Yep. For the most part Russians presented themselves as decent, reasonable, practical, fair minded people. In their homes they were hospitable, engaging, amicable and exemplary hosts. In public they are reserved and polite tending toward being a bit cautious with strangers, not given to loud outbursts or rude and unseemly behavior. They prefer measured debate in even tones rather than loud arguments. Of course there are always the exceptions who go loud and vulgar when crossed but that's more the exception rather than the norm. When you go to visit smaller cities do shop at the community markets which are more popular than corporate style supermarkets. There you will daily find booths where people rent a space to sell their products. There are booths featuring fresh eggs in bulk so find a store that can sell you a plastic egg carton or you will end up with a plastic bag of eggs to carry in a taxi like I did, having a nervous ride back to the house. Booths for local types of bread which is very fresh and varied in types from dark glazed sunflower seed bread which needs a hacksaw to slice to light fluffy braided loaves. Booths for various cheeses which are amazing. My favorite was braided, smoked string cheese. Some Korean-Russians ran a large stand selling all sorts of shredded and pickled veggies which Russians love. Flour tortillas were also for sale at another booth being sold as a Russian food. When I told them in USA it's thought of as a Mexican staple they were surprised , saying, "we've always had them. " . Everyone loves kvass so don't miss out on this favorite Russian beverage. In Shakhty city center is a train caboose stranded off the tracks, gaily painted in bright colors and selling rotisserie whole chicken. Very fresh and tender. Milk in Russia where I was came in a plastic bag. For this you should purchase a dispenser or you will end up frustrated after opening it.