Growing Up in the USSR: My Experiences and Memories

As a child, my experiences in the USSR were both challenging and memorable. Daily life was marked by simple pleasures and struggles, reflecting the unique societal structure of the time. In this article, I will share my recollections, focusing on the daily challenges and joys that shaped my childhood in this former republic.

Challenges of Childhood in the USSR

My early struggles as a child mainly revolved around my nutrition. The diet was far from healthy, with a significant reliance on processed and unhealthy foods. Table meals often consisted of fatty and sugary foods, with a lack of normal meat and rare availability of natural fruits and berries. However, during the summertime, I could visit my grandparents in the village, where fruits and berries were more abundant and freely enjoyed. This was a rare treat, as fresh fruits were seldom seen in stores and could be quite expensive.

Vegetable options were limited to potatoes, beets, carrots, and cabbage. These were some of the few foods that kept us alive and healthy. Another hurdle I faced was the struggle to wash my hands, as soap was never available in public restrooms. Schools did not provide soap either, which made it difficult to maintain hygiene. Carrying a bar of soap in my schoolbag was not a viable option, as it was seen as unnecessary and impractical.

Regular Struggles and Routine

Every year, I had to endure boring excursions to the "Revolution Museum," which was a tedious and uninspiring experience. Language lessons were also unpleasant, though not excessively so. This routine was punctuated by the incessant interruptions from the radio, where announcements about the Soviet Union’s commitment to world peace and the overperformance in its 5-year plans were aired frequently.

While the Soviet Union lacked many everyday amenities, it did provide some unexpected amenities. For example, I once tasted a banana for the first time. The experience was so divine that even now, I can never forget it. Similarly, I was fortunate to have a family gathering where my mom managed to obtain some real meat instead of artificial sausages and spoiled ground meat. The taste of fresh meat was a heavenly experience.

Daily Life in USSR: Work, Shopping, and Entertainment

Daily life in the USSR was a mix of organized activities and unexpected events. For instance, visits to the radio for updates on the latest agricultural achievements and production plans were common. In Leningrad, an Intourist guide would often boast about the city’s infrastructure and amenities, despite their limited existence. We frequently saw older women sweeping the streets early in the morning; they supplemented their state pensions through street cleaning.

Cultural events, such as the Victory Dance, Solidarity with South African Coal Miners Dance, and Solidarity with Cuban Cane Cutters Dance, were embraced with patriotism. However, my favorite celebration was the Kūios, an ancient celebration of the longest night that preceded the Christian New Year. It was a small, intimate family dinner with 12 dishes, though not fancy, it was filled with warmth and love.

Commercial and Social Interactions

Commercial activities in the USSR were minimal and heavily regulated. Shopping, especially in GUM (the world's largest department store), was often disappointing, with a lack of desirable goods. Queuing for fish was a daily ritual, with each customer obtaining a piece by following a carefully outlined process. Despite state policies, private boats and vehicles were rare, and customers in GUM often received indifferent service.

Entertainment was primarily provided through public events and tourism. For instance, street sweeping was a method of earning a state pension, and public parks were pristine with no litter. Standing in lines was an everyday occurrence, whether for fish or shoes, as they arrived in newspaper-wrapped packages. Even small shipments of goods like oranges and onions were celebrated with excitement.

Conclusion and Reflections

Living in the USSR was a unique experience that shaped my perspective on life. It taught me resilience, appreciation for simple pleasures, and an understanding of the complexity of societal structures. While the daily struggles were significant, the memories are cherished, and the experiences have significantly influenced my worldview.

Through my experiences, I hope to shed light on the daily life and changes in the Soviet Union, offering insights that can be valuable for understanding the people and society of the past.