New Yorkers go Russian in Brighton Beach

You look at this picture below and probably think to yourself: "I thought Vanya was in America, but he seems to be back in Russia..." Well, not really.
My friend took me to Brighton Beach, which is little Russia inside New York. I was amazed at how Russian it really is and looks. Most of the people on the streets speak Russian, they sell Russian food and newspapers, they dress the Russian way,the apartment buildings look Soviet style and overall, if not for the English words on the signs, you would totally think you are somewhere in Russia.
Ironically though, because Brigton Beach is so dirty and kind of presents low-end life style, you would not think highly of Russia if you were an American visiting Brighton Beach for a day.