North Siberia," he said. “It’s so cold, really cold and I don't want to live there.”

In terms of history, many knew of the past connection Russia has to the great land.

"I know that Alaska is our land, Russia it lost," one said. "And after that we gave it to America, United States of America.”

11 comments:

Stephen said...

And we keep it.

Rev. Paul said...

Absolutely!

PioneerPreppy said...

Ya but did they know they can see Alaska from Russia :)

Rev. Paul said...

Tina Fey notwithstanding, Siberia & St. Paul Island can see each other.
Apparently, Blake didn't ask the folks on the Black Sea if they could see us.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Don't forget Big and Little Diomede Islands. 3,900 post? Just WOW.

Rev. Paul said...

WSF, I didn't forget them, but I think at least one of those was recently given to Russia by the current resident of the White House.

Well Seasoned Fool said...

Ouch! Litle Diomede was USA territory. Never visited the place but supplied a specialty window system for a school built there. How does B.O. have the authority to give away our land? Never mind, he is "above" the law (for now).

Cathy said...

"It's cold there, and people there are very nice and friendly because people coming from places that are cold are usually much warm and friendlier," a Russian man surmised.
Hmmmm . . . Is it the cold or the fact that in sparsely populated areas . . people tend to be friendlier because other human beings are a boon rather than a bother.

Humble wife said...

I love to watch things like the above or read about as I find it fascinating to see things from anothers eyes.

I want to let you know, I read your blog often and never comment. I am not sure why not, but I want to thank you for sharing a window to your world. As a desert dwelling southern New Mexican(on the border of El Paso/Juarez), I am drawn to the snow, the beauty and the completely different surroundings that you have to mine.

Thank you so much!

Jennifer

Rev. Paul said...

Yes, Cathy. There's something to what you say ... it may well be that we're more lonely than friendly, but what the heck. :)

Rev. Paul said...

Jennifer, you are most welcome here. I've been to New Mexico a couple of times (Glorieta & Santa Fe), and fell in love with its beauty.

You're welcome!