Dina and I just spent a few hours at the European mall. An unbelievably enormous shopping mall packed with hundreds of stores and thousands of people. Just one metro stop away! The Russians seemingly have unlimited spending ability. Shoes, lingerie, furs, jewelry; you name it, they are buying it. We went to Zara, a clothing store, to return a vest Dina bought me because it didn't fit and they didn't have my size. An open floor plan displays women's and men's clothing on opposite sides of the store. And you cannot cross over from one to the other if you are holding any merchandise. We stood in line for 30 minutes just to return the vest, which required one sales person plus two other signatures.
We exited and came upon a manicure counter, Dina had her nails done. While they filed, soaked, and cleaned her nails, the owner or manager came over to chat while the manicurist continued her work. When she found out we are from America and asked what it is like, she said, "most Russians are afraid to go there as many Americans are afraid to come here. In America bears roam the streets!" and she made a face in horror while shaking her hands and miming a silent scream. Dina was debating what nail color to apply and the manager talked her into "Midnight in Moscow." A deep red, almost black color. Dina was a bit shocked but it looks great!
While standing in line at the grocery store, a young girl in a short tennis skirt outfit approached me and asked me if I smoked. She was offering some new brand of cigarettes or something. "No," I replied. "Excellent choice" she answered, and walked away. We laughed. The young couple behind us were being funny too. The girl came to him carrying one small package of crackers. "You were gone 15 minutes and that's all you brought?!" he asked, truly amazed. Then he grabbed a huge softball sized lollipop and told her she had to have it. "Maybe next time," she said.
twenty-something years of "what have you been up to?" 
Leave a comment