Russians seem to avoid using N, S, E, W

[Richard Robin]

The fact that Russians don't use compass directions has always been
frustrating to me. Whenever I come out of a Moscow metro station that I have
never seen before, my first instinct is to try and figure out where north
is. If I know that, I can find almost anything. But alas, on a cloudy day or
at night, with no sun for guidance, I know that no one I ask will be able to
tell me where north is. Of course, in the northern part of the city, I can
use Ostankino as a marker. But elsewhere it's hopeless. Maybe I should carry
around a compass.

Perhaps I'm atypical, even for an American. My wife is ready to divorce me
every time I say something like "It's on the southeast corner of Wisconsin
Avenue and Reservoir Road."

-Rich Robin

-- 
Richard M. Robin
Director Russian Language Program
The George Washington University
Washington, DC 20052
202-994-7081

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