In general, I try to keep distance from using the word ‘hospitable’ when describing people of a country or a region. It’s not because hospitality is an undesirable value by any means. I just feel that accepting to use the word encourages me to subconsciously believe that I am in the position to evaluate different cultures or even compare them, based on my perspectives. Allowing myself to reinforce my previous world view is far from the purpose of journey.
But during the three days of stay in the house of this Moscow-native, I had to remember the word many times. He seemed naturally hospitable and my heart melted several times over the not-so-special looking table of breakfasts that he prepared each day. And when I saw him taking out almost everything from the fridge so that I can choose what I like, I wished that I had known several different expressions meaning ‘thank you’, so that I don’t have to plainly repeat ‘спасибо’.
There was some overall language barrier and silent moments, but they made our communication and connection more genuine and memorable.
I thank him for giving me a warm initial impression of Moscow.
with Artyom
@ Bratislavskaya, Moscow, Russia, September 5, 2019
