In the Soviet Union, traveling abroad was a rare event. One could leave the country only as part of a group and under strict supervision. With the collapse of the USSR, the doors to the West opened, and Finland was one of the first countries to encounter domestic tourists.

Local businesses often relied on trust before Russians started actively visiting the neighboring country in search of attractions and shopping opportunities. It was not uncommon to see small tables with farm products along the roadsides. You could take a product from an improvised stand and leave the money in a special box. This way of doing business was familiar and convenient for the Finns, but only until buses filled with Russian tourists started appearing on the roads.

Our compatriots interpreted the Finns’ trust in their own way—not only the products, but often the money box and even the stand itself would disappear from the roadside. Local farmers were outraged by the situation, but since they didn’t find effective ways to counteract it, the self-service stands disappeared for several years.

Over time, our compatriots learned to behave more modestly and appropriately, and the farm products reappeared along the roads. Everyone returning from a trip would remark that the Finns were very honest and trusted each other, lamenting that the situation was quite the opposite back home.

Perhaps we have become more civilized over the last few decades, or maybe it’s just that income levels have risen, but trust in each other has slightly increased. As a result, self-service stands with farm goods began appearing, even in our country.

A few days ago, while returning from Ufa, we stopped at a traditional Bashkir house by the roadside. As is customary, there was a table and benches for travelers to rest. We were surprised to find dairy products on the table. The table was simply laden with cheese, yogurt, sour cream, and other expensive products, with no one nearby to ensure their safety.

The products had marked prices, and given that they were fresh handmade goods, the prices seemed reasonable. We decided to treat ourselves to some cheese and yogurt. After gathering the products, we calculated the cost and placed the money in the nearby jar, which, by the way, contained quite a bit of cash.

We chose to savor the treats immediately instead of bringing them home. While we were eating, a car pulled up, and a Bashkir man got out. As it turned out, he was one of the local farmers, and he left his products on the table. His family has been farming for generations. The man had come to pick up the unsold goods as it was starting to get dark, and at night, drivers don’t usually stop there.

We decided to ask the man how trust-based businesses are doing in our country. As it turned out, the thieves robbed him twice in the first year, taking not only the products but also the money jar from him. According to locals, both times, the thieves were driving expensive SUVs.

However, the setbacks didn’t hinder the business. The farmer says most people don’t take more than they should, leave a little, or don’t take their change from the jar.

The trip back home was filled with a cheerful mood. It’s very pleasant to realize that even in our country, you can rely on people’s honesty and not be disappointed.”