It's very difficult to talk with native Russians because of the language barrier, but you can learn a decent amount from the people who work at hostels. I had some really meaningful conversations at my last hostel that gave me some insight into everyday Russian life. But then I had this one a couple days ago with a girl that works at my current hostel:

Me: Are you from Moscow?

Girl: Yes

Me: Where in the city do you live?

Girl: Not very far. I walk to work everyday. Maybe half a kilo.

Me: So do you ever drive?

Girl: I tried once, but it did not work well.

Me: How come?

Girl: Well, you know, women are not made to drive.

Me: ... How come you think they aren't made to drive?

Girl: Women has a different brain than a man, and a man is a better driver.

Me: What do you mean a better brain?

Girl: You know, it has been proved by scientist. Brains are ... how you say ... bio ... biologic different from when man hunts food. From when man hunts food he become better at looking at many things and doing many things at once. Women is better for staying concentrated on one thing, like staying home and watching child, for example.

With her accent it almost sounded like she was quoting Borat. In fact, my first inclination was that she was messing with me, but she said it with such conviction that I seriously doubt she was.

I really didn't know how to respond. Given the language barrier and the fact that I had to leave for dinner with my francofriends in a few minutes, I couldn't find a meaningful way to challenge her.