flying on the plane with russians

ever been on an airplane with russians? then this will sound familiar to you:

the minute the plane hits the ground, often a round of happy clapping.

the next sound is the "click" "click" "click" from all the russians immediately unfastening their seat belts.

then the mobile phones. note the plane is still rolling on the landing lane. lots of different melodies from the phones.

then lots of shouting into mobile phones "we just landed! will be out in a few minutes!"

the minute the plane stops rolling and arrives at the gate, everyone jumping out of their seats, grabbing all their belongings and running out of the plane. literally. regardless of who is in front of them, little kids, elderly ladies, handicapped people.

then a race to the passport control office.

queues.

and even the nicest and most harmless-looking old lady/babushka will try to sneak in front of you in the queue. don't give up! stick out your elbows! and if someone is trying to get in front of you, just start screaming something at them, preferably in russian.

once through the passport control, quick, everyone needs to find a spot where they can light up their cigarette.

more shouting into mobile phones "i'm through! just waiting for my luggage!"

when waiting for the luggage, everyone will try to stand right at the little opening so they can grab their luggage the minute it comes rolling onto the band. once they have their stuff, the next race to the exit begins...

the morale? just give up being western. when in russia, do like the russians.