Russian politeness

I just was in Berlin with a bunch of Russians. All of them were surprised by the polite people in Berlin.

A statement any German laughst about. Because in Germany people in Berlin are well known for beeing rude.

However, back in Moscow I tasted the difference. I staied in line for the passport control after arrival when a guy came up and just stayed with his family in front of me just when it was my turn to be checked.

So I asked him 'vi shutite' means, 'are you jocking'.

He holded up a green passport right before me and told very rude 'do you see this passport, I am a diplomate' with a strong I-am-better-than-you-attitude.

I replayed polite: 'from which country you are'
He said: 'Russia'

I said: 'I see, in other countries diplomats are supposed to be polite'.

His wife was pretty embarrased and did event want to let me go first. I doubt he got the point, the concept to have a status and to be polite is to far from him.

Anyway, i know I am back home.

:)