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…
Bizarre Russian Remedies Posted by Maria on Dec 11, 2014
We have discussed some peculiarities of Russian traditional medicine before, however, there are a few treatments that will seem outright bizarre to the unprepared. If you are planning to go to Russia for a long period of time, you may run into one of them. 1. Fire-Cupping Fire-cupping (банки) is a treatment where a patient’s back is…
Christmas is not Russia’s Main Winter Holiday Posted by Jenya on Dec 10, 2014
Since the beginning of December every minute of every hour brings us closer to the crazy, stressful, yet long anticipated, and magical winter holidays. Some of you may think I am being politically correct by not saying “Christmas” and using “winter holidays” instead. Let me assure you this is not the case. A lot of…
How to Ride Public Transport in Russia Posted by Maria on Dec 4, 2014
The subject of public transport was covered in a detailed post on this blog before. This time, I would like to concentrate on the practical aspects of ridership. As a reminder, the main modes of public transport (общественный транспорт) are автобус – bus троллейбус – trolleybus трамвай – tram/streetcar метро – underground/subway These are normally…
How to Drink Vodka with Russians Posted by Jenya on Dec 3, 2014
Because the holiday season is upon us, more and more alcohol will likely be consumed. Given that many people associate vodka with Russian people and culture, it seems like a good idea to say a little bit about it. This is my second blog this week about beer and spirits and it should be noted…