Archive by Author
These Six English Loanwords Don’t Mean What You Think in Russian Posted by Jenya on Apr 22, 2015
The fact that loan words are present in nearly every language is well-known to most people. It is fairly clear that Russian language has been affected by this practice more than some other languages. Whether certain rulers of the past, certain technologies of the present, or globalization are to blame is a topic of…
Economic Struggles of Russian People Posted by Jenya on Apr 15, 2015
Try to imagine this scenario: the price of many goods and services you’ve come to depend on have increased by at least a third, food costs in many cases have doubled, while your salary has stayed the same; there is talk at work of going to a three-day work week or closing down all together. For…
Russians VS Americans in the Battle of Sauerkraut, Pancakes, Sandwiches, Dumplings, and Hot Dogs. Posted by Jenya on Apr 8, 2015
Warm sauerkraut and kielbasa, a hot dog on a steamed bun with all the fixings, holiday ham straight from the oven, fluffy pancakes with syrup – there is definitely a certain way we eat these foods here in America. The way people eat the very same foods elsewhere can be vastly different. Is it any…
What Does a Russian Look Like? Posted by Jenya on Mar 31, 2015
Some people find it surprising to learn that I am Russian. “You just don’t look like somebody from Russia” – they say. It doesn’t offend me but it does make me want to say something like: “What do you know about Russians?” I don’t ever say that, instead I usually mumble something along the lines…
First time in Russia? Добро пожаловать! (Part 2) Posted by Jenya on Mar 25, 2015
You finally get to your hotel and your adrenaline is the only thing keeping you awake because you’ve now been up for more than 24 hours. You check in and get your visa registered as required by law. Thankfully the Intercontinental Hotel staff are able to arrange this for you – sometimes this is free…
“First time in Russia? Добро пожаловать!” Posted by Jenya on Mar 24, 2015
What follows is the first of a two-part blog about what you might expect upon visiting Moscow – especially if its your first time. Let’s say you travel to Russia with a friend. Neither of you are Russian, you don’t speak the language and you love to have a good time. What types of activities…
Russian Humor – Is It Any Different? Posted by Jenya on Mar 17, 2015
In light of all of the “negative” news about Russia lately, and the rest of the world for that matter, I decided that maybe a little humor would be appreciated. I hope to inject a bit of humor into your life with a few jokes about aspects of life in Russia at different times. They…