Still think that Russia is the coldest place on Earth? Hear this Russian out.

The Hollywood scene and various other popular culture elements seem to have won a major battle over the minds of millions of people throughout the world, as decades of repeating the same stereotypes have worked - to a vast majority of people one meets, there is little doubt that Russia is the coldest country in the world. Images of ice-covered huts surrounded by Communist party membership card-carrying polar bears drinking vodka now hold a prominent place in the imagination of men, women, children and domestic pets alike. If you ask around, Russia is the North Pole, Russia is as uninhabitable as the Moon, Russia is one big frozen steppe. The only way Russians survive is by wearing funny (?) hats and being always grumpy.

A Russian teacher in Edmonton freezing year after year

My perception of my home country never was as bad as that, as culture-specific or any other stereotypes have always seemed meaningless and weak. The only idea that I've always agreed with was the cold factor. It was, after all, pretty cold in Russia when I was living there some 10 years ago now. And then... I moved to Canada. The coldest place ever. The land where Russians feel cold year after year. Never before have I been so cold as here. Russia is cold, you say? Bah, humbug. Visit Edmonton.

For information about my Russian classes in Edmonton, please visit www.iteachrussian.org