Weekend, the weather is good, the mood too. I go for lunch in the semi-empty subway, a black guy (P) sits next to me and in 5 minutes between us the following dialogue in mutually bad English:

Q. Can I contact you?

I’m sorry, I don’t speak English very well, but I’ll try to understand.

(I thought he wanted to go somewhere)

Q. Can you give me some money? I want to eat.

I – No

After a minute of silence:

Is it because I am black?

I – listen, it’s Russia, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white, I just don’t give you money.



And yes, I am the person who moves on electric buses and subway every day and meets beggars everywhere.