Archive for December, 2014
Hangover in Russia: Cause, Prevention, Cure Posted by Jenya on Dec 30, 2014
New Year’s Eve is upon us and we all know what that means: getting together with friends and family, eating too much, dancing too much, smoking too much, drinking too much, and being hungover. Nothing starts the New Year quite the same way that a hangover does. In different countries and cultures, unique hangover cures…
Rent Prices Falling in Moscow Posted by Maria on Dec 29, 2014
A lesser explored consequence of the economic sanctions against Russia and the falling ruble is a drop in rent prices (снижение стоимости аренды) in Moscow. There are several news reports looking into the causes and outcomes of this development. The website BFM.ru used this pun as a title for an article on the subject — “Врагу не…
Russian Dashboard Cameras Posted by Jenya on Dec 24, 2014
For those of you that have driven a car in Russia, you might have noticed a dashboard camera in your car or in everybody else’s. Normally, in other countries, you might see these camera’s only in police cars. Not in Russia, many drivers have dashboard cams and you might be interested to learn some of…
Peril of the Ruble Posted by Jenya on Dec 23, 2014
Many of you have likely noticed that the Russian ruble has been in the news lately. The ruble decreased in value by 11 percent against the U.S. dollar on Monday, 15 December. In a matter of weeks it has dropped over 40 percent. According to the Moscow Times on Monday, the ruble is the world’s…
New Year’s Celebrations at School and Work Posted by Maria on Dec 22, 2014
We have talked about the traditional New Year’s celebration in Russian homes, with an abundant meal, elaborate toasts, watching TV, and the midnight countdown. However, New Year being the biggest holiday in Russia, it is also celebrated outside the home — at school and at work. Let us go over some celebrations Russian encounter throughout…
How to Give a Gift to Russians Posted by Jenya on Dec 16, 2014
With the holiday season upon us, many of us have already begun to purchase gifts for our family and friends. Exchanging gifts can certainly be exciting – provided you know the kinds of things the other person likes. Some of you may find yourself in the position of having to give a gift to a…
Russian New Year’s Music Posted by Maria on Dec 15, 2014
The weeks before Christmas in countries where it is the main winter holiday — and you know in Russia it’s not — are marked by the incessant playing of holiday music. It may be endearing for some and set the mood for the upcoming holidays, while it may drive others like myself up the wall. While…