Back to Russia(n) – Part 2: Language and Human Connection in Moscow

A Heartwarming Moment in Alexandrovsky Garden

During my first weekend back in Russia, I had one of the sweetest experiences of my life. Exploring Alexandrovsky Garden, just outside the Kremlin, I was reminded that language isn’t just about words - it’s a bridge to meaningful human connection.

As I strolled through the Gardens of Alexandrovsky Sad, I encountered two elderly Russian women who asked me to take their picture. Minutes later, they offered to return the favor. When they noticed my phone wasn’t set to Russian, we somehow managed to understand each other - despite my barely-there Russian.

When they found out I was Italian, their faces lit up. One even recalled enough Italian to say, “È stato un piacere, buona giornata.” After only two days in Moscow, this random moment completely melted my heart.

Cultural Exchange Through Language

That same day, I was invited to a party hosted by the German Rotary Club in Moscow. Getting there was a mini adventure. I booked a YandexTaxi (thank goodness for that app), but ended up navigating a chaotic pickup at Smolenskaya Square in high heels and snowy weather—welcome to Moscow!

The driver chatted non-stop. I understood almost nothing until he said: “I’m not Russian—I’m from Kabardino-Balkaria.” Cue my over-the-top excitement. That little moment of "cultural exchange" - him mimicking a gun while saying “prrr prrr” - was the kind of human connection that makes language learning so powerful.

How a Market Chat Gave Me My Voice Back

On Sunday, feeling a little isolated, I headed to the Dorogomilovo market near my apartment - desperate to speak any language. I struck up a conversation with a vendor who looked Central Asian. I asked, “Otkuda vy?” and when he said “Tajikistan,” I lit up.

Why? Because Tajiks speak Persian! Finally, I could speak freely. In 30 seconds, I told him my entire life story - in Persian. That 3-minute conversation felt like oxygen.

Later in my trip, I’d accidentally use Persian phrases like “Yani chi?” instead of the Russian “Chto znachit?” even with my teacher. Once, the same Tajik vendor tried to speak Persian to me again - but by then, my brain had switched fully to Russian!

I loved going to markets for Russian practice. People were warm, often from Central Asia or the Caucasus, and always up for a chat. I remember a Dagestani woman in traditional dress asking about prices in Italy - how I managed that conversation, I’ll never know.

Kindness Through Language: Unexpected Connections

These little moments of kindness through language made my time in Russia unforgettable.

A Moldovan woman selling strawberries offered to speak to me in slow Romanian because I was Italian. A Russian teacher in her 50s treated me with motherly affection—always greeting me with chocolates and a glass of water. A Russian woman living in London guided me kindly through the famous Sanduny Baths in perfect British English.

Each of these connections—however short—was made possible by language. Even with limited Russian, the willingness to connect broke every barrier.

This wasn’t just a trip to improve my Russian. It was a series of real-life lessons in kindness, connection, and cultural understanding. Languages open doors—not just to new countries, but to the hearts of people you’d never expect to meet.

There’s still more to share - so stay tuned for Part 3 of my Russian language adventure!

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