I went to Russia once, quite a long time ago. I was only there a short time (2 Weeks). It was just as communism was failing, very little food, cold -22°C and grey. I am told it is much better now.
I am not from the US I am from the UK, but live on a tiny island in the Med now. When I say tiny I mean tiny, around 9 miles by 5 miles and a population of around 35,000 people if you discount the tourists.
I have gone from driving around 1000 miles a week to thinking 20 miles is a long way.
Usually we walk or cycle everywhere except in the winter when it rains for a month or so.
Which state are you from. I have been to Florida a couple of times on vacation. As we had an agent in the states, there was no reason for us to go.