ALL THE LANGUAGE YOU NEED TO KNOW

So, I'm very glad to have launched my trip in the most challenging country because it was like "Getting By Bootcamp" for me. In doing so, I've managed to compile a list of all the words and phrases you really have to learn. Some are obvious, some are unnecessary, but all are helpful:

What the books tell you:

• Hello
• Thank you
• How much
• Where - really, you only need to say where name of location, shrug your shoulders, raise your eyebrows and point around. They get it; you're dumb.

What's helpful:

• How are you?
• My name is - point to your chest (you Neanderthal), extend your hand, and they'll follow suit.

What's essential:

• You have a beautiful smile - it is physically impossible to frown after being told that (though the rolling of the eyes must be some sort of natural reflex)
• Cheers - this is the most important one because it calls for celebration and shows an embracement of other cultures.
  

Here's a little insight on how to impress Russian people (specifically women) with toasting etiquette:

1. First Drink - ZA VSTREYCHU - "To the meeting"
2. Second Drink - ZA DROOJBU - "To friendship"
3. Third Drink(most important) - ZA JENSHIN - "To the women" To take it one step further, all the men should stand for this one.