Russian People and Its History

There is a lot of criticism and jokes about modern life in Russia, but foreigners forget that our modern reality is the result of events that took place in Russia during the last one hundred years. If you just recall tragedies that happened in Russia during this period and calculate the damages brought by it, you will be shocked. When you look at Russian history closer, you will understand us better and start to love and respect Russia.

Russian Traditions: Bread And Salt Welcome Ceremony

Bread and Salt Ceremony is one of the oldest Russian traditions. When important, respected or admired guests arrive, they were greeted by young women in traditional costumes with a loaf of bread placed on a rushnik (embroidered towel). A salt holder or a salt cellar is placed on top of the bread loaf or secured in a hole on the top of the loaf.

Russian Tradition of visiting someone’s home. Part 2

Continuation. (Part 1 read here)

During dinner never make jokes about parents. Russians are not politically correct, so you can make joke about politics, religions etc, but be prepared that even simple small talk can become a big political, religion and very deep discussion. Russian don’t like general neutral talk – they go straight to the core of the most actual problem.

Russian Tradition of visiting someone’s home. Part 1

One of the most popular ways  of  spending free time in Russia is visiting your friends. During the Soviet Union it was almost only entertainment as there was a limited number of cinemas, restaurant etc.  Russian people have very long and strong traditions of going to «gosti» (visiting somebody home).  You must remember that if you are invited to somebody’s home, it means that you are already among the closest of friends, almost relatives for hosts.

Customer Reviews to Russia Survival Guide Book

By C. Starr on March 5, 2014.

Halfway through this book, I'm so happy I purchased it. The authors provide a context to the perceived cultural divide between Russians and non-Russians, offering explanations of Russians' style of dress, their conspicuous consumerism, and the source of some of their nationalism.

Alcohol Habits in Russia

There are a lot of jokes and stereotypes about Russian people and alcohol. Unfortunately, vodka became one of the main symbols of Russia for foreigners.

Russian customs and superstiotions

Superstitions plays huge role in daily life of Russian people. Everybody -  from serious businessmen to little children follow them. Sometimes Russian people behave weird from foreigners’ point of view. In  order not to behave incorrect communicating with locals you need to know some the most popular superstitions. Please, don’t try to analyze and understand them, just remember.

Why Russian women always wear high heels and full make up?

When you ask foreigner what the main exported resources of Russia, they always answer – oil, gas, vodka and add jokingly — women. The beauty of Russian women is known around the world. Visitors to Russia are always surprised to see that Russian women look like they are going to an Oscar night gala dinner even if they are just ging to grocery store or throw away garbage.