Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The idea that airports are windows onto the countries that lie beyond them is a bit of a cliché. But for tourists and business people arriving in a place for the first time, this is the first chance that the country gets to make an impression.
Moscow has done a lot to improve its main airport, Sheremetyevo, in recent years. There is a new shuttle train, an improved terminal and everything runs much more smoothly than it used to a few years ago, when each arrival was a journey into an inner circle of hell.
But one thing hasn't changed – the border guards must be some of the surliest people on the planet. The usual procedure: I hand over my passport, cheerfully say "zdravstvuite" (hello) and receive an angry stare in response.
A smiley face and a big hello are very American ideas of how to interact (though in the post-9/11 world, American immigration can sometimes be even more unpleasant than Russian).
Moreover, there's no need for a long conversation – I don't want to become best friends with the passport officer. But giving a basic greeting is a really small effort and can make a lasting impression.
On the rare occasions I've encountered a friendly official, I've skipped into the baggage reclaim area with a smile on my face, rather than quietly seething at how someone can be so rude as to glance at me silently and impassively when I say hello. For some people this is their first-ever interaction with a Russian, and it's an unpleasant experience that can stick.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments